Chapter 40  After leaving Lauren’s office, Andrew did not head to the nearest restroom. Instead, he went straight to a different section of the building. To be exact, it was where Michael’s office was located. He had noticed it earlier during his visit and slipped quietly into the only bathroom in  that area.  As soon as Andrew entered, he heard Michael on the phone, clearly panicking. “Remember, no matter what Lauren does, act normal. That damn girl is getting suspicious, and if she finds out you’re behind this, I’m dead too!”  Andrew smirked, his suspicions about Michael confirmed.  Soon, Michael grew agitated. “What are you afraid of, you idiot? I’m covering for you here. As long as Lauren can’t find proof, she can’t do anything, even if she suspects you!”  Michael added, “We shouldn’t contact each other for a while. And watch out for that pretty boy hanging around Lauren–he’s sharper than he looks. Damn him! If he hadn’t helped Lauren, we wouldn’t be in this mess!”  As Michael hung up and started making bathroom noises, Andrew suppressed a laugh at how long it was taking him. He could tell Michael’s kidneys probably had issues.  Suddenly, Andrew flushed the toilet, startling Michael badly. His pale turned pale as he shouted, “W–Who’s there?”  Hardly anyone used this bathroom, and the fact someone was flushing now probably meant they had overheard him.  The door opened, and Andrew strolled out leisurely. “Oh, Mr. Rhodes! What a coincidence!”  “What the hell are you doing here?” Michael demanded, seeing Andrew’s knowing smile.  Andrew asked innocently, “Why shouldn’t I be here? You know what they say about bonding with the boss in the bathroom! By the way, that was quite a performance you put on.”  Michael’s face darkened as realization hit. “So you heard everything I said?”  “It’s hard not to. You were pretty loud, after all,” Andrew replied nonchalantly.  1  Michael cursed internally but quickly satd, “If you’re smart, you’ll forget every word of it. Otherwise, you won’t like how this ends.”  Andrew maintained his casual demeanor. “Mr. Rhodes, are you threatening or trying to bribe me? You sound like you’re planning to silence me permanently. That makes me nervous, and nervous people tend to do unpredictable things–like telling Ms. Rhodes about your little schemes!”  “Shut up!” Michael snapped, wishing he could strangle Andrew right there.  “Getting anxious?” Andrew smirked.  1/2  Chapter 40  435 DONUS  Michael gritted his teeth. “1.5 million dollars to keep your mouth shut about this.”  “1.5 million? That’s insulting!” Andrew scoffed.  Michael’s face twisted, and he sneered. “Aren’t you a greedy one? Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised since you’re bold enough to freeload off Lauren. All right, 7.5 million then. That’s my limit, and it’s enough for you to live it up with any woman you want.”  Andrew shook his head. “That’s nowhere near close enough.”  Michael snarled, “Don’t push it! I’m being generous here. Some money isn’t worth dying for.”  Andrew nodded thoughtfully. “You’re absolutely right, Mr. Rhodes. Some money isn’t worth the risk. That’s why I don’t want 7.5 million–I want 15 million dollars!”  Chapter 41