Chapter 1997 +15 BONUS
Over at the Peck residence, Rachel came in with a report. “Mr. Llov, Scarlett has already headed to Driscoll Corporation. Judging by her grand show, it’s like she’s not afraid of you at all.”
Andrew simply gave a faint hum and said nothing, as he was still listening to Victoria and Tiana give their reminders.
“That poor kid Joe is most likely not Maurice’s son,” Tiana said with a mocking smile. “Why do I say that? Because back when Mia, that shameless woman, decided to marry Maurice, she had already slept with Franklin multiple times. So Joe is most likely Franklin’s child, not Maurice’s.”
Tiana glanced at Victoria, who nodded. “What she’s saying is very likely true. Andrew, you’re bound to face Maurice sooner or later. When the final battle starts, you could use this to throw him off balance, then strike him down while he’s distracted.”
Andrew shook his head. “I don’t like using tactics like that. I can beat Maurice in a fair fight.”
Tiana’s eyes lit up. “Andy, don’t tell me the second seal in your energy core has already broken?”
Andrew smiled. “You could say it’s just one step away from being completely shattered. The last time Victoria and I fought the Driscoll family, I noticed signs of it breaking. I’ve been taking out their key people one by one, using the continuous battles to crack the final seal.”
Victoria gave an approving smile. “Smart thinking! Put yourself in a life-or-death fight to push past your limits. A high-stakes battle really can break that barrier! But Andrew, you still need to be careful. Maurice is extremely cunning. With his patience and skill, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already reached Franklin’s level, or even surpassed him.”
Tiana nodded. “Exactly. You might be going after Scarlett this time, but the Driscoll family’s true core is its leader, Maurice. I’ve always been wary of him because he’s unreadable. Andrew, you’re young, incredibly talented, and a prodigy in martial arts. However, that youth could also be your greatest weakness, especially against someone like him.”
Andrew’s tone stayed calm. “If I were at my full power, the Driscoll family wouldn’t even be worthy opponents. Mrs. Rhodes, Victoria, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing, and I won’t be reckless.”
Victoria smiled warmly. “Go, we’ll be waiting for you to come back.”
Tiana chuckled. “Andy, I’ll be waiting too. Ah, the more I look at my dearest son-in-law, the more I like him.”
Andrew quickly made his exit. Tiana’s teasing did not bother him, but if Victoria heard too much of it, she might get jealous. Then, there would be trouble. Between these two beautiful women he knew better than to provoke either of them.
Once Andrew left, Victoria’s dignified expression vanished, replaced with a cold smirk. “Tiana, you think you’re closer to Andrew than I am, don’t you?”
Tiana arched her brow. “Well, isn’t it obvious? I’m his mother-in-law, so of course I’m closer to him than you are.”
Victoria gave a sharp laugh. “Shameless bitch! Look at how you act around him. If Lauren wasn’t already Andrew’s woman, would you have no shame and try to seduce him yourself?”
Tiana’s face flushed with both shame and anger. “Victoria, do you think I’m like you? I’ve only ever seen Andrew as a junior, a son-in-law, and my feelings for him are nothing but restrained and appropriate.”
Victoria turned her head away. “Yeah, right. You broke through in martial arts so quickly. Are you going to tell me that Andrew didn’t help you? And with your sect’s methods, it definitely requires a man and woman to be naked together, balancing masculine and feminine energies to achieve that kind of enlightenment. Tiana, I know exactly what kind of woman you are.”
Tiana’s cheeks burned. “You… fine, let’s say it’s as you claim. But I tell you, what happened between me and Andrew isn’t as bad as you’re imagining.”
Victoria scoffed. “Maybe not for him, but for you? Andrew’s not like his father. He can control himself.”
Tiana, now cornered, shot back in frustration. “And what about you, Victoria? Can you honestly say you’ve never had certain… feelings for Andrew?”
Chapter 1998