Andrew looked at Emily and said gravely, “Hank isn’t someone easy to deal with. As a young woman, don’t put your safety in the hands of an idiot. Emily, this is the last time I’m going to advise you: leave Verhampton Valley immediately and return to the Keller family in Blumedale!”
Emily looked displeased. “Andrew, mind your own business! I swore I’d get justice for Hannah, and I will definitely do it! I’ve already tracked down Hank’s whereabouts. In a moment, I’m going to bring him to justice! If I don’t kill him, I don’t deserve to be part of the Keller family!”
Andrew shook his head. “Sometimes, even good advice can save someone who’s already walking toward a cliff. Hank might come off as a fool, but even fools come in categories. Someone who came out of Special Ops? If you really think he’s just another dumb thug, then you’re dead wrong."
Theo’s bowl crashed to the floor as he glared furiously. “Andrew, that’s enough! What gives you the right to lecture Emily like that? You say she can’t handle it, then what about me, huh? You think I’m just here for decoration? Hank’s with Special Ops? So what? I come from one of the most powerful martial arts families in the country! When Hank sees me, he’ll either run for his life or get crushed where he stands!”
Seeing Theo so fired up, Emily could not help but smile proudly. “You see that, Andrew? I’m not like Hannah; I know how to choose the right man. Theo’s outstanding, and he doesn’t need your approval. So, do me a favor and stay out of my business. Honestly, you act like we’re close. Isn’t that a little pathetic?”
Her words hit Andrew square in the face like a slap.
Chantelle’s expression darkened. “Ms. Keller, maybe you should watch your tone. Can’t you tell Andrew is just trying to help? And don’t forget, how is he not connected to the Keller family? Haven’t you all owed him more than a few favors?”
Emily’s cheeks turned red as she fired back, “Yeah, sure, the Keller family owes him. But what about what he owes us? He owes Logan and my father. Or did you forget?”
Chantelle scoffed. “Who’s the one indebted here? That’s for the world to judge. All I know is that Andrew saved Mr. Keller Senior’s life. And don’t forget, it was your family who went begging for his help, not the other way around. Andrew is loyal and grateful. That’s the only reason he’s ever tolerated your attitude. But you… You really don’t know how lucky you are.”
With that, she grabbed Andrew’s arm and dragged him out of the hotel.
Andrew could only give her a helpless smile. This woman was fierce when it came to defending him, though honestly, it was not that big of a deal. He could have handled it himself just fine.
“Emily is such an idiot,” Chantelle muttered through gritted teeth as they stepped outside.
Andrew chuckled. “It’s fine. Come on, we’ve got real business to handle. Now that we’ve got a guide, let’s go straight to Cole.”
Eric followed behind, dragging Dirk along, looking amused.
Andrew shot him a side glance. “What are you staring at?”
Eric smirked. “What? You got a problem?”
Andrew clicked his tongue. “Jealous, aren’t you? Eric, this is what it’s like to be loved. Unlike you, wasting a perfectly good face trying to be…”
Before he could finish, Eric snapped, “Shut your damn m…”