Chapter 82

Dylan was caught off guard by Francesca's question. He chuckled. "Ms. Aicker, I think you've misunderstood. While Mr. Yates's opinion influences my respect for Mr. Lloyd, it's not the primary reason."

"So, you're not doing this simply to please Mr. Yates?" Francesca pressed, unconvinced.

Dylan scoffed. "I respect Mr. Yates, but I wouldn't grovel for anyone's sake. Besides, many people respect Mr. Lloyd, including Mr. Yates himself. I can't elaborate. Ms. Aicker, it's best not to delve too deeply into Mr. Lloyd's affairs."

The cautious look on Dylan's face left Francesca reeling. The fact that even Marvin Yates, Jayrodale's wealthiest and most influential man, respected Andrew was astonishing.

She would have dismissed it as exaggeration from anyone else. But this was the South City crime lord, a figure even the Aickers feared.

"Andrew, have I truly misjudged you?" Francesca whispered, her heart pounding as she remembered Lauren's unwavering faith in him.

At the club entrance, Lauren playfully threatened Francesca before entering her luxury car. "Fran, be kind to Dr. Lloyd on the way back. If I hear you've been unkind, you're in big trouble!"

The ride back to Moonlit Sanctuary was quiet. Finally, Francesca casually asked, "Andrew, what's your connection to Mr. Yates?"

Andrew gazed out the window. "Oh, nothing. He's just… my butler, I suppose."

Francesca had to suppress her shock. Marvin Yates, the equal of Jayrodale's most powerful families, was merely Andrew's butler. However, she restrained her usual skepticism.

Her past prejudices had already hindered her understanding of him. Continuing to cling to those assumptions could blindside both her and her family.

"There are rumors Mr. Yates isn't originally from Jayrodale," Francesca probed carefully. "Does that mean you aren't from here either?"

Andrew turned from the window, his deep eyes studying her with amusement. "Why the sudden interest in a nobody like me?"

"Just making conversation," Francesca backpedaled quickly. "Coming from the Aicker family, if I were interested in someone, it would be someone like Harvey."

Andrew shrugged. "True, Harvey is Jayrodale's most eligible bachelor. How could a small-time doctor like me compare? Besides, I was joking about Mr. Yates. Someone like me couldn't possibly have any connection with him."

Francesca let out a small snort, thinking, Yeah, right!