Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2376

Andrew looked stunned. "What do you mean? I just asked you to call her over so I can say hello, that's all."

Valerie scoffed. "Oh, please, drop the act. You just want to get close to her, don't you? The Lloyd family's Dragon Prince is supposed to be impressive. But now, you just look like another lowlife."

Andrew's expression turned cold. "Valerie, are you out of your mind? Who told you I wanted to get close to her like that? Ms. Santana and I are old acquaintances, that's all."

Valerie did not believe a word of it. She crossed her arms and stood still, her eyes sharp with doubt.

Eventually, Joaquin decided to step in and said, "Mr. Lloyd, please wait a moment. I'll have her brought here right away."

To him, there was no point in clashing with someone like Andrew. An eighth-grade divine alchemist was a walking goldmine.

As for an auctioneer? Barely worth mentioning. If the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince wanted her, they would just make the arrangements. Hell, they would probably hand her over as a personal attendant if he asked.

Before long, Elsie was brought in. She looked anxious, her head lowered and her slender frame trembling slightly.

Seeing Valerie there, she gathered her courage and said, "Ms. Reyes, I can leave if you want me to, but I won't sell myself."

Valerie's tone was harsh but steady. "Relax. With me here, no one's going to hurt you. We're both women, and besides, you're under the Reyes family. I'd like to see who dares touch you today."

Elsie's face lit up with relief. She quickly bowed her head in gratitude as the weight on her chest finally lifted.

Then, mustering her courage, she glanced at Andrew. She instantly froze in shock and blurted out, "Mr. Lloyd? It's you?"

Andrew smiled, teasing lightly. "It's me. But Ms. Santana, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's with the animosity? Anyone watching would think I'm taking advantage of you."

Damn it, this Andrew really had a way of getting under her skin.

Elsie was one of their prized auctioneers, someone the Reyes family had gone out of their way to recruit. Her looks alone were stunning, but her professional skills were even more remarkable.

Now, she was volunteering to leave with him?

What kind of joke was that?

Did the Reyes family have no pride left?

Andrew gave a small, helpless laugh. It seemed Elsie had completely misunderstood his intentions. "Uh, actually… Ms. Santana, I only asked for you because I wanted to catch up, that's all."