Chapter 424


    "Mr. Brooke, can you quit hitting me? Didn''t I alreadypensate you with a new one?" Yates pleaded,


    dodging punches, "Can''t you let me off the hook for Astrid''s sake?"


    "Why should I stop punching you for Astrid?" Magee just keptnding his punches harder, especially on


    the parts Yates couldn''t dodge, "Listen here, you worthless, aimless dude. You''re way out of Astrid''s


    league!"


    Themotion in the hallway had the neighbors peeking out, suspecting some trouble. Feeling


    embarrassed, Yates dumped the gift on the floor and dashed off through the fire escape, "Happy


    birthday, Astrid! I''lle see you again!"


    "Again? If you dare, I''ll break your legs!" Magee hollered after him at the stairwell, then turned to find


    the neighbors staring with wide eyes.


    He straightened his cor awkwardly, exining, "That punk, he was bothering my daughter. A good


    beating will do. Can''t go easy on such people. Better watch out if you have a daughter!"


    Neighbors and Astrid were all rolling their eyes.


    Magee spent the entire day at Astrid''s.


    Elio had nned an entire birthday process for Astrid, but it didn''t go smoothly. Yet, he had no


    loss.


    Christmas Eve was also Roman''s birthday. It was the happiest birthday he''d ever had, with his mother


    by his side and a ton of gifts from his grandpa and eight uncles. He was over the moon.


    During the Christmas break, Astrid received a message from Dale: [Astrid, how''s your holiday? Time to


    get back to work.]


    Astrid: [No problem. Send me my schedule.]


    Dale: [I''ve already sent it to Gracie. I have several good projects lined up. Check them out and let me


    know which ones you like. I''ll reserve them for you.]


    Astrid: [Okay.]


    Early that day, Astrid dropped Roman off at the Lampard family''s mansion, then headed to the TV


    station with Gracie. On the way, she received a text from an unknown number: [If you won''t heed my


    warning and still want to be with Elio, those around you will be in danger.]


    Even though she''d changed her number, Astrid knew it was the same person who had warned her not


    to be with Elio. The person always used disposable cards, discarding them after sending the message.


    So, there was no way to trace it.


    "Astrid, we''re here. What''s on your mind?" Gracie''s voice snapped Astrid back to reality. She stepped


    out of the car with a smile.


    A few fans were waiting at the TV station entrance. She greeted them warmly, and handed the


    prepared New Year gifts to Gracie to distribute.


    The fans who received the gifts were ecstatic, jumping up and down, "Wow! Astrid''s signed postcard!"


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    "Astrid is so nice, giving us gifts!"


    "I love it!"


    "Astrid is so thoughtful! Did she prepare this in advance?"


    "Astrid''s so sweet!"


    "Happy New Year, Astrid!"


    Astrid waved to the crowd, "Happy New Year, everyone! It''s cold outside, go home!"


    Once she entered the TV station, Selena ran up, beaming, "Boss, long time no see, Happy New Year!"