Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1197

"This way, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Rhodes, Mrs. Rhodes, and Ms. Rhodes—please!" Justin had completely changed his attitude, now grinning with over-the-top enthusiasm.

He was practically bowing, a world apart from the snobby arrogance he had shown earlier.

Tiana smiled faintly and said, "We'll be dining in the Celestial Suite now. That won't be a problem, right?"

The manager nodded so fast it looked painful. "No problem at all, Mrs. Rhodes. Please, right this way!"

Jameson patted Andrew's shoulder reassuringly and whispered, "Andy, don't worry. I already called our people. Jerry and the others are on their way."

Andrew chuckled lightly. "Mr. Rhodes, there's no need to mobilize the whole family.

The Hopkins? I can handle them myself."

Jameson shook his head, thinking Andrew was just putting on a brave face. He believed Andrew, being new to Blumedale, could not possibly fend off the Hopkins on his own.

Meanwhile, Andrew casually excused himself during dinner to make a quick call to the Keller family.

The moment Logan heard the Hopkins were causing trouble, he just laughed and said, "Andy, I'll bring our men over immediately. If you want, we can flatten the Hopkins tonight!"

Tiana, elegant as ever, ate gracefully while discreetly keeping an eye on Andrew. She was clearly trying to gauge just how many hidden cards this young man still had up his sleeve.

Lauren gave Andrew a bright smile. "Andrew, you really don't have to worry. No matter what happens, as long as my mom's here, the Hopkins wouldn't dare act recklessly."

Tiana might have been crazy sometimes, but when it came to pure strength, she was absolutely the Rhodes family's trump card.

…

The dinner dragged on for nearly two full hours. Originally, Jameson intended to introduce Andrew to several of Blumedale's top figures to help him build connections.

However, with the Hopkins people looming outside like vultures, no one was in the mood for polite networking anymore.

During the meal, Andrew casually asked, "Mr. Rhodes, you mentioned earlier someone had rare herbs. Who exactly?"