Chapter 62

Andrew replied flatly, "What's so strange about me being here? If Ms. Stevens can be here, why can't I?"

Christina frowned. "Andrew, I'm just warning you that this place is expensive, and you need a member's recommendation to get in."

Lauren walked over and linked her arm with Andrew's. "Let's go inside. By the way, I've already arranged a lifetime membership for you. Enjoy yourself!"

Christina turned away without another word, thinking Andrew was still pathetic, a hopeless case who would never amount to anything.

Harvey smirked. "Before returning from abroad, I heard rumors that Lauren had lowered herself to keep a worthless boy toy. I thought it was just gossip, but now…" He shook his head in mock disappointment, implying Andrew diminished Lauren's status.

The young man beside Harvey sneered. "Lauren, our circle has so many worthy young men. Why keep such a useless parasite? I really don't understand your thinking."

Lauren smiled calmly. "That's none of your business."

Dexter Combs's face darkened. "Lauren, I'm just trying to give you a friendly warning because I don't want you to make any mistakes. You don't have to be so rude."

Lauren's smile vanished as she stared at him coldly. "Dexter, who do you think you are to meddle in my personal life? And what are you going to do about my rudeness?"

Dexter, heir to the prestigious Combs family, could only hold back his anger, not daring to confront Lauren; the Combs family lacked the influence to challenge the Rhodes family.

"Come on, Lauren, Dexter means well," Harvey intervened smoothly. "Let's stop arguing. Since we've all run into each other, why don't we hang out together?"

Since the Weller and Rhodes families were equals in Jayrodale's social hierarchy, Lauren had to show Harvey some respect. She smiled and said, "Well, that's not my decision—it's up to Andy!"

Harvey and Dexter frowned, wondering how this nobody held such sway over Lauren.

Dexter mocked, "Listen, we play elite sports here. If you can't handle it, get lost!"

Harvey raised his hand, feigning concern. "Dexter, don't scare Andrew. Everyone has to start somewhere." Then, he turned to Andrew with a smirk. "Come on, Andrew, join us. With Christie, Lauren, and the other ladies watching, surely you don't want to look like a coward?"

Andrew saw through Harvey's provocation but had no interest in engaging these people. Just as he was about to refuse, Francesca jumped in.

"Thank you for the invitation. We'd love to join everyone!"

Harvey and Dexter exchanged knowing smiles, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent to humiliate Andrew.

Francesca turned to Andrew and whispered urgently, "I know you're not good at any of this, but you can't embarrass Lauren. Come on, just watch Mr. Weller and learn from him."