Andrew snapped irritably, “I’m swamped with work. How could I possibly be in a good mood?”

Isabelle just giggled. “That’s no problem. I’ll stay and help you.”

After shooing away her servants, she settled in.

Andrew had intended to send her home, insisting her help was not needed. However, Isabelle would not hear of it; she was adamant and full of enthusiasm about staying to help mind the shop.

Later, seeing how late it was getting, Andrew decided to head out first. He was going to the airport to pick up Victoria, Tiana, and Rowan, who were all arriving in Chetvine.

The first two were coming for a visit, planning to vacation in Chetvine and pay their respects to the Lloyd family. Their main reason, however, was to check on Andrew and see how he was settling in. If things were not going well for him, they would be very displeased.

As for Rowan, with the Onyx Serpents now firmly established in Blumedale, her workload had lightened considerably, with others handling most affairs. So, blushing slightly, she had decided to come to Chetvine first to reunite with her beloved.

Lauren and Francesca could not make it just yet. After all, one was the CEO of Rhodes Company, the other a doctor in Blumedale Hospital, both too busy. They could only see if they had time to visit later.

Chantelle was also incredibly swamped; aside from video calls with Andrew, she was constantly occupied.

At the airport, Andrew met the three women right on time.

“Andy, over here!” Tiana called out, as fiery as ever, but clearly had taken her time to dress up. Her mature, alluring charm was on full display.

Victoria was calmer in demeanor, carrying the gentle grace of a well-bred lady from a scholarly family, though inwardly she was even more tenacious and stubborn than Tiana.

Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Andrew. “You rascal, you haven’t been checking in on me at all lately. Having too much fun on your own in Chetvine? Did you forget all about me?”

Andrew quickly apologized with a warm laugh. “Ladies, welcome to Chetvine. I could never forget you. I’ve just been genuinely tied up lately.”

Tiana gestured nervously toward a small mountain of luggage behind her. “Andy, is this enough for our visit to the Lloyd family? If it’s not, Victoria and I can buy more. We can’t be disrespectful; they’re royalty, after all.”

Waving a hand, Andrew reassured her, “It’s enough, more than enough.”

Victoria cleared her throat. “Tiana, let’s get going. Let Andrew have a moment with his sweetheart.”

Tiana chuckled. “You’re right.”

She shot Andrew a playful, knowing look before walking away.

Rowan, in a white dress with a cool, elegant air, had been standing to the side, quietly waiting while Andrew caught up with the two older women. She nervously twisted her hands.

When Andrew’s gaze finally turned to her, her heart fluttered, and she waved. “Hi, Andrew. I hope I’m not causing you any trouble by being here.”

Andrew walked over and smiled. “What are you talking about? Of course it’s no trouble. By the way, are you feeling okay? Your face is all red.”

Rowan waved her hands dismissively. “It’s nothing, I’m just… a little warm.”

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but after some time apart, Rowan felt unusually shy and a bit awkward around Andrew. She also felt somewhat insecure, thinking she probably had the lowest profile among Andrew’s women.

They had shared only a few moments of intimacy, and that final barrier between them still remained. It was something she constantly worried about.

Andrew took her delicate hand. “Come on, let’s go home.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Rowan smiled obediently. “Okay, I’ll go home with you. But I didn’t bring any gifts this time. Is that inappropriate?”

Andrew teased her, “It’s definitely inappropriate. Being a daughter-in-law of the Lloyd family isn’t easy, you know. But first, come with me. There’s something I need to discuss with you privately.”

Curious, Rowan asked, “What is it?” She followed Andrew, not out of the airport, but into a VIP lounge.

Andrew closed the door behind them and turned the lock.

Rowan felt a flutter of nervousness as the room darkened slightly. Then, his arm tightened around her waist, and she let out a soft gasp as his lips found hers.

“N–Not here!” She managed a weak, pleading protest, but her body was already melting, breathless and pliant.

Andrew took what he wanted, and soon, she felt a dizzying rush of passion, her arms wrapping around him in return as she began to kiss him back.