Chapter 316

Lauren talked so much her mouth went dry. She grabbed her glass of water and drained it in large gulps. Andrew watched, his lips twitching. He was almost certain Lauren's wild assumptions stemmed from reading too many trashy romance novels or binge-watching overly dramatic soap operas. Everyone knew how these shows could corrupt their audiences, especially women with active imaginations.

After their meal, they cleaned the kitchen together, washing until everything sparkled. It wasn't even seven yet, so Andrew suggested, "Ms. Rhodes, since it's your first visit, shall I show you around?"

Lauren hesitated. "Maybe another time, Dr. Lloyd. I really must go."

Noticing her fidgeting fingers, Andrew raised a brow. "It's still early, Ms. Rhodes. You're welcome to stay longer."

Lauren shook her head. "It's not you. It's… my situation. Lately, I can't stay out late. Except for work or business, I'm expected home immediately."

Andrew nodded. "Alright, let me walk you out."

Lauren smiled brightly. "Sure."

They strolled through the courtyard and out the iron gate, to Moonlit Sanctuary's main entrance. A group of Rhodes family bodyguards waited. As Lauren approached, the door of the first car opened, and a middle-aged man in tactical gear emerged.

"Miss," the man greeted.

Lauren nodded. "Let's go."

She entered the car, flashing Andrew a warm smile and waving goodbye. He waved back, but his gaze caught the man lowering the car window and offering a cold, mocking smirk. Andrew remained expressionless. He recognized the man—Jerry, the Rhodes family's elite fighter.

Chapter 316

Jerry had never hidden his disdain for Andrew. Frankly, Andrew didn't care.

Inside the car, Lauren's demeanor turned icy. "Jerry, didn't I make it clear you weren't needed?"

Sitting stiffly, Jerry responded emotionlessly, "Mrs. Rhodes' instructions."

Lauren clenched her jaw. "So my mother sent you to spy on me?"

Jerry didn't deny it. "Miss, you're engaged. Mrs. Rhodes was furious learning you spent so much time with Andrew. She instructed us to keep you in check."

Lauren laughed coldly. "So I have no freedom or privacy anymore?"

Jerry was silent, then sighed. "Miss, I've wanted to say this, fearing you'd think I was overstepping. But I'll say it, even if it angers you: you should cut ties with Andrew."

Lauren's voice hardened. "And if I don't?"

Jerry glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "If you don't, the next person involved won't be me. It'll be your mother, the matriarch herself."

He paused. "Mrs. Rhodes came down from Blumedale, bringing members of the main family's security team to Jayrodale. I trust you understand the gravity of this."

Lauren huffed, turning to the window. She refused to speak, her expression stormy as the car sped through the evening streets.