Chapter 39: Pretty Face

When Ethan heard Andy’s words, his face darkened. He knew all too well that insulting Andy could mean his company disappearing from the stock market the moment it opened the next day.

He understood how terrifying Andy could be, so he only glared back and said, “The poor may not be as powerful or influential as the rich, but we have dignity and principles.”

Andy scoffed. “You? Principles and dignity?”

Color rose in Ethan’s cheeks. The look in Andy’s eyes told him everything—Andy knew him too well. He must have investigated him.

“Stop buzzing around my wife like a housefly,” Andy warned coldly. “Or I’ll call your wife and ask her to put you on a leash.”

Then he turned to Alicia, his tone softening. “Wife, let’s go to your office.”

Alicia smiled, and the two of them walked in together. Ethan watched them with a cold, fierce gaze, his fists clenched tight.

His phone suddenly rang. When he saw the caller ID—his wife, Emily—his expression changed drastically. Panic flashed across his face, and he hurried away at once.

Inside, Alicia glanced at him with a teasing smile. “Why did you come back so suddenly?”

Andy sighed with a touch of drama. “If I didn’t hurry back, I’d be attending your wedding—to someone else.”

Alicia’s lips twitched. She knew he disliked the wave of suitors visiting her home and bothering her father. She soothed him with a smile. “None of them have your face. I want to wake up to it every day. I can’t imagine life without it.”

She cupped his chin. Andy shyly avoided her gaze, a flush creeping up his neck. Alicia chuckled. “Let me make you some tea.”

Andy cleared his throat and wetted his lips. “Alright.”

Andy waited until Alicia clocked out of the office, then drove her home. As they arrived at Alexander’s mansion, Eden pulled in behind them. When he saw Andy and Alicia walking into the house together, his expression darkened. He lengthened his stride and followed them inside.

Alexander was at home. The moment he saw Andy and Alicia together, he smiled and rose to his feet—until he noticed Eden coming in behind them. His face shifted. Eden had visited his office that morning to declare his intention to marry Alicia, but Alexander had told him the choice belonged to Alicia alone.

“Dad,” Alicia called, throwing her arms around Alexander.

He patted her back, his gaze never leaving Andy, who stood calm and expressionless.

“Andy,” Alexander said softly.

Andy looked up with a small smile. “Dad.”

Beatrice descended the staircase, immediately sensing the tension. Spotting Eden seated and Andy beside him, with Alicia present, her lips curved with mischief. She raised her voice. “Andy, when are you planning your wedding with Catherine? Have you set a date?”

Andy glanced at Beatrice. He understood her intent, but kept his tone even. “Alicia and I have chosen an auspicious date. We’ll inform everyone soon.”

Eden suddenly snapped, “Andy, why are you lusting after a ‘beautiful swine’ when you’re already a toad? You should focus on getting back on your feet instead of trying to possess a woman like Catherine. If you truly mean well for her, you wouldn’t be dreaming of marrying her when you’re impotent and crippled. Don’t be selfish, Andy.”

Alexander shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

Andy replied calmly, “Your opinion doesn’t matter. We’ve already made up our minds. She and I are getting married.”

Eden narrowed his eyes, then sneered. “Is it love, or are you trying to fool everyone? I don’t believe you’re crippled—you’re far too calm about it, especially with an uncle like Dante.”

He turned away from Andy and faced Alexander. “You should consider your daughter’s well-being and future. No one will blame you for making the right decision to prevent her from ending up with a cripple who has nothing to offer but wealth.”

Beatrice sighed ruefully. “Even if my husband wanted to, he can’t. We accepted betrothal gifts years ago and signed a contract with his family. It’s impossible to sever the bond. They have to marry, Eden.”

Eden shot Andy a cold look. “Your family is ruthless, doing this to a young woman. You didn’t just rob her of the chance to love—you ensured she’d never know the joy of motherhood.”

Beatrice defended him. “He loves her. That’s why he won’t let go.”

“If he truly loved her,” Eden countered, “he wouldn’t doom her to a life of misery and loneliness.”

Beatrice opened her mouth to speak, but Alexander glared and barked, “That’s enough, Beatrice!”

She feigned surprise, but he wasn’t fooled. “You think I don’t know what you’re trying to do?”

Andy’s cheeks flushed. He was so disappointed and angry he didn’t bother to rebuke her further. Instead, he turned to Alicia and said firmly, “Only Catherine can decide who she wants—who she wants to spend the rest of her life with. No one else.”

All eyes shifted to Alicia. She stood calm and composed. Andy tried to keep his expression neutral, but his clenched fists and trembling fingers betrayed his nerves.

Alicia glanced at Eden and sighed. “You don’t have a pretty face.”

Andy couldn’t help smiling; his eyes lit up.

“What do you mean?” Alexander asked, baffled.

“No one has Andy’s pretty face,” Alicia said simply. “If they don’t have it, I don’t want them.”

Alexander’s mouth twitched at her reasoning. Beatrice went rigid with shock, then quietly cackled.