Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew found himself taking the jab out of nowhere and could only laugh awkwardly.

Aspen looked up from the couch and gasped, "Oh my goodness! It's almost 11 p.m., and Ms. Garcia's still in the kitchen?"

Lauren jumped up in alarm. "Wait... you're right! We totally forgot. Let's check on her!"

Francesca, wearing her cartoon slippers, was already rushing toward the kitchen. "Ms. Garcia, please don't tell me you passed out from exhaustion!"

Just then, Chantelle finally emerged, her cheeks flushed a soft red. She was clearly embarrassed as she said, "S-Sorry about that, everyone. I just finished cleaning up, I'll be taking my leave now."

Lauren looked apologetic. "Ms. Garcia, I'm so sorry. We got so caught up in the show that we forgot about you!"

Aspen said, "Ms. Garcia, we'll walk you to the door!"noveldrama

Chantelle waved her hand. "No need, I can manage by myself. It's already late, so you all should get some rest!"

She took two steps forward but suddenly grabbed onto the door frame, looking a bit dizzy.

Lauren was startled and rushed over. "Ms. Garcia, are you okay?"

Chantelle waved to indicate she was fine. Then, she suddenly cried out, "Oh no, I forgot that we can't drive after drinking!"

Francesca looked suspicious. "But we didn't drink any alcohol during dinner!"

Chantelle said regretfully, "We didn't drink during dinner, but while I was cleaning in the kitchen, I noticed Mr. Lloyd had some really nice wine and couldn't help but taste a couple of sips! My bad... I shouldn't have indulged!"

Her face was now clearly flushed from the alcohol, and her slightly wobbly posture said she could not handle liquor well at all.

Aspen shrugged. "Well, if you've been drinking, you absolutely can't drive."

She turned to the group and said, "How about we just let Ms. Garcia crash here tonight?"

Francesca thought for a moment. "I mean, why not? Depends on whether she's okay with it."

Chantelle quickly replied, "Totally okay! I just... don't want to trouble anyone."

Lauren smiled warmly. "You're not troubling anyone. We've got more than enough rooms. Besides, we're all girls here, so it's no big deal!"

Francesca said, "Aspen, let's go upstairs and get a room ready!"

Aspen replied, "Awesome, let's go!"

Lauren added, "Andrew, you chat with Ms. Garcia for a bit! While they set up the room, I'll go get some bedding."

Andrew smiled. "Sounds good, go ahead!"

Once the three women left, Andrew's gaze immediately returned to Chantelle with extreme suspicion.

Chantelle felt an inexplicable chill

and tried to appear calm. "Mr. Lloyd, I hope you don't mind! If I hadn't

be king, I definitely would have

home."

Andrew nodded. "It's fine-no need to be so formal. We're friends now, right? But

Ms. Garcia, will this mess with your work schedule tomorrow?"

Chantelle shook her head. "Not at all. I'll leave early in the morning."

An awkward silence fell between them. Neither of them knew what to

say next, but Andrew could note

the feeling that something

zakay

was not adding up.

Could this woman have deliberately drunk alcohol so she could not drive, giving

her a perfect excuse to stay overnight?

From her volunteering to wash

dishes in the kitchen to later making

a fuss about needing to mop the

floor, this whole series of actions looked to Andrew like she was deliberately stalling for time.