Chapter 183  Andrew shrugged casually. “Those are your words, not mine.”  This finally pushed Jerry over the edge as he angrily shouted, “You fool! Stop trying to sow discord! I’ve served the Rhodes family faithfully for over 20 years. Do you think your petty. words can discredit my loyalty?”  In his fury, Jerry turned to Lauren and said respectfully, “Ms Rhodes, this pretty boy is insulting me. I demand justice.”  “Jerry, he just tends to be very direct with his words,” Lauren stated diplomatically. “I know your loyalty to the Rhodes family, so on his behalf, I apologize.”  Jerry let out a cold snort and stormed off with his men, but not before shooting Andrew a murderous glare: Andrew, however, maintained his smile, completely unfazed.  Once Jerry was gone, Lauren’s expression turned ice–cold. “Do you think Jerry was telling the truth?”  “I’d rather believe pigs could fly than trust him,” Andrew replied without hesitation.  Lauren burst into laughter, “You can be quite funny sometimes.”  Andrew smiled and continued, “At this point, we can almost be certain that Jerry is working with the thieves. At the very least, he’s not completely loyal to the Rhodes family or you, Ms. Rhodes.”  “First Tracia, and now Jerry,” Lauren said coldly. ‘I don’t understand why they’re doing this. The Rhodes family has treated them well all these years.”  “Modern martial artists often prioritize profit over loyalty,” Andrew explained calmly. “Both Jerry and Tracia are clearly ambitious. If Michael has been courting their loyalty behind the scenes, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’ve switched sides.”  Lauren gave a self–deprecating smile. “No matter how strong I am or what my title is, I’m still just a woman. The Rhodes family is like any other traditional family–it will eventually be handed over to a man. That’s why many in the family favor Michael, despite his mediocre abilities and arrogance. Even people like Jerry, who act respectful to my face, probably don’t take me seriously.”  “Don’t be discouraged, Ms. Rhodes,” Andrew said earnestly. “Just say the word if you need anything. Michael and his fellows may be cunning, but I’ve never considered them a real threat.”  Lauren’s face lit up with a radiant smile, “So, are you offering to be my knight in shining armor?”  Andrew froze, caught off guard by her dazzling smile and alluring red lips. He was fully aware she was trying to charm him, so he mentally scolded her for being a tease.  1/2  Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Andrew’s Porsche Panamera was almost completely burned, with only the chassis remaining. Beside it lay Tracia’s stiff corpse.  Two figures emerged from the shadows–Michael and the sinister–looking Bane.  “Tracia’s dead? Who could have done this in this place full of nothing but farmers?” Michael exclaimed in disbelief.