Andrew met the graceful Victoria in the loft behind the Peck residence. Her skin was fair and her figure delicate, and the cold expression on her face melted into a smile the moment she saw him. "Andrew, you're here. Come, sit. I'll make you a cup of tea." As she moved, a soft, pleasant fragrance trailed behind her. Andrew cleared his throat and quickly said, "No need for tea, Victoria. I'm here to discuss something important with you." Victoria smiled and waved him off. "No rush. Let me brew the tea first. A man should learn to enjoy tea, and more importantly, learn how to stay calm and composed. Even when the world is falling apart, sometimes you have to act like you're unbothered." Andrew nodded seriously. "Victoria, your advice is appreciated." Victoria glanced back at him with a playful glint in her eye. "You really are such a likable young man. You come from a noble family, you've got top-tier skills, and yet you're so respectful and humble. If I were at least ten yea

Andrew asked, "Did you forget that we almost got blown up?" Aspen looked angry, but still shook her head. "The Driscoll family is incredibly powerful. I think we're not strong enough to go up against them right now! Of course, I won't forget what happened before. But I think we should lay low for a while!" Andrew smiled and reached out to caress half of her face. "What? Are you scared?" With a proud little huff, she replied proudly, "Me, alone? Of course, I'd be scared of going up against the Driscoll family. But with you, why would I ever be afraid?" Andrew pulled his hand back and chuckled. "Don't worry. None of you needs to worry about this. New Year's is coming up. I'll be heading to the Southern Martial Union headquarters. When the time comes, see if the three of you want to tag along and take a little vacation." Aspen's eyes lit up. "The headquarters? That's right next door in Goldridge! That city's incredible. Of course, we'll go! I'll go tell Lauren and Fran right now

Hank chuckled. "Hope I didn't make things awkward, Ms. Driscoll. I just arrived in Gabo Creek, and the moment I met Hannah, it was love at first sight. I figured I'd bring her along today. I hope you don't mind?" Scarlett smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "Why would I mind? You've clearly got charm and skill. I mean, to win over Ms. Keller in such a short time? That's impressive." She gave a low chuckle and teased, "Judging by how close you two are, I wouldn't be surprised if you already slept together! I'm pretty direct when I speak. I hope you both don't take offense!" Hannah flushed, a mix of embarrassment and irritation on her face. Even so, she did not deny it, which was as good as admitting it. On the other hand, Hank looked smug, practically glowing with pride. "Hannah and I are genuinely in love. Some things just happen naturally, and we couldn't help ourselves." Scarlett's smirk. "Passion between a man and a woman isn't a crime. But from what I've heard, Mr. Kel

"It's just that the Driscoll family doesn't like him and plans to eliminate him. Did he discover I was behind the last incident?" Scarlett wondered aloud. However, she quickly shook her head after saying that. Even if Andrew knew she was trying to kill him, she doubted he would dare to turn against her. Besides, the sniper from earlier had been extremely professional and was clearly a real hitman. Andrew had some skills, sure, but he was no assassin. Scarlett dismissed the idea entirely, believing there was no way Andrew was behind the ambush. It did not add up. Hank laughed. "Yeah, I don't think it was him either. The guy's got decent medical skills, and as for his fighting ability, it's hard to say, but he doesn't exactly strike me as tough. Besides, anyone bold enough to go after you wouldn't be some nobody." Meanwhile, Andrew had not gone home right after escaping. Instead, he waited near a street corner not far from the Keller residence. He did not have to wait long b

Lauren said plainly, "We three ladies would like to have a private chat, so we won't be entertaining you." Aspen was even more direct. She picked up her phone and started scrolling through TikTok. She did not even glance at Hank, treating him like air. Hank felt slightly embarrassed, but he was not ready to back down. The three stunning women in front of him were leagues above the likes of Hannah, and if he could land even one of them, he would die a happy man. "Ladies, I think I ought to reintroduce myself. I'm Hank Armstrong, Special Ops. You know what that is, right? We're the ones who handle high-level classified missions. You don't see us often on Holtrien soil, but when we do show up, we're always the center of attention." He laid it on thick, trying to paint himself as someone powerful and mysterious. That tactic had worked like a charm with Hannah before, but not this time. Lauren was already losing her patience. "Mr. Armstrong, yes, we heard you the first time. You'r