Chapter 651
Lauren hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Since you overheard it, I might as well tell you everything. Joe is the young master of Blumedale’s Driscoll family. He’s also the most outstanding talent among their generation.”
She explained, “The Rhodes family originated from Jayrodale but moved to Blumedale to expand. I’ve only met Joe twice, and after that, he declared he was in love with me and swore he would marry me no matter what.
“This news spread quickly within Blumedale’s social circles. Later, the Driscoll family formally came to the Rhodes family to propose marriage.”
Lauren’s voice faltered slightly as her expression dimmed for a moment. “It was absurd to me, but my parents and the elders didn’t object at all. They were overjoyed and accepted the proposal without hesitation.”
Andrew spoke softly, sensing her struggle. “So, you’re caught in a tough spot, aren’t you? On one side, there's me; on the other, there’s your parents and your family. If you choose me, you’ll be going against your family’s wishes and feel like you’re letting your parents down, right?”
Lauren’s face paled as conflict and pain clouded her expression. Yet, after a deep breath, she smiled and firmly held Andrew’s hand. “No matter what, I want to be with you. I love you, Dr. Lloyd.”
She added, “I love you in the way that I’d do anything for you, whatever it takes.”
Throughout history, no hero has ever truly resisted the charms of a beautiful woman. And no burden had been heavier than a woman’s favor.
Andrew said nothing and simply pulled Lauren into a gentle embrace. He bore no grudge against the Driscoll family and did not care much about their influence. However, for the woman in his arms, Andrew did not care who stood in his way. If someone blocked his path, they would be removed–simple as that.
After work, Andrew did not return to Moonlit Sanctuary. Instead, he drove straight to the West End headquarters.
Natasha greeted him with a dramatic pout. “Oh, I see how it is. Ever since you got cozy with Ms. Rhodes, you don’t visit me anymore. Darling, I didn’t know you liked younger girls! If you’d told me, I could’ve dressed in a school uniform with thigh-highs. You’d be begging me in no time!”
Andrew sighed and rolled his eyes. “What nonsense are you spouting now? Quit the drama; I haven’t even eaten yet. Get me some food first.”
Natasha huffed but did not argue, stomping off to fetch him a plate of beef ragu pasta. “Here. Extra beef. Eat up. You can’t work on an empty stomach, you know!”
She placed the plate in front of him with a dramatic thud, but her concern still slipped through. Andrew took a whiff and smiled. “Smells great. I didn’t expect the West End to have pasta this good.”
Natasha crossed her arms and glared. “Those aren’t from some street vendor! I made them myself!”
Andrew froze in surprise. “You made these? I didn’t know you could cook.”
Natasha’s temper flared as she grabbed the plate, threatening to take it away. “Oh, so now you’re looking down on me? Fine! I’ll dump this and feed it to the pigs!”
Andrew quickly blocked her, chuckling awkwardly. “Come on, Natasha. Don’t get so worked up. You’re the leader of the West End! You’re always busy–how was I supposed to know you had time to cook?”
Natasha gritted her teeth. “Busy or not, even if the President himself showed up, the best he’d get from me is boiled broccoli. But you’re different. I actually wanted to cook for you, and you can’t even appreciate it.”
Andrew immediately dug into the pasta, finishing the sauce without wasting a drop. He smiled warmly. “It’s delicious. You know, Natasha, if you ever get tired of being a badass crime boss, you’d do really well running a pasta shop.”
Chapter 652