Amidst the swirling smoke, Andrew gave a faint smile and said, “If emotions could be controlled, you wouldn’t have waited for him for so many years. Sometimes, it’s not a bad thing to be blinded by love. If he hadn’t been so rational at the beginning, perhaps he would have chosen you over family and duty.”
Layla’s expression changed slightly at Andrew’s words, not out of anger but sadness, finally turning into a long sigh.
“Don’t bring up my past mistakes. I’m talking about you now. I hope there won’t be a second time,” Layla said.
“I hope so too,” Andrew flicked the ash off his cigarette with two fingers.
He was still worried about Isabella’s injury and naturally didn’t want a similar situation to happen again.
“But if there’s a next time, I’ll make the same choice. After all, money isn’t as important as Isabella,” he added.
Layla was speechless again, but he is right. As a man, Andrew prioritizing his beloved over money made him seem honorable and devoted.
Frowning, Layla looked at him and, after a moment of silence, spoke again.
“I can’t win against you, and I know you’re not short of money. But if she keeps causing trouble, she’ll eventually become a burden to you. You’re currently just the president of the Turner family, but remember, you’ll have to report back to Schenectady town eventually. Choosing a woman you love is understandable. But what about when you’re on a mission in the future, and she continues to get hurt and behaves recklessly? Between responsibility and a woman, how will you choose?”
Layla’s words caused a slight fluctuation in Andrew’s emotions, but he quickly regained his composure.
“Layla, she’s not just the woman I love; she’s also the Luna of the Dark Moon Pack.”
Layla was taken aback.
“Though we’ve been living in human society since the last century, werewolf rules no longer apply here. But I hope you can accept her. I can balance my career and family; you don’t need to worry,” he replied calmly.
Layla sighed and nodded. At this point, she couldn’t continue to be aggressive.
Before, Andrew was solely focused on his career, neglecting Scarlett. Women are like flowers; they need a man’s care and nurturing. Otherwise, they wither and die. If you let her fend for herself and she doesn’t want to wither, she’ll find another man to nourish her.
So, Scarlett’s affair was partly Andrew’s responsibility.
Andrew never hoped for the moon goddess to grant him a mate bond; he hated being tied down. Layla thought he wouldn’t easily be influenced by anyone, but she was wrong. Her cold-hearted brother fell in love with his human mate.
Now, when Andrew finally learned to focus on a woman, Layla started to worry, fearing that this woman might affect his future.
There was a brief silence between them, and then Layla changed the subject.
“I heard Thomas’s condition worsened. He was rushed to the ICU after going into shock last night and is still in critical condition,” Layla said, her voice devoid of emotion.
Upon hearing this, Andrew’s lips curled into a cold smile, “Really? It’s been quieter lately.”
Layla sighed helplessly, feeling somewhat sentimental, “I really can’t understand what a dying man like him is fighting for? Initially, under his management, the Turner family’s fortune was almost completely lost. Even if Henry inherits it now, he wouldn’t get a dime. Currently, although the Turner family’s assets are in your hands, with Henry holding 10% of the shares, it’s still worth tens of billions.”
“Thomas is a smart man. He knows even if he doesn’t fight, I won’t let him go,” Andrew said with a teasing smile, his eyes filled with chilling intent.
“Andrew!” Layla frowned helplessly. She didn’t want to keep track of past grievances anymore. Even without any debts of gratitude, they were still bound by blood.
“Andrew, don’t go overboard. Thomas doesn’t have much time left, and Henry hasn’t done anything majorly wrong. It’s a bit much to make him pay for his father’s mistakes. Or is it that you’re still resentful because of Scarlett?”
Andrew remained silent, casually puffing on his cigarette, his deep eyes revealing no emotions.
Layla pressed her lips tightly, thought for a moment, and continued, “Isabella is actually quite good. Although she’s not as gentle and stable as Scarlett, she comes from a respectable family, and both her character and appearance are exceptional. She’s lively, which complements your calm nature. It won’t be dull with her around. Most importantly, she’s Asher’s mother. Children should grow up in a stable family.”
After Layla finished speaking, Andrew chuckled lightly, extinguishing his cigarette with his fingertips. “Sis, you’re right. So, I plan to marry Isabella as soon as possible. I remember you have some funds and financial products under your name. Since you don’t need them, why not use them as a dowry for her?”
Hearing this, Layla’s expression changed again. “You’re planning quite well. Those are for my retirement.”
“With Isabella and me taking care of you in your old age, you don’t need to worry about those. Besides, money can provide for retirement, but can it accompany you to the end? Eventually, you’ll still rely on me and Isabella,” Andrew replied calmly.
No matter how much money Layla had, she couldn’t take it with her when she died. Moreover, she’d be relying on Andrew in the future. Plus, she had to depend on him to bury her. If she offended him now, who knew where he’d scatter her ashes after she died.
Even though the logic was sound, Layla couldn’t swallow her pride.
Oops.
The prospective daughter-in-law hadn’t even entered the family yet, and Andrew was already plotting to use her possessions to please her. After raising this wolf for so many years, he turned out to be a disappointment.
“Alright, go back to your work,” Layla said.
As Andrew was leaving, Layla’s voice came from behind him.
“Wait.”
Amid her exasperated tone, there was a hint of concern. “There are all sorts of unfounded rumors online. How is Isabella really doing? How severe are her injuries?”
Andrew smiled. He knew Layla was tough on the outside but soft-hearted.
“She hurt her leg, but it’s not serious. Don’t worry,” Andrew replied.
“I don’t have the time to worry about her. Tell her to stay out of trouble,” Layla said, waving him off.
After Andrew left, Layla sighed, picked up her phone from the table, and called her financial advisor. The funds and financial products she held were all anonymous, so there was no need for complicated transfers. She just needed to organize them and hand them over to Isabella.
After hanging up, Layla couldn’t help but curse, “That little scheming wolf!”