Chapter 19  Shawn looked at Andrew with a smirk. “What’s the matter, Andrew? You sound like you have a problem with this.”  Irene mocked, “Of course he does. He can’t stand that you’re more capable than him. He’s just jealous.”  Andrew shook his head, amazed at Shawn’s shamelessness. He knew the truth–Marvin had personally called him for permission, and it was only after Andrew gave the green light that Stevens Corporation had a shot at the orphanage property.  Shawn raised his glass, looking smug. “Andrew, you’re being ridiculous. I’m graciously inviting you for a drink, and instead of being grateful, you’re questioning me. Your attitude suggests you think you helped Christie, not me.”  Leroy scoffed, “Yeah, right! As if a wimp like him could pull that off. If he managed to do it, I’d eat my hat.”  Andrew turned to Christina, his tone serious. “A word of advice: you’re surrounded by dishonest idiots with bad intentions. Be careful. I’d hate to see you run the Stevens Corporation into the ground because you can’t judge people’s character.”  However, his well–intentioned words were met with displeasure from Christina. “Andrew, I don’t understand why you always have such a problem with the people around me. I know I  you earlier with the misunderstanding, and I’ve apologized. But that doesn’t give you the right to baselessly smear the reputations of those close to me.”  hurt  Andrew was taken aback. “Baselessly smear? So you still think I’m causing trouble for no reason?”  Christina sighed, waving her hand tiredly. “Can we drop this? Honestly, Andrew, I’m really disappointed in you right now.”  Andrew let out a bitter laugh, realizing his good intentions had backfired. “Fine, you’re always right. I’m the bad guy, I’m targeting the people around you, and I can’t stand to see you. happy. Is that what you want to hear?”  With a cold chuckle, Andrew turned to leave. He had had enough of this foolish woman.  “Stop right there!” Christina’s voice was sharp, filled with anger and hurt. “Since you’re being so nasty, I’m done protecting your feelings. It’s bad enough that you’re helping others work against me, but now you can’t even stand to see someone nice to me?”  She could not believe that the man she had been with for three years could be so ugly on the inside.  Shawn chimed in with a smug smile. “Andrew, we get it. You’re trying to get back at Christie for dumping you. First, you became Lauren’s lapdog to annoy Christie. Then, you teamed up with Marvin, using the wealth of the richest man in town to compete with Christie. Look, man  to man, I understand you’re Just trying to stroke your ego. But take my advice–real men rely on themselves, not others.”  Andrew thought he heard the funniest joke. This dlot was truly a champion of misunderstanding, and his logic was so twisted that it was almost Impressive.  Christina glared at Andrew, her eyes filled with disgust. “Cat got your tongue? Weren’t you just saying I can’t judge people’s character?”  Andrew took a deep breath, fighting the urge to shake some sense into her. “Your opinion of me doesn’t matter. But I still stand by what I said about Shawn-  Christina cut him off angrily, “shut up! Even now, you’re still questioning him? Fine, I’ll prove you wrong once and for all. I was there when Shawn made the call. He used his family connections to help me get that property. I saw it with my own eyes. What do you have to say now?”  Shawn was secretly thrilled to see the two at each other’s throats. Finally, he had the upper hand over Andrew. By the looks of it, Christina was thoroughly disgusted with this loser. The chance was finally knocking on his door, and he believed it would not be long before he could have her in his bed.  “What a pathetic excuse for a man.  “I’ve seen gold–diggers before, but this guy takes the cake. If I were Ms. Stevens, I’d slap him silly.”  “Is he immoral or just insane? A guy like him should just disappear. I can’t believe Ms. Stevens had to deal with someone like that. It’s so unfair to her!”  The other diners in the restaurant started muttering among themselves, their eyes full of contempt for Andrew. A few men looked ready to jump in at Christina’s command, eager to  teach Andrew a lesson.  “Just leave. I never want to see your face again,” Christina stated, pointing at the door and turning away in disgust.  Andrew, already eager to leave, replied coldly, “Now I see you’re not just foolish, but blind too.  As he was about to exit, a group of tough–looking men in black suits burst through the doors. “Which one of you is the CEO of Stevens Corporation? You need to come with us,” the bald leader barked, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he pointed at the crowd.  The other diners cowered, sensing trouble.  Christina stepped forward, frowning. “I’m Christina Stevens. What do you want?”  Baldy flashed a sleazy grin. “Well, well, aren’t you a beauty? Tell me, that property in South City–Stevens Corporation has it now, right?”  “Yes, It’s ours. What of it?”  “Perfect. Boys, grab her.”  Christina’s face paled. “You wouldn’t dare!”  Baldy’s grin turned sinister. “Oh, sweetheart, you ll soon see what we dare. We’re taking that property and you too. Just look at those beautiful legs of yours! We’ll have fun with you for a good long while.”  Leroy rushed forward, enraged. “Who do you thugs think you are? Touch Christie, and I’ll skin you alivel”  A sharp slap echoed through the room, followed by a sickening thud. Baldy had struck Leroy across the face and then delivered a brutal kick to his chest. As a result, Leroy flew backward, coughing up blood.  this!”  Shawn stepped forward, his face grim. “Gentlemen, do you know who you’re dealing with? I’m Shawn Fields of the Fields family. Surely you’ve heard of us.”  Irene walled, “Oh no, Leroy! My poor baby! You just got out of the hospital, and now t  Baldy sneered, glancing at Shawn dismissively. “I don’t give a damn who you are. Fields family? Never heard of that, trash. Now, back off. We want the South City property and this lovely lady, not your ugly mug.”  Insulted, Shawn’s anger flared. “You scum! You’re asking for trouble now.” He dramatically pulled Christina behind him, playing the hero. “Don’t worry, Christie. I’ll handle this.”  Shawn felt his blood pumping. This was his chance to impress Christina and save the day. He was confident that Christina would willingly be his after he saved her. After all, that was how it usually played out in the movies, and it was undoubtedly true.  “Listen up, fellas. I’ll let you in on a secret–I’m the one who helped Stevens Corporation acquire that orphanage property,” Shawn boasted, lighting a cigarette and blowing smoke in Baldy’s face.  “You want the land and to kidnap someone? Come at me. I’m warning you though, you can’t afford to mess with the Fields family,” Shawn threatened.  Baldy and his crew stared at Shawn, dumbfounded. Irene and the others, misreading the situation, felt a glimmer of hope. While Christina knew Shawn had ulterior motives for helping her, she could not help but feel a twinge of admiration for Shawn’s bravery, especially compared to Andrew’s supposed cowardice.  Shawn, feeling triumphant, cleared his throat. “Now, I’ll give you one chance. Kneel and apologize to Ms. Stevens, and then-”  “And then go to hell!” Baldy snarled, grabbing a fistful of Shawn’s hair and yanking him  forward.