Chapter 19 Shawn looked at Andrew with a smirk .


    Whats the matter , Andrew ? You sound like you have a problem with this .


    Irene mocked , Of course he does .


    He cant stand that youre more capable than him .


    Hes just jealous .


    Andrew shook his head , amazed at Shawns shamelessness .


    He knew the truth Marvin had personally called him for permission , and it was only after Andrew gave the green light that Stevens Corporation had a shot at the orphanage property .


    Shawn raised his ss , looking smug .


    Andrew , youre being ridiculous .


    Im graciously inviting you for a drink , and instead of being grateful , youre questioning me .


    Your attitude suggests you think you helped Christie , not me .


    Leroy scoffed , Yeah , right ! As if a wimp like him could pull that off .


    If he managed to do it , Id eat my hat .


    Andrew turned to Christina , his tone serious .


    A word of advice : youre surrounded by dishonest idiots with bad intentions .


    Be careful .


    Id hate to see you run the Stevens Corporation into the ground because you cant judge peoples character .


    However , his well intentioned words were met with displeasure from Christina .


    Andrew , I dont understand why you always have such a problem with the people around me .


    I know I you earlier with the misunderstanding , and Ive apologized .


    But that doesnt give you the right to baselessly smear the reputations of those close to me .


    hurt Andrew was taken aback .


    Baselessly smear ? So you still think Im causing trouble for no reason ? Christina sighed , waving her hand tiredly .


    Can we drop this ? Honestly , Andrew , Im really disappointed in you right now .


    Andrew let out a bitterugh , realizing his good intentions had backfired .


    Fine , youre always right .


    Im the bad guy , Im targeting the people around you , and I cant stand to see you .


    happy .


    Is that what you want to hear ? With a cold chuckle , Andrew turned to leave .


    He had had enough of this foolish woman .


    Stop right there ! Christinas voice was sharp , filled with anger and hurt .


    Since youre being so nasty , Im done protecting your feelings .


    Its bad enough that youre helping others work against me , but now you cant even stand to see someone nice to me ? She could not believe that the man she had been with for three years could be so ugly on the inside .


    Shawn chimed in with a smug smile .


    Andrew , we get it .


    Youre trying to get back at Christie for dumping you .


    First , you became Laurenspdog to annoy Christie .


    Then , you teamed up with Marvin , using the wealth of the richest man in town topete with Christie .


    Look , man to man , I understand youre Just trying to stroke your ego .


    But take my advice real men rely on themselves , not others .


    Andrew thought he heard the funniest joke .


    This dlot was truly a champion of misunderstanding , and his logic was so twisted that it was almost Impressive .


    Christina red at Andrew , her eyes filled with disgust .


    Cat got your tongue ? Werent you just saying I cant judge peoples character ? Andrew took a deep breath , fighting the urge to shake some sense into her .


    Your opinion of me doesnt matter .


    But I still stand by what I said about Shawn- Christina cut him off angrily , shut up ! Even now , youre still questioning him ? Fine , Ill prove you wrong once and for all .


    I was there when Shawn made the call .


    He used his family connections to help me get that property .


    I saw it with my own eyes .


    What do you have to say now ? Shawn was secretly thrilled to see the two at each others throats .


    Finally , he had the upper hand over Andrew .


    By the looks of it , Christina was thoroughly disgusted with this loser .


    The chance was finally knocking on his door , and he believed it would not be long before he could have her in his bed .


    What a pathetic excuse for a man .


    Ive seen gold diggers before , but this guy takes the cake .


    If I were Ms.


    Stevens , Id p him silly .


    Is he immoral or just insane ? A guy like him should just disappear .


    I cant believe Ms.


    Stevens had to deal with someone like that .


    Its so unfair to her ! The other diners in the restaurant started muttering among themselves , their eyes full of contempt for Andrew .


    A few men looked ready to jump in at Christinasmand , eager to teach Andrew a lesson .


    Just leave .


    I never want to see your face again , Christina stated , pointing at the door and turning away in disgust .


    Andrew , already eager to leave , replied coldly , Now I see youre not just foolish , but blind too .


    As he was about to exit , a group of tough looking men in ck suits burst through the doors .


    Which one of you is the CEO of Stevens Corporation ? You need toe with us , the bald leader barked , a cigarette dangling from his lips as he pointed at the crowd .


    The other diners cowered , sensing trouble .


    Christina stepped forward , frowning .


    Im Christina Stevens .


    What do you want ? Baldy shed a sleazy grin .


    Well , well , arent you a beauty ? Tell me , that property in South City Stevens Corporation has it now , right ? Yes , Its ours .


    What of it ? Perfect .


    Boys , grab her .


    Christinas face paled .


    You wouldnt dare ! Baldys grin turned sinister .


    Oh , sweetheart , you ll soon see what we dare .


    Were taking that property and you too .


    Just look at those beautiful legs of yours ! Well have fun with you for a good long while .


    Leroy rushed forward , enraged .


    Who do you thugs think you are ? Touch Christie , and Ill skin you alivel A sharp p echoed through the room , followed by a sickening thud .


    Baldy had struck Leroy across the face and then delivered a brutal kick to his chest .


    As a result , Leroy flew backward , coughing up blood .


    this ! Shawn stepped forward , his face grim .


    Gentlemen , do you know who youre dealing with ? Im Shawn Fields of the Fields family .


    Surely youve heard of us .


    Irene walled , Oh no , Leroy ! My poor baby ! You just got out of the hospital , and now t Baldy sneered , ncing at Shawn dismissively .


    I dont give a damn who you are .


    Fields family ? Never heard of that , trash .


    Now , back off .


    We want the South City property and this lovelydy , not your ugly mug .


    Insulted , Shawns anger red .


    You scum ! Youre asking for trouble now .


    He dramatically pulled Christina behind him , ying the hero .


    Dont worry , Christie .


    Ill handle this .


    Shawn felt his blood pumping .


    This was his chance to impress Christina and save the day .


    He was confident that Christina would willingly be his after he saved her .


    After all , that was how it usually yed out in the movies , and it was undoubtedly true .


    Listen up , fes .


    Ill let you in on a secret Im the one who helped Stevens Corporation acquire that orphanage property , Shawn boasted , lighting a cigarette and blowing smoke in Baldys face .


    You want thend and to kidnap someone ? Come at me .


    Im warning you though , you cant afford to mess with the Fields family , Shawn threatened .


    Baldy and his crew stared at Shawn , dumbfounded .


    Irene and the others , misreading the situation , felt a glimmer of hope .


    While Christina knew Shawn had ulterior motives for helping her , she could not help but feel a twinge of admiration for Shawns bravery , especiallypared to Andrews supposed cowardice .


    Shawn , feeling triumphant , cleared his throat .


    Now , Ill give you one chance .


    Kneel and apologize to Ms.


    Stevens , and then- And then go to hell ! Baldy snarled , grabbing a fistful of Shawns hair and yanking him forward .