"We'll tag-team you and drain you dry!" Francesca teased with a smirk.

Andrew waved her off, signaling it was time to get serious. "Lauren and her parents headed back to Blumedale, right?"

Francesca nodded. "Yeah, they left early this morning to attend Michael's funeral."

She hesitated before asking, "Andrew, was Michael's death really your doing?"

Andrew could read her like a book. She was softening, clearly having second thoughts.

However, Andrew was not the type to show mercy—not to someone like Michael, who had practically written his own death sentence.

"If I said it wasn't me, would you believe me?" he replied calmly, deflecting the question.

Francesca smiled faintly. "It doesn't matter. Whatever you say, I'll believe it. You say the word, and I'll follow it."

Andrew chuckled. "That's my girl. Then tonight, wash up and be ready for me on time."

Francesca had not expected the conversation to take that sharp of a turn and blushed furiously. "Pervert! No way!"

Af