Chapter 358
In truth, Simon felt deeply satisfied, hoping Andrew would get what he deserved from Donald. That way, no one would be left to compete with him for Francesca.
However, Cedric was not swayed by Simon’s words and instead gave the latter a grim look. He demanded, “What exactly are you trying to say?”
“Sir, I’m just reminding you that Andrew’s made too many enemies and can’t be saved now,” Simon said stubbornly.
He added, “Even if all the Aickers tried to help, we’d be powerless–we can’t risk conflicting with the police and destroying everything we’ve built.”
Francesca rushed over with tears in her eyes before Cedric could strike his ungrateful apprentice. “Grandpa, we don’t need his help. I’ve already called Lauren–let’s go save Andrew now!”
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. Dr. Lloyd will be fine,” Cedric quickly consoled her.
Francesca wiped her tears anxiously and said, “Donald is notorious for using torture and crippling people. I’m worried we’ll be too late!”
Simon’s face darkened as he watched them ignore him. “Sir, you think too highly of that nobody. He’s probably already being tortured by Mr. Warren, crippled and wishing he were dead!”
Simon grew angrier the more he thought about it, and finally, he could not stop himself from saying something vile.
Suddenly, a sharp sound rang out as a red handprint appeared on his face. Francesca had struck him, her expression seething with fury.
Simon clutched his face, disbelief written all over him. “Fran, you hit me? Over an outsider? I’ve cared for you and protected you since we were kids, but now, for Andrew, of all people, you’re raising your hand against me?”
Francesca’s voice was cold and unyielding. “Simon, Andrew is not an outsider to me. And as for you, you know very well what your real intentions are. That night, if Andrew hadn’t been there to protect me, I’m sure I would’ve already fallen victim to you, wouldn’t I?”
Simon felt his entire body flush with anger and embarrassment but forced himself to stay calm. “Fran, I don’t know what you’re talking about. That night, when Andrew brought you back, I was actually suspicious of him and his motives!”
He continued, “I’m sure he made up all kinds of lies about me to turn you against me. But you …you trust him over me? How wonderful!”
Francesca smirked. “Still trying to twist the story? Fine, let me make it clear–my drunkenness that night? It was an act. I was fully aware when you snuck into my room, Simon. I saw everything.”
Simon froze, his anger replaced by a chill that spread through his entire body.
“Fran…” He opened his mouth to defend himself, but the words stuck in his throat. Francesca’s eyes bore into him, filled with disgust and contempt, leaving him utterly speechless.
“Grandpa, let’s go to the station and get Andrew,” Francesca said flatly. She turned and left the room with Cedric and the other Aickers' apprentices, heading straight for the police station. Simon was left alone in the Aickers’ hall, his jealousy and resentment growing like an uncontrollable wildfire.
“Fran,” he muttered bitterly, his voice laced with venom. “So, you’ve figured it all out. Fine. No more hiding, then. You are mine. You belong to me and no one else. But you’re giving your heart, your loyalty, maybe even your body, to that loser Andrew. I won’t allow it. And I won’t be kind anymore. I’ll have you, Fran. Whatever it takes, by any means necessary.”
Simon’s face twisted with rage as his thoughts spiraled. With an enraged roar, he slammed his fist into a nearby ceramic jar, shattering it into pieces.