Chapter 925
Andrew smiled faintly, saying, “Searching aimlessly would’ve been pointless. Elon, being the proud heir of the Golding family, thought he was untouchable in a small town like Jayrodale. So, when he kidnapped Francesca, he wouldn’t trust just any place to hide her. There was only one spot he felt completely secure – a place guarded by his family’s top enforcers.”
Jameson raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Do tell.”
Andrew continued, “Elon only trusted locations where his family’s strongest fighters were stationed. Knowing that, I didn’t waste time searching randomly. Instead, I focused on tracking the movements of the Golding family’s half-step martial king. Sure enough, he was the one guarding Francesca at a secluded villa outside the city.”
Tiana scoffed, clearly skeptical. “That’s a nice story, but there’s one glaring hole in it. How did you manage to rescue Francesca with a half-step martial king standing guard? That’s not something just anyone can pull off.”
Andrew shrugged casually. “It was simple, really. I just took down the half-step martial king and walked out with Francesca.”
Tiana rolled her eyes, her disbelief evident. “That’s ridiculous. If a half-step martial king could be taken down so easily, they wouldn’t be called a half-step martial king.”
Jameson chuckled, trying to diffuse the tension. “Let’s not get caught up in the details. Everyone has their secrets! What impresses me is Andrew’s sharp thinking and strategy. Well done, young man.”
Andrew humbly replied, “You flatter me, Mr. Rhodes. Compared to your leadership and the way you manage an entire family, my little tricks are nothing.”
Jameson laughed heartily. “See, Tiana? This young man knows how to talk. I have to say, I’m growing fonder of him by the minute.”
Tiana shot back, “Of course you like him. You’re both cut from the same cloth–full of hot air and big talk.”
Jameson ignored her jab, used to his wife’s sharp tongue. He turned to Andrew with a warm smile. “Andrew, since we’ve crossed paths, how about joining me for a meal? My treat.”
Andrew did not hesitate. “I’d be honored. Just a heads-up, though – I have a big appetite. You might regret offering.”
Jameson waved it off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not paying anyway – Tiana is. We’ll eat and drink to our heart’s content!”
Tiana’s eye twitched as she glared at Jameson. Francesca, standing nearby, spoke up softly. “Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, I think I’ll head back now. It was nice seeing you.”
Jameson smiled warmly. “Francesca, come along. I haven’t been back to Jayrodale in a while, and I’d like to catch up with Mr. Aicker later.”
Tiana, surprisingly, softened her tone. “Yes, dear, join us. Lauren will be there too.”
Francesca glanced at Andrew, her cheeks turning pink. This felt awkward – tagging along to a meal with Andrew and his future in-laws?
However, Andrew did not seem bothered. “Come on, Francesca. It’s free food, and Mrs. Rhodes is paying. We might as well enjoy it.”
Tiana narrowed her eyes. “Don’t think you’re getting off easily, kid. You owe me for this meal – ten times over!”
Andrew grinned, knowing he had to play along. “Fair enough. Whatever you say, Mrs. Rhodes. After all, if things work out with Lauren, you’ll be my mother-in-law someday.”
Tiana’s face flushed with anger. “Mother-in-law? Dream on! Andrew, I swear, your audacity knows no bounds.”
Andrew kept his tone light. “Just keeping up with you, Mrs. Rhodes.”
Tiana was fuming, but Jameson quickly stepped in. “Come on, Tiana, don’t take it so personally. We owe Andrew a meal, especially after everything he’s done for the family. Remember, he’s the one who saved the company and got the Pharmaceutical Division back on track.”