Jasper had the kind of face that looked agreeable from every angle, always smiling like the perfect good-natured gentleman. In powerful families, people like him were the most welcomed, since they could handle matters inside and outside without ever being a thorn in anyone’s side.
Lucian, however, was the opposite. His massive frame and bulging muscles strained against his suit, and his presence was overwhelming, even larger than Henry’s.
His sharp eyes gleamed like a predator’s, though his voice came out surprisingly calm. “An honor, Mr. Lloyd. I’ve heard of you for a long time, but I never had the chance to meet you. Now that I see you, it’s clear you’re a young hero. At your age, I wasn’t even a tenth of what you are.”
Andrew replied flatly. “Mr. Fischer, you flatter me. I’m just an ordinary man.”
Lucian nodded. “Henry has mentioned you often. He said you’re amazing in both wit and courage, and that even in desperate straits, you show incredible willpower and boldness. What’s more, you’re fearless, unmatched in martial skill, leaving your enemies seething, helpless, and nearly on their deathbeds. For you to speak so humbly now almost makes me feel foolish!”
Andrew’s eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Mr. Fischer, isn’t your praise a bit exaggerated? Compared to the talent in the Fischer family, I fall far short.”
Lucian’s expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly, “Whether you fall short or not isn’t decided by words, but by strength. Henry and I work hand in hand. I haven’t yet crossed paths with you, but Henry has already suffered at your hands more than once. Honestly, he dreams of defeating you. It eats at him so much that he can’t eat or sleep, always haunted by the humiliation of being toyed with by you.”
Andrew smiled calmly. “If he wishes to spar, I’ll gladly welcome it. Back in Goldridge, things weren’t exactly pleasant between us anyway.”
Lucian nodded once. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lloyd. I’m sure we’ll have that chance.”
His words carried a direct challenge, but he did not bother to hide it. He ignored Derek and Jasper, grabbed a drink, and stood by himself, his towering frame making him look out of place. One drink later, he simply left without another word. He was arrogant and overbearing to the end.
Jasper gave a strained smile. “Mr. Lloyd, don’t take it to heart. The Fischer family are all rough warriors with low emotional intelligence… They’re all the same.”
Andrew shrugged. “No worries, Mr. Phelan. I won’t read into it. In fact, I almost expect it… After all, the Fischers seem eager to test themselves against me. I don’t mind. I’d like to see how fierce they are.”
Jasper forced a chuckle but wisely did not continue. Everyone knew Lucian was as dangerous as they came, and Henry alone had already proven that. The Fischer brothers were no ordinary men, and neither was Andrew. Both sides were destined to clash head-on.
Derek broke the silence and said to Andrew, “Old powers crumble, new ones rise. Some will celebrate, some will resent it, but there’s no reason for you to trouble yourself with what others think. Let’s just enjoy our own success.”
Andrew lifted his glass with a grin. “Well said, Governor McCormick.”
Derek cleared his throat, and Jasper, understanding the cue, politely excused himself.
Once no one else lingered nearby, Derek sighed with a wry smile. “With the Driscolls gone, you’ve put me under enormous pressure.”
Andrew returned a faint, apologetic smile. “I understand. Their collapse has shaken so many things, but you’ve still stood by me, Governor McCormick… You helped carry the weight for me.”
Derek waved it off. “Don’t exaggerate. This was all your own strength. I barely did anything. By the way, Barnaby came to Gabo Creek himself, didn’t he? He must have found you.”
Andrew nodded. “He did. He also knows I’m the Lloyds’ heir.”
Derek seemed to want to say something, but he hesitated. The political ramifications were clearly weighing on his mind.
Andrew only smiled. “Don’t worry. If those from Chetvine learn that I’m still alive, it’s only natural that some will want me dead.