Chapter 357
“Aspen, how did you know they’d leave through the back door?” Christina asked as she and Aspen appeared at the VIP exit after Andrew and Elsie were taken away.
“With such precious items in hand, Radiant Group would obviously arrange a secret exit,” Aspen replied with a cold laugh. “Too bad Elsie isn’t clever enough to outsmart me.”
After a moment of silence, Christina spoke up. “Aspen, once you get your things back, could you maybe ask them to go easy on Andrew?”
Aspen was shocked. “Christie, you can’t be soft-hearted about this. Donald is in charge of Jayrodale Police—whatever punishment he decides is out of my hands.”
Christina hesitated before asking, “But once they recover your items, that should be the end of it, right?”
Aspen replied mockingly. “That depends on Donald’s mood. Though I didn’t tell him exactly what to do, he’s one of my most devoted admirers. When he learned how Andrew conned me, he was furious. Andrew won’t be released until he’s learned his lesson.”
Christina fell silent once more and said calmly, “This is the lesson he brought on himself. I’ll stay out of it.”
Aspen chuckled. “Christie, your energy shouldn’t be wasted on someone like Andrew. Once I help you deal with Harvey’s mess, Stevens Corporation can expand into Bridgefields and Blumedale. With the support from the major families there, your business will grow stronger.”
Christina nodded. “Thank you, Aspen. Stevens Corporation does need to move beyond Jayrodale and into Blumedale.”
Aspen smiled approvingly. “I knew it! Christie, your talent and ambition were never meant for small-town limits. And, with your beauty that even I envy, once you’re in places like Blumedale or Bridgefields, only heirs of powerful families or wealthy CEOs will be worthy of you.”
Christina replied softly, “For now, I’m not planning to date anyone.”
Aspen shook her head, her tone turning serious. “Christie, remember this—youth is a treasure for women. Once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. For women like us, near perfection, it’s crucial to shine our brightest during these prime years. The world deserves to see it.”
She continued, “I know you’re naturally reserved and dislike making the first move, but don’t worry. Once the Harvey situation is handled, I’ll introduce you to some top-tier bachelors. Compared to them, Andrew is nothing!”
Christina forced a smile. “We’ll see.”
As soon as Cedric and Francesca returned to the Aicker residence, Cedric gathered everyone and declared, “All apprentices under my guidance, prepare to leave immediately. We’re heading to the Jayrodale Police Department to rescue Dr. Lloyd!”
Simon asked, “What happened? Why such a drastic measure?”
Cedric gritted his teeth. “That arrogant fool Donald dared to disrespect me by arresting Dr. Lloyd. Simon, get the others ready. We’ll make Donald release him.”
However, Simon hesitated and tried to reason with Cedric. “I don’t think this is as simple as it seems. Andrew was reckless enough to provoke someone like Donald—that’s his misfortune, and I don’t think we should get involved.”
“Do you realize what you’re saying?” Cedric exploded in anger. “Dr. Lloyd has done great things for the Aickers and is close to Fran. I can’t stand by and do nothing!”
Simon was surprised by Cedric’s intense reaction. “Sir, do you realize how many enemies Andrew has made in Jayrodale?”
He listed them off rapidly, “The Weller family, Finley, Atlas the Northern District boss, plus his unclear relationship with Lauren that’ll get him eliminated by the Rhodes family sooner or later.”
“Now, this troublemaker’s been arrested by Mr. Warren. Clearly, someone’s pulling strings behind the scenes,” Simon concluded, hoping to make Cedric reconsider his rash decision.