Chapter 195  Andrew smiled gently. “I’m not leaving. I just think building a specialized medical center at the Oakridge Club site would be better than running another exclusive clubhouse.”  Lauren beamed at him. “Oh, my precious Dr. Lloyd! You have such a noble heart, always wanting to help others! You have my complete support!”  Francesca rolled her eyes. “Lauren, since when did he become yours? Don’t be so shameless!”  Lauren shot back playfully, “So what if I’m shameless? If you’ve got the guts, why don’t you throw yourself at him too? Let him admire your legendary assets.  Francesca flushed with anger and embarrassment. “Lauren, seriously?“.  As a petite woman with an exaggerated figure, Francesca often found herself the center of attention. While her appearance attracted admiration, she secretly found the constant focus a bit overwhelming.  Being openly teased about it–especially in front of Andrew–made her burn with embarrassment. “Lauren, stop joking around!” she snapped, her face glowing red.  Lauren leaned back with amischievous smirk. “Oh, come on, Fran! Dr. Lloyd’s not a stranger. Why not let him have a look? We’re all friends here, right?”  Francesca glared at her, then scoffed. “If you’re so eager, why don’t you offer yourself up? Leave me out of it!”  Lauren’s cheeks flushed pink, caught off guard by Francesca’s comeback. She quickly looked down, too embarrassed to meet Andrew’s eyes.  However, she thought she would not mind showing him, but only after they were officially together.  Andrew nearly choked on his drink. While both women were undeniably stunning in their own. ways–one alluring, the other innocent–their bold banter was a bit too much for him to handle.  Just then, a man in an expensive suit and gold–rimmed glasses approached their table with an affected air of elegance.  “Ladies, I am Finley Moore,” he announced with an exaggerated flourish, dramatically opening a folding fan.  The three of them could barely suppress their chuckle at this theatrical display. This unexpected visitor spoke with an air of pretentious formality that seemed ridiculous.  Francesca asked politely, “Mr. Moore, can we help you?”  Finley gestured dramatically. “I’ve just arrived in Jayrodale from our headquarters, and what luck to encounter such stunning beauties right away! I simply had to introduce myself.”  1/2  Lauren raised an eyebrow. “From your manner of speaking, you must be from one of the martial arts societies?”  Finley puffed up his chest proudly. “Indeed, I represent the Hidden Dragons, one of the three great societies of Gabo Creek. The leader of the sect is my granduncle!”  Lauren expressed surprise. “Isn’t the Hidden Dragons‘ territory in Bridgefields? What brings. you to Jayrodale?”  Seeing Lauren’s reaction, Finley’s pride turned to smugness. “The Hidden Dragons rule Gabo Creek and have excellent relations with all major families and businesses.  “Bridgefields is just one area under our influence, Jayrodale will soon be part of our territory as well!”  Lauren’s brows knitted in concern. As someone deeply tied to Jayrodale’s local families, this was not exactly welcome news.  “Mr.Moore, our mission in Jayrodale is supposed to be secret! How can you reveal it so carelessly?”  One of two female attendants standing behind Finley scolded him while glaring at Andrew’s group.  Finley smiled dismissively. “It’s fine. These lovely ladies are too beautiful to pose any threat.”  His gaze shifted to Andrew as he continued condescendingly, “However, you, a worthless. nobody, have heard our secret. Here’s what you can do–cut out your own tongue and become a mute. That way, I’ll spare your life this once.