Chapter 694  She told me everything , Lauren said with a sly smile .


    She was really happy about what you supposedly did to her .


    But if she finds out it never actually happened , shell definitely feel disappointed .


    Andrews eyes narrowed in suspicion .


    Hold on a second .


    The way youre talking … it almost sounds like youre trying to sell me off to your best friend .


    You wouldnt actually do that … would you ? Lauren burst intoughter .


    Wouldnt ? I already did ! Frans all yours whenever you want .


    I wont mind .


    But , she added with a teasing grin , you better make sure you treat us both equally .


    No ying favorites ! Andrew mmed on the brakes in front of Glorious Pharmaceuticals and turned to Lauren .


    d youre both having fun … but has anyone thought about what this will de to my health ? Lauren doubled over ,ughing so hard she nearly choked .


    Andrew sat there for a moment , sighing with a mixture of amusement and dread .


    He wondered if he was really supposed to take responsibility for Francesca too .


    The thought weighed heavily on him .


    It was not like he was oblivious to her feelings he had sensed her growing affection for a while now .


    Nheless , despite their chemistry , they had never crossed that final line .


    Now , with Lauren practically pushing them together , it seemed inevitable .


    Still , Andrew was not one to force things .


    Some moments were better left to unfold naturally .


    Mr.


    Lloyd ! Ms.


    Rhodes ! Wee , wee ! Stephen himself appeared at the entrance , personallying to greet them .


    His tone was polite , but his expression was strained .


    Andrew and Lauren got out of the car , waving off the formalities .


    Mr.


    Brunner , no need to be so courteous .


    Lets get straight to the point , Andrew said as they headed inside .


    Upstairs , Stephen instructed someone to prepare tea while he sat down across from them , shing an uneasy smile .


    Mr.


    Lloyd , heres the situation , Stephen began , clearing his throat .


    Im somewhat of an acquaintance with Raymond Chapman , the owner of Dream Paradise .


    His club got trashed the other night … which , from what I understand , was because he crossed you .


    Honestly , he brought it on himself .


    But Raymond isnt taking it well , Stephen added with a grimace .


    He contacted me earlier and said hes nning toe after you .


    Andrew arched a brow .


    Come after me ? Id love to hear what exactly he thinks hes going to do .


    Stephen let out a coldugh .


    This Raymond likes to throw his weight around because of his connections with the provincial government .


    I tried to talk him down , but hes stubborn .


    Hes demanding that you go to the Jayrodale Grand Hotel for what hes calling a Reckoning Toast .


    Apparently , he wants you to ept three symbolic strikes and paypensation for the damages to Dream Paradise .


    He added , Otherwise , he says hell get the Wright family from the state capital involved … and theyll officially dere war on you .


    Andrew leaned back , his expression calm .


    The Wright family from the capital ? Never heard of them .


    What makes them so special ?  Chapter 694 Before Stephen could respond , Lauren chimed in , her voice suddenly serious .


    The Wright family from Blumedale ? Theyre one of the most influential households in the capital .


    They have a private security force and connections across various industries .


    Theyre just a step below the Driscoll family .


    But if were talking about power here in Jayrodale , she continued with a meaningful nce at Andrew , the Wrights could easily overpower the Weller family , the Aickers , and even my own Rhodes family .


    Stephen nodded in agreement .


    Exactly .


    The Wright family has resources and influence that run deep .


    And Raymond ? Hes a master at cozying up to people with power .


    One of the Wright familys young heirs spent three months partying at Dream Paradise , Stephen continued with a grimace .


    Word is , the guy slept with every top hostess there , one after another .


    By the time he left , he was so satisfied with Raymonds … hospitality … that he promised to support him in any way he could .


    Since then , Raymonds been sending regr tribute to the Wright family .


    And now he thinks that makes him untouchable .