That evening, Andrew returned to Serenity Villa to find all the luggage and preparations for tomorrowโs departure completely ready. His three girlfriends were incredibly enthusiastic about this upcoming trip.
Chantelle called him, saying she and Hank had already left to investigate the parasite poison situation down south.
Andrew told her to be careful, to which Chantelle responded with a cold laugh.
โIโm down here working my butt off while you get to live it up. Tomorrow youโre taking your three ladies to Goldridge for whatโs basically a honeymoon. Talk about living the high life!โ
Hearing the jealousy in her voice, Andrew chuckled. โWell, why donโt you come with me then?โ
There was a moment of silence on the other end before she huffed softly. โNo way. You and I arenโt even officially dating, so why would I go?โ
Andrew felt a headache coming on. โDidnโt we already agree on this before? When you get back from this business trip, Iโll announce our relationship to Lauren, Fran, and Aspen!โ
Chantelle shrieked, โNo, absolutely not!โ
Andrew was confused. โIsnโt that what you wanted?โ
Chantelle gritted her teeth through the phone. โI do want it, but you need to give me time to prepare mentally! Iโve never had a boyfriend in my entire life! And besides, we did things backwardsโฆ Thatโs embarrassing to admit!โ
Andrew asked, amused, โBackwards how? What do you mean?โ
Chantelle laughed in exasperation. โYou really donโt get it? Are you playing dumb? We got physical and slept together before making things official.โ
Andrew smiled, finally understanding. โOkay, thatโs actually a pretty accurate way to describe it! Weโll do it your way. Whenever youโre ready, Iโll make the announcement.โ
Chantelle said flatly, โAndrew, I might be away for several days this time. Will youโฆ miss me?โ
He did not expect her to ask something like that after all that back and forth, but he smiled and replied, โOf course, Iโll miss you.โ
She gave a soft chuckle but quickly tried to cover it up. Then, she added nonchalantly, โSo Andrewโฆ do you love me?โ Now that was starting to sound cheesy, but Andrew held it together and replied, โYes, I love you. Every day, 100 times over.โ Chantelle snorted. โLiar. Whatever. Iโm hanging up.โ
The beeping tone echoed in his ear, and Andrew was left speechless. So it was officialโChantelle had fallen hard. The woman who once acted cold and aloof now sounded all soft and clingy, asking mushy questions and getting flustered.
Andrew took a deep breath and muttered, โThat makes fourโฆ Iโm starting to feel the pressure. But a manโs gotta deliver. No backing down nowโgotta keep going!โ
Just as he hyped himself up, his phone rang again. This time, it was Yara.
She yelled, โDaddy, so youโre leaving town and didnโt even tell me? Youโre the worst! I donโt care. Tonight, youโre taking me to dinner, and then weโre getting a room! I want a proper farewell hookup!โ
Andrew winced. โIโve told you a million times, Iโm not your daddy.โ
Yara giggled. โDonโt care, I want to call you that! If youโre man enough, scoop me up and take me to the hotel. Spank me senseless!โ
Chapter 1808
Andrew had no energy to mess around with her, so he switched gears and asked about the Wright familyโs recent situation. Once he was sure there was nothing urgent, he ended the call.
Yara called twice more, but he ignored both. Only then did she give up and spam him with messages, complete with angry emojis.
Meanwhile, Zachary showed up at Serenity Villa in person to confirm that they were ready to leave in the morning. Andrew told him to focus on getting in the zone and being fully prepared for the upcoming inner disciple selection.
What surprised Andrew was that Zachary had received word that Jeromeโs inner disciple selection in Goldridge involved some major players. Apparently, Blumedaleโs two powerhousesโthe Driscoll family and the Fischer family, which had been quiet lately, would be appearing.
Andrew did not react much to the news. His only goal this time was to help Zachary secure his spot as Jeromeโs inner disciple.
Upon hearing that Andrew would be leaving the next day, Shiloh looked heartbroken.
She pouted. โAndrew, I donโt want you to go. I want you, Lauren, Fran, and Aspen to stay here and be with me.โ Andrew smiled. โCome on, itโs not like Iโm going that far. Why donโt you pack up and come with us?โ
Shiloh sighed. โForget it. Iโve got three jobs tomorrow. I donโt have time.โ
Watching her walk away so drained and lifeless, Andrew frowned deeply. Her memory issues were getting worse, and her behavior was starting to resemble that of a child desperate for love.
Ever since arriving in Blumedale, her symptoms had been shifting. Mentally and emotionally, she was regressing.
Andrew made up his mind that once Zacharyโs situation was handled, he would take Shiloh to find real treatment for her amnesia and ageless syndrome.
Later that night, Logan showed up alone, driving himself to Serenity Villa.
The moment Andrew saw him, Logan said grimly, โAndy, Hannah got completely played by that scumbag Hank. Now sheโs broke and devastated.โ
Andrew had expected something bad, but still asked, โPlayed how? What exactly did Hank do?โ
Loganโs face turned dark. โHe scammed her out of over 800 grand. Took all her money. On top of that, he sweet-talked her into sleeping with him a few times. And the worst part? That bastard gave her an STI. Hannahโs talking about ending her life now. What the hell are we supposed to do?โ
Andrewโs expression stayed calm. โWhat about Mr. Keller Senior? Whatโs his reaction?โ
Logan looked defeated. โYou know how it isโฆ Hannah is Dadโs late-in-life daughter. Heโs freaking out. Sheโs threatening to hang herself, and heโs completely at a loss. Heโs losing it.โ
Andrew did not hesitate. โLetโs go. Iโll come with you to the Keller residence right now!โ
Chapter 1809