Chapter 179  +26 BONUS  Andrew shook his head. “There’s no need for such formalities between us, Ms. Rhodes.”  Lauren felt warmth in her heart at his words but still huffed, “Well, at least you have some conscience. I thought you’d forgotten all about me now that you’re rekindling things with Ms. Stevens!”  Andrew gave a wry smile, wisely choosing not to explain. After all, some things would only get worse with explanation.  Later, they made their way out of the forest–and found the Rhodes family security team. Miss, thank goodness you’re safe!” they exclaimed upon seeing Lauren.  “What happened to those thugs who ambushed us?” Lauren asked.  “Mr. Keoghan arrived and drove them all away,” Eunice replied angrily. “He even killed a few of them.”  “Jerry came? Where is he?” Lauren asked excitedly. Just then, a muscular middle–aged man strode toward them with purposeful steps.  “Miss, where’s Tracia? I don’t see her,” he asked.  “Tracia is dead,” Lauren replied coldly.  Jerry Keoghan, the Rhodes family’s top fighter, exclaimed in shock, “What? Tracia’s dead? Who killed her? I’ll avenge her death!”  His eyes  swept over Andrew with obvious hostility.  “Tracia deserved to die–she tried to hand me over to the kidnappers,” Lauren said with disgust. “Thankfully, Andrew arrived in time to save me.”  “So, this pretty boy who looks like he couldn’t hurt a fly killed Tracia?” Jerry asked coldly.  Lauren scowled. “Jerry, show some respect to him. He saved my life, and I already told you- Tracia deserved her fate for betraying the Rhodes family.”  “Impossible! Tracia would never betray, the Rhodes!” Jerry shouted in anger, grabbing at Andrew. “You must be a spy who tricked Ms. Rhodes and killed Tracia. I’ll kill you!”  Andrew stepped back, his eyes flashing dangerously.  Stop it, Jerry!” Lauren commanded, stepping between them. “As a member of the Rhodes family, I order you to stand down!”  Jerry reluctantly backed off but barked at Andrew, “Watch your back, boy. Tracia was like a sister to me. We trained together and served the Rhodes family together. I won’t let you get away with killing her.”  “Don’t take it personally, Andrew,” Lauren sighed as Jerry stormed off. “He may be hot-  Chapter 179  headed and unreasonable, but he and Tracia were indeed very close.”  maupuy,pool  “I understand the brotherhood between martial artists can be stronger than replied with a cold smile. “But it’s interesting that he refuses to believe you about Tracia’s betrayal and attempted harm.”  “You think Jerry might have been in on it with Tracia?” Lauren asked in alarm.  Andrew shook his head. “I don’t know if they were working together. But his narrow–minded nature and the killing intent in his eyes suggest he’s not to be trusted.”  “Jerry is even stronger than Tracia,” Lauren explained. “He does have a habit of looking down on others, flaunting his talents like he’s above everyone else. But my father respects his skills and usually turns a blind eye to his domineering behavior.”  Andrew shook his head again, his tone dismissive. “At best, he’s a peak–level hidden force martial artist. People like him wouldn’t even qualify as cannon fodder in certain places.”