Chapter 374
Ernest was genuinely baffled. He wondered where on earth this brazen kid came from, daring to challenge him over and over.
Andrew’s eyes glinted coldly as he said calmly, “And what if I said I don’t believe you?”
Ernest’s lips twitched with rage as he turned to Natasha with a scowl. “Natasha, are you going to rein in this punk or not? If you won’t, I’ll call my men right now and make sure he’s left for dead in the street!”
Natasha shot Andrew a quick glare. This troublemaker of hers was certainly bold, comparing Ernest to garbage and calling him old and washed up—it was a direct attack on his pride.
If Andrew wanted that rare medicinal herb so badly, it would make more sense to hold back and endure a little.
Forcing a smile, Natasha turned to Ernest and said, “Ernest, please don’t be angry. Mr. Lloyd is young, and sometimes he can be a little impulsive. I’ll apologize on his behalf.”
She gave him a placating smile, trying to diffuse the tension. Yet, Ernest’s frustration was not so easily soothed. He jabbed a finger in Andrew’s direction, his cigar bobbing between his fingers.
Ernest grumbled, “You’re lucky Natasha stepped in for you, kid. Otherwise, I’d teach you a lesson you wouldn’t forget!”
He was arrogant and determined to show Natasha his dominance. He wanted her to see that compared to this young punk, he was the real deal—the one with power and authority.
Natasha forced another smile. “Ernest, since you’re willing to let it slide, how about we focus on the rare medicinal herb you have? Mr. Lloyd is truly interested in purchasing it. Just name a fair price, and we’ll gladly meet your terms.”
Ernest sneered, his expression smug. “Fine, Natasha, since you’re asking so sincerely, I’m not an unreasonable man. I won’t even ask you to be with me anymore.
“Just spend one night with me, and I’ll sell the Aurora Lotus to this punk. Of course, it won’t come cheap—at least 50 million. Anything less is a no-go!”
Natasha’s face darkened immediately. “Ernest, we can talk about the money. In fact, we’re even willing to increase the offer. But as for your other condition, I’m sorry, I simply can’t agree to that. Perhaps we can negotiate a different arrangement?”
Ernest blew a ring of smoke and chuckled sinisterly. “Do I look like someone who’s short on money, Natasha? To be clear, I’m not here for the cash. I’ve got my eyes on you, widow, and I’m not letting it go until I get what I want.”
Natasha fumed inwardly, infuriated that this old pervert was still lusting after her. Yet, with Ernest’s wealth and influence, outright rejecting him was not wise.
On top of that, Andrew still needed that Aurora Lotus.
At that moment, Andrew finally lost his patience. Pointing toward the door, he said coldly, “Enough. If you’re done, the door’s right there. Feel free to leave.”
Ernest’s face turned dark as he snapped, “What do you mean by that? Are you saying you don’t want the Aurora Lotus anymore?”
Andrew smirked. “Don’t worry, I’ll get it from you. And when I do, you’ll be on your knees begging me to take it.”
Ernest froze for a second before bursting into wild laughter. “You little punk, are you trying to kill me with laughter? You think I’m going to kneel and beg? Who do you think you are? Some hotshot? You’re just a nobody!”
Natasha was just as stunned, wondering what nonsense Andrew was saying now. Ernest groveling and handing over the herb willingly? That would be about as likely as pigs could finally fly.