Chapter 1816
Getting from Blumedale to Goldridge only required crossing a state border. It took just about three hours by car, so it was not exactly a long haul.
The next day, Andrew and Zachary chose to drive directly to Goldridge, and they left at dawn.
Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen had all dressed up beautifully, looking absolutely stunning and eye–catching. Meanwhile, Andrew had left Dylan and Natasha behind at Serenity Villa to keep an eye on Shiloh. If anything unexpected happened, they would have to alert Andrew right away.
Zachary drove an SUV and brought along Ruth. Catching Andrew’s glance, he explained, “I’m not just bringing her for pleasure. Ruth came from a rough background and is great at taking care of others.”
He added, “Ms. Rhodes and the other two are delicate. If they need anything inconvenient handled, we can just have Ruth do it since they’re used to the finer things in life.”
Andrew nodded. “That’s thoughtful of you. Let’s head out then. You lead, and I’ll follow.”
Zachary smiled. “Sure thing. I’ve been to Goldridge several times and know the roads well, so I’ll guide the way.”
Winter had already arrived, and it was freezing cold outside. Although they were taking the highway and the roads were not iced over, the scenery was not particularly beautiful.
Andrew focused on driving with Lauren in the passenger seat, while Francesca and Aspen sat in the back. All three women were in high spirits, chatting nonstop throughout the journey.
Andrew had filled them in on some details about Hannah’s situation.
Francesca hissed, “Hank’s an absolute scumbag! To think he’s supposed to be a Special Ops agent! What a trashy person!”
Aspen said coldly, “I despise men who hit women more than anything. Of course, that doesn’t apply to you, honey.”
Lauren turned around from the passenger seat with a curious expression. “Wait, Aspen, are you saying he’s hit you before?”
She giggled and teased, “Was it one of those take–you–down kind of nights? That’s not abuse, that’s passion.”
Aspen rolled her eyes and pouted. “If it were gentle love, I’d be begging for more. But you don’t understand. I really did get my ass kicked back in Jayrodale!”
Francesca looked sympathetic. “Aspen, you were pretty bratty back then. Don’t get mad at me for saying that, but it’s amazing how you got beat down, and somehow, that turned into love. Weird how life works, huh?”
Aspen’s face turned red with embarrassment. “Yes, it was very strange. I used to really hate him and even wanted to kill him. But in the end… It ended up…”
Francesca chuckled mischievously. “In the end, he got you into bed and had his way with you, right?”
Aspen snorted softly. “You’re no different! What makes you any better than me? Besides, Fran, I’ve noticed your appeti the biggest among us three.”
Lauren nodded in agreement. “That’s right! I think so too. Fran, even I can’t compete with how loud you get!”
Francesca was mortified and glared at both of them with fiery eyes. “You two aren’t any different, so don’t you dare talk about me! You’re just pot calling the kettle black! We’re all the same!”
Andrew really could not take it anymore and coughed to interrupt. Can we please not talk about these things? When we get to Goldridge, Zachary and I need to visit the Southern Martial Union headquarters first. You three can go shopping by yourselves, okay?”
All three women readily agreed. Goldridge was an international metropolis, and they could have plenty of fun even without
Andrew.
Chapter 1816
+25 BONUS
‘Getting back to the point, honey, the Keller family can’t just ignore what happened to Hannah, right?” Lauren asked seriously. Andrew kept his eyes on the road and replied, “Of course, they wont ignore it. Hank didn’t just sleep with Hannah and steal her money. Worse yet, he beat her up, which is straight–up abuse. Mr. Keller Senior may be getting on in years, but he’s never been a pushover. Even I’ve had enough.”
Francesca frowned. “But Hank already left Blumedale. How are you supposed to take him to justice?”
Andrew replied calmly, “He might be out of Blumedale, but he’s still in Gabo Creek province. Right now, he’s with Ms. Garcia. So no, this isn’t over yet.”
