Chapter 9 Christina stared coldly at Andrew , her eyes filled with disappointment , anger , and a hint of jealousy that she did not even realize .


    Andrew , I cant believe you found someone new so quickly after we ended things , she said bitterly .


    How foolish of me to feel guilty all this time .


    I guess I was just fooling myself ! Andrew shot back , When ites to moving on quickly , I could never match your efficiency , Ms.


    Stevens ! You … Fine , you win , I cant argue with you anymore , Christina stammered , at a loss for words .


    Laurens beauty , curvaceous figure , andmanding presence all made Christina feel incredibly insecure .


    If the woman by Andrews side had been in or unremarkable , she might have brushed it off .


    Yet , Lauren was different she posed a real threat .


    This woman did not fall short in any aspectpared to Christina .


    She even surpassed her in some ways , like her more prominent cleavage .


    Lauren was theplete package , oozing charm and sex appeal .


    Shawns lewd stare said it all .


    Moreover , this gorgeous woman was now clinging to the man Christina had given up .


    It felt like a p in the face , as if the universe was mocking her for being blind to Andrews worth .


    Andrew , I think we need to talk privately , Christina said , taking a deep breath and looking directly at him .


    Andrew remained unmoved .


    Im sorry , Ms.


    Stevens , but I have nothing to say to you .


    Andrew , do you really want to embarrass me in public like this ? Christina snapped , her eyes starting to water .


    Andrews resolve wavered slightly when he saw her vulnerable expression .


    Alright , maybe we should- Before Andrew could finish , Lauren tightened her grip on his hand and interjected sweetly , Andy , some people may have looked down on you and pushed you away .


    But dont worry , Im here now .


    Whatever you want , Ill give it to you ! Her affectionate disy made Shawn grit his teeth in envy .


    He wanted nothing more than to take Andrews ce .


    He wondered just how many lifetimes of good karma this bastard cashed in to have such a beauty throw herself at him .


    Christina spun around and hurried away , her dress rustling as she moved .


    Only when she was out of sight did she finally let the tears she had been holding back spill down her cheeks .


    Christina thought Andrew had gone too far .


    She had been worried about him all along , yet he was unting another woman right in her face .


    1/3 Chaneys  Christie , Christie , walt up ! Irene and Shawn called out , suddenly flustered .


    Irene turned to Andrew , her face twisted with malice .


    You little bastard , look what youve done to Christie ! Dont get cocky .


    A loser like you who lives off women will get whatsing to you sooner orter .


    Youll be kicked to the curb in no time ! Shawn red at Andrew .


    Miss , step aside .


    This plece of trash needs to be taught a lesson today .


    Feeling triumphant after driving Christina away , Lauren coldly replied , Im warning you onest time .


    My name is Lauren Rhodes .


    Andy is with me , and if you dare touch him , Ill make sure you regret it .


    Lauren Rhodes ? Youre the Rhodes family heiress , Jayrodales most beautiful woman ? Shawn eximed , suddenly backing down .


    After all , the Rhodes family was too powerful for even the Fields family to mess with .


    Shawn skulked away , but his envy and frustration were at their peak .


    He was in disbelief at how a loser like Andrew deserved such luck .


    He had just broken up with Christina , yet he immediately met a better , almost perfect woman .


    Dr.


    Lloyd , youre not upset that I interfered just now , are you ? Lauren asked with an innocent smile .


    Andrew could not bring himself to be angry .


    He smiled wryly and said , I know you meant well , Ms.


    Rhodes .


    You were trying to stand up for me .


    .


    Laurens eyes twinkled mischievously .


    What if I wasnt just standing up for you ? What if I was serious ? Andrew looked at her , puzzled .


    Lauren leaned in close , her soft body almost pressed against Andrews .


    To be honest , Dr.


    Lloyd , Im kind of tempted to … turn this act into reality , she whispered , her warm breath tickling his ear .


    1 With a yful giggle , Lauren walked toward the fundraising hall with her bodyguards .


    Andrew shook his head , silently calling her a tease , but could not help smiling as he followed her inside .


    2 Christie , do you still have feelings for that loser ? Shawn asked with resentment as the Stevens Corporation group entered the fundraising hall under the watchful eyes of many guests .


    Jrene chimed in , Christie , dear , you saw how useless that good for nothing is .


    Now that hes left you , hestched onto someone else .


    Its embarrassing just thinking about it ! Christina had already regained herposure .


    Ive cut all ties with him .


    Whatever he does is  Chagged b none of my business .


    I just didnt expect him to be so disrespectful , bringing a woman here .


    just to spite me .


    Shawn gritted his teeth and said , That woman is Lauren Rhodes , the heiress of the Rhodes family .


    Shes Jayrodales number one socialite .


    I cant fathom what she sees in that loser Andrew Christinas face showed a sh of surprise , then understanding .


    Of course , it all makes sense now .


    When Shawn looked puzzled , Christina exined Think about It .


    Who here tonight canpete with Stevens Corporation for the orphanage property ? Clearly , only the Rhodes family has that kind of financial power .


    Laurens apparent intimacy with Andrew is just a ploy to throw me off my game .


    Shawn pped his thigh in agreement .


    Thats gotta be it ! I knew there was no way someone like her would actually be interested in Andrew .


    So , hes just an idiot , unknowingly used by Lauren as a tool to mess with your head .


    Ive got to admit , shes quite sneaky ! Christinas face lit up with a confident smile .


    I went through a lot to bring Stevens Corporation to where it is today , and Im not a fragile woman whos easily shaken .


    The Rhodes family may be loaded , and Lauren might seem perfect , but Im no less than her .


    Just then , the host announced the start of the fundraising .


    ording to the rules , whoever donated the most would win the right to purchase the orphanage property .


    Christie , how much are you nning to donate ? Shawn inquired .


    Christinas voice was filled with determination .


    Enough to crush anypetition .


    Ive said it before Stevens Corporation will have this property , no matter what .


    Shawn was quick to tter her .


    Christie , you may be a woman , but you have more guts than most men ! With the Fields family backing you up , weve got this in the bag ! Irene beamed with pride .


    Well said , Shawn ! Christie has always been perfect .


    Thats why that loser Andrew should stay far, far away from her !