Chapter 314

Dylan shrugged casually, clearly indifferent. He'd already warned Natasha; if she refused to listen, there wasn't much he could do. It was obvious Andrew was cutting her slack—had Michael dared to act up, he would have been swiftly subdued.

By sunset, Andrew returned to Moonlit Sanctuary. He opened the door to the small house and found Marvin lounging beneath a tree at a stone table, leisurely sipping liquor. The table held Andrew's prized aged whiskey and snacks perfectly suited to the drink. Andrew smirked. "When did you start appreciating the finer things in life, old man?"

Marvin chuckled, raising his glass. "Sir, you flatter me. These snacks? Definitely not my handiwork." He gestured towards the house with a knowing look.

Andrew frowned. "Who else would be here?"

Footsteps sounded from within. Lauren appeared in the doorway, wearing an apron and carrying a steaming pot of beef stew. "Hey, you're back!" she beamed. "Go wash your hands—dinner's ready."

Andrew was surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Lauren bustled back and forth from the kitchen, carrying more dishes before tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Don't worry about that. Am I unwelcome?" she tilted her head playfully. "If so, I'll leave."

Andrew chuckled. "No, it's just… someone like you, such a pampered lady, going to all this trouble…"

Lauren scoffed playfully, sitting down to ladle soup. "That's better. But honestly, it wasn't hard. I love experimenting with food. I don't cook often, but for someone I care about, I'd happily do it every day."

Marvin laughed heartily. "Now that's what I like to hear."

Lauren's eyes sparkled. "Well, if it pleases the richest man in town, I'll say it often!"

Marvin grinned, shaking his head. "You two lovebirds should save the sweet talk for later. I don't want to be a third wheel."

After the meal, Marvin excused himself, leaving the two alone.

Lauren giggled. "Dr. Lloyd, isn't Mr. Yates thoughtful? He's given us some quality time."

Andrew put down his utensils, hesitating. "Ms. Rhodes, I should clarify something about Marvin and me—"

Lauren gently placed a hand over his lips. "Dr. Lloyd, there's no need. I know you're not ordinary."

Andrew frowned. "It's not as complicated as you think. Marvin and I are simply—"

"You don't need to say anything!" Lauren interrupted. "I already know. Don't worry about it."

Andrew watched her savor a piece of braised beef. "Wow, this is amazing! My cooking skills are incredible!" she declared.

Andrew laughed.

Lauren clapped her hands. "Alright, I'm full. Dr. Lloyd, you and Mr. Yates have a complicated relationship you'd rather not discuss. But don't worry—I like you for who you are, not your background."

Before Andrew could respond, Lauren leaned in, mischief in her eyes. "Dr. Lloyd… if I had to guess… you and Mr. Yates… you're father and son, right?"