Chapter 562

In Simon’s eyes, Andrew was nothing more than someone trying to show off beyond his means. The presence of Natasha and Dylan at the grand opening of “Moonlit Apothecary” surely came at a hefty price.

To him, it was clear—Andrew had spent a fortune just to get these big shots to show up and boost his event. Without the money, Simon believed they would not even glance in Andrew’s direction.

Feeling like he had figured everything out, Simon grew more dismissive, even letting out a cold laugh. However, his smirk faded when he saw the Rhodes family delegation arrive, led by Tiana herself, a woman with a legendary reputation.

If that was not shocking enough, Simon’s jaw dropped further as Jayrodale’s mayor, Mark, stepped out of his car with his secretary. Grinning warmly, he walked over to congratulate Andrew.

“Unbelievable,” Simon muttered to himself, his jealousy and frustration rising. “Have these big shots really stooped so low to show up here for Andrew? Don’t they care about lowering their status?”

Francesca, standing nearby, caught his reaction and smirked. “Simon, looks like we’ve got society’s elites and even the mayor here. What excuse do you have left now?”

Simon sneered in response. “Fran, you’re obviously biased because he’s your boyfriend. But isn’t he already with Lauren?”

Francesca’s face flushed, her cheeks burning with anger and embarrassment. “So what if Andrew is with Lauren? They make a perfect couple. Are you seriously jealous of that too?”

Simon scoffed. “Jealous? Of him? Please, he’s nothing but a facade. Mark my words—the Rhodes family will kick him out sooner or later, and he’ll end up on the streets like a stray dog.”

Francesca’s expression softened with pity. “Let’s be honest, Simon. You’re just jealous.”

Her calm words hit a nerve, and Simon exploded. “Jealous? You’ve been lying to me all along, Fran! You said you were with Andrew, but clearly, that’s not true. And now, you’re defending him even though he’s with Lauren? Have you no shame?”

Anger surged through Francesca as she slapped Simon hard across the face. “You’re right. I lied to you about being with Andrew. So what? Even if I’m not with him, that doesn’t mean it’ll ever be you!”

Her voice grew colder as she added, “The truth is, Simon, the way you act—this petty, possessive, and ugly behavior—it disgusts me.”

Without waiting for his response, Francesca turned and walked away, leaving Simon humiliated and fuming.

He held his cheek, his eyes filled with a dangerous mix of rage and humiliation. He grumbled, “Fine, Francesca. If I can’t have your heart, I’ll make sure I take the rest of you…”

Simon’s mind raced with resentment as he glared after her retreating figure. Francesca had always been his in his eyes, a prize he believed he deserved. Now, knowing that she was not dating Andrew after all, his feelings of humiliation only grew. He vowed to make Francesca his, by any means necessary.

As for Andrew? Simon clenched his fists and smirked bitterly. Taking Francesca away was not enough. He wanted to see Andrew ruined, humiliated, and broken.