Chapter 656
Natasha’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she huffed, “You didn’t have to yell at me or give me that terrifying look. Do you have any idea how scary you were just now?”
Andrew sighed in defeat. “Alright, I was being scary. So tell me, what can I do to make it up to you?”
“Just leave!” Natasha snapped. “If you need something, just give me orders, but I don’t want to see you again.”
“Really?” Andrew raised an eyebrow.
“Really!” Natasha replied icily.
Andrew reached into his pocket and pulled out a fragrant pill. He casually placed it in his palm and smiled. “Well, since you don’t want to see me anymore, I guess I’ll just have to enjoy these little treasures by myself.”
Natasha’s eyes sparkled with greed as she rushed forward in a flash, snatching the pill from his hand. “You don’t know what to do with it? Easy—I’ll take care of it for you! In fact, give me all of them!”
Andrew smirked. “Didn’t you just say you didn’t want anything to do with me?”
Natasha flushed slightly, rolling her eyes. “Did I say that? I must’ve forgotten.”
Shaking his head, Andrew decided not to argue. He left West End and made a quick stop at Moonlit Apothecary on his way back.
Nyla was tidying up, her sweat-soaked hair sticking to her forehead. She looked like she was preparing to close up for the night.
“Dr. Lloyd? What brings you here?” she asked, surprised but pleased to see him.
Andrew smiled softly. Seeing her working so hard tugged at his conscience. “I just stopped by to check on things. Nyla, you shouldn’t handle all the cleaning yourself—hire someone to help.”
Nyla shook her head firmly. “No way. Dr. Aicker asked me to assist you, so I’m going to do my job properly.”
Andrew’s expression grew serious. “Nyla, when I say something, I mean it. Don’t overwork yourself. Besides, you’re the heiress of the Goth family. I’d feel guilty making you do all this.”
Nyla gave a self-deprecating smile. “Don’t make me sound so special, Dr. Lloyd. I may have the Goth name, but I’m far from being a princess.”
Andrew frowned. “What’s wrong? Are you dealing with something? Talk to me—I want to help.”
Nyla brushed off his concern with a small laugh. “It’s nothing serious. Just some random thoughts, that’s all.”
“Go home, Dr. Lloyd. It’s late, and I’ll be heading out soon too,” she added.
Andrew was not convinced. “Put the broom down. I’m taking you out for dinner, and then I’ll drive you home.”
Nyla waved her hands in protest. “Oh no, that’s too much trouble. I couldn’t—”
Andrew chuckled. “Come on, Nyla. You’re part of Moonlit Apothecary now. Getting a little pampering is part of the package. Let’s go.”
After a hearty meal, Andrew dropped Nyla off at the Goth family’s estate. By the time he returned to his house at Moonlit Sanctuary, it was already 10 p.m.
His phone buzzed with a new message, reading, [What’re you up to?]
Andrew smiled, assuming it was from Lauren, who usually texted him around the same time each night. However, when he checked, the message was from Francesca instead.
[Just about to lie down. What about you? Haven’t gone to bed yet?] he replied, adding a smiling emoji.
Francesca’s response came almost immediately. [Already lying down, but I can’t sleep.]
[Go to bed early,] Andrew texted. [Staying up late isn’t good for your skin.]
[I know,] she wrote back. [But even with my eyes closed, I just can’t stop my mind from wandering.]
[Sounds like stress,] Andrew suggested. [I’ll prescribe something tomorrow to help you relax.]
[I don’t want medication. I just want a change of scenery. It’s boring here,] Francesca replied.
Andrew paused, raising a brow. [A change of scenery?]
[Yeah,] she texted. [Like somewhere peaceful, maybe that big villa at the top of Moonlit Sanctuary. You know, the one in our neighborhood with the best view.]
Andrew blinked in surprise. Francesca was talking about his villa.
Was she implying she wanted to stay there? What exactly did she mean by that?