Yara let out a furiousugh. "Andrew, you really are an arrogant bastard! Fine. If you think so little of me, I''ll find someone else. You''re not the only yer in town."


    Andrew waved a hand. "Be my guest."


    "You—" Yara''s chest heaved with rage, but she was too calcting to let her anger show fully. With onest icy re, she turned on her heels and stormed out, her stilettos clicking sharply against the floor.


    She hade here looking down on him-some nobody from Jayrodale who''d wed his way into Blumedale through sheer luck and stubbornness. In her eyes, he was still just an insect. Her so-called "partnership" had always been a ploy to use him.


    However, Andrew had not taken the bait. Worse, he had dismissed her as if she were beneath his notice.


    What a bastard.


    Aspen scowled as the door mmed. "Was pissing her off really necessary? If she''d actually worked with us, her resources alone would''ve been worth it-forget about Quinton''s backing."


    Andrew sipped his tea. "Rx. She''ll be back."


    "Back?" Aspen snorted. "You think those high-society types swallow their pride that easily?"


    "She''s got pride," Andrew said, smirking. "But mine''s ten times bigger. That woman''s ruthless and smart. Trust me, she''ll return."


    No sooner had he spoken than the door flew open. Yara strode back in, her long legs eating up the distance. This time, she mmed something onto the table in front of Andrew.


    "I said I came in good faith, Mr. Lloyd. You doubted me. You insulted me. So tell me, do I have your attention now?"


    Andrew set down his cup. Aspen leaned in first and nched.


    "Ms. Wright, is this..."


    Yara''s face was rigid, but a tremor in her jaw betrayed her.


    Andrew did not need to look to know what she was forcing down.


    He whistled. "Using your own nudes as coteral? Now that''s what I callmitment."


    "Are we clear?" she hissed.


    Andrew grinned. "Crystal. But we''re still not working together."


    Yara''s control shattered. "You''re fucking with me?"


    "Wouldn''t dream of it," Andrew said, spreading his hands. "Even if I wanted to, you''d never allow


    right?" tel


    "You son of a bitch!" Her elegant poise evaporated. "You looked at those photos!"


    "You


    force you to do it!" Andrew said,


    unfazed. "But hey-thanks for 1


    generosity."


    Even Aspen gaped. Goodness. How is he this shameless?''


    Yara''s voice dropped to a lethal


    You just vited me,


    Andrew. Either you partner wil


    me,


    or burn your world to the ground."