Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2377

Andrew said, "I didn't mean anything else by it. I just thought it couldn't have been easy for you to make it here to Chetvine on your own, so I just wanted to…"

Before he could finish, Elsie interrupted softly. "Mr. Lloyd, I came here of my own choice. I didn't expect to run into someone familiar in a foreign city, and I'm really happy about it. Back in Suite No. 3, you helped me so much. If you ever gave me an order, I'd follow it without hesitation..."

Her voice grew quieter, laced with shy nervousness.

Elsie was not new to this world. As an auctioneer, she worked in a service industry that was not so different from being a flight attendant: glamorous on the outside, but designed to charm and please the wealthy.

Ultimately, it was still about transactions. However, they often came with an unspoken price and a certain social status attached.

To her, Andrew's restraint seemed like deliberate modesty, a gentleman's pretense before giving in to desire. However, she did not mind. After all, she was single, and back when she was in Jayrodale, she had already harbored some interest in him.

Now that fate had brought them together again in Chetvine, why overthink it?

If Andrew truly wanted something to happen between them, she was not going to resist it. After all, a wealthy, powerful heir like him was not someone you came across twice in a lifetime.

Why not go with the flow?

"Uh…" Andrew finally spoke, looking awkward. "Actually, Ms. Santana, I just asked you to come by so I could say hello. I didn't mean anything else."

"Mr. Lloyd…" Elsie said shyly, glancing up at him, "Back in that suite, you helped me even when it meant offending the other guests. I-I thought it was because you were interested in me. I was scared someone would notice and take it the wrong way. If I'd known sooner that it was you, I would've been overjoyed."

Andrew could only rub his temples, utterly speechless. He had not expected a simple good deed to spiral into this misunderstanding.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Ms. Santana. This seems to be a misunderstanding. The Reyes Grand Auction House is indeed a great place, and I truly congratulate you on making your way here. If you keep it up, I'm sure you'll shine even brighter in your career. And if you ever run into trouble in Chetvine, you can always reach out. If I can help, I will."

With that string of polite remarks, Andrew was already preparing to make his exit.