Yara let out a furious laugh. "Andrew, you really are an arrogant bastard! Fine. If you think so little of me, I'll find someone else. You're not the only player in town."

Andrew waved a hand. "Be my guest."

"You—" Yara's chest heaved with rage, but she was too calculating to let her anger show fully. With one last icy glare, she turned on her heels and stormed out, her stilettos clicking sharply against the floor.

She had come here looking down on him—some nobody from Jayrodale who'd clawed his way into Blumedale through sheer luck and stubbornness. In her eyes, he was still just an insect. Her so-called "partnership" had always been a ploy to use him.

However, Andrew had not taken the bait. Worse, he had dismissed her as if she were beneath his notice.

What a bastard.

Aspen scowled as the door slammed. "Was pissing her off really necessary? If she'd actually worked with us, her resources alone would've been worth it—forget about Quinton's backing."

Andrew sipped his te