Andrew had originally planned to visit the Peck residence to check on Victoria. Since she had returned from Goldridge, it was only right for him to show up personally.
However, George kept insisting he stay for a meal. Logan even stood by the door, reftising to let him leave. Left with no choice, he agreed to stay at the Keller residence and figured he would head out after the meal.
At the dining table, George poured Andrew
glass of wine and beahed. “Try this, it’s homemade.”
Andrew took the glass and downed it in one go. He praised, “That’s a really good wine.”
George laughed heartily. “You’ve got a strong stomach for alcohol. I’m too old for that now. I can only take small sips.”
Andrew smiled. “Mr. Keller Senior, you’re being modest. Everyone in Blumedale knows you’re still going strong.”
George was clearly pleased and clinked glasses with Andrew a few more times, chatting and laughing along the way. Hannah’s matter was finally settling, no longer feeling like a thorn in his side
Logan shot Andrew a grateful look, deeply moved. This time, Andrew had truly helped the Keller family save face in a big way. After all, if word had gotten out that Hannah had been assaulted, it would have been a complete stain on George’s reputation.
Just then, Emily, Freya, and Hannah came out one after another.
“Dad! Andrew! Logan!” Hannah rushed forward first, her carefully touched–up makeup making her face radiant as she politely greeted everyone.
When she passed by Andrew, she casually plopped down right next to him.
Andrew’s expression remained unchanged as he said nothing. He had no idea what Hannah was up to, but it did not matter. Once he finished eating, he would be on his way.
Freya sat across from Andrew, her eyes downcast and dim as she remained silent. Meanwhile, Emily picked up the wine bottle and personally poured Andrew a glass.
Andrew quickly tried to decline, “Ms. Emily, please,
pour for myself.
Emily insisted. “Andrew, I have to toast you with this glass, no matter what. I know you think I’m dumb, arrogant, and just an airhead of a woman. But no matter what, you saved my life and protected my dignity. You also helped Hannah get justice, and I really have no way to repay a favor that big.”
She said her piece and downed the wine in one gulp.
Andrew was speechless. Emily clearly could not handle her alcohol yet she went full throttle.
George watched from the side, so Andrew had no choice but to follow along and empty his glass as well.
George nodded approvingly. “Well done, Emily. What you did today finally made me see you in a new light. Everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is having the courage to take responsibility and make things right.
“You’re not like before, thinking you’re all that and unable to put aside the pride and airs of being the Keller family’s eldest daughter. This shows you’ve made real progress. This shows real growth!”
Emily hummed softly and sat down next to Logan. She understood that today was not her moment to shine. From now on, whenever Andrew was around, she would keep a low profile and play the supporting role.
“Andrew, here, try this dish!”
Hannah began her performance. She kept piling food onto Andrew’s plate and kept refilling his drink with a smile.
At first, Andrew tried to be polite. Gradually, he started to notice something was off. He realized that she was overly enthusiastic and hospitable. This kind of behavior had never happened before.
1/2
Chapter 1931
+15 BONUS
“Ms, Harinah, If you’re grateful because of the Hank situation, thas really not necessary,” Andrew said diplomatically. “That matter is behind us now. Let’s just pretend it never happened and forget about it.”
His message was clear: he hoped Hannah would stop putting on a show. He had not even taken the incident to heart, so there was no need for her to make a scene.
Yet, Hannah did not get the hint and kept going out of her way to please him. She even leaned in a little too close, her perfume making Andrew slightly uncomfortable.
Seeing George laughing and drinking away, his face red with joy, Andrew did not want to ruin his mood. Hence, he decided to just endure it.
However, Hannah crossed a line. At some point, she had slipped off her shoe under the table. Her foot, covered in black stockings, suddenly pressed against Andrew’s calf.
Then, it slowly started sliding upward and headed straight for his ner thigh.
