In the car, Francesca called Lauren and spent several minutes chatting in hushed tones. When she hung up, her face showed clear disappointment.

She said with a sigh, "It's a shame Lauren can't join us. We had planned to attend the showcase together with you, Andrew, but the Rhodes family has been keeping a close eye on her lately. She'll have to skip it this time."

Andrew could not help but think back to Jerry and the others from the day before. While they claimed to be there to pick Lauren up, their behavior seemed more like they were monitoring her.

Cedric chimed in, "The Rhodes family recently had an important guest arrive from the Blumedale. Lauren is probably tied up entertaining them, which is why she couldn't come along."

The three of them chatted casually as they drove, eventually arriving at Jayrodale's most famous antique district. The streets were already packed with people, forcing Andrew to park the car several blocks away.

Cedric glanced around at the bustling c