Chapter 392 - No Escaping Andy

Lu Fang was relieved that he did not have to personally take care of Anges Duval and Clifford Adams. Somehow, Chi Zhong's interference brought about some luck to his side. Still, he recognized that Lanying needed to be taught a lesson, but because Gabriel was so protective of her, the man decided to put it off for later. 

Chi Lanying and her father had a decent talk about the scheme they had previously planned. She made her father realize that they would pay for their actions one way or another. This was also repeatedly told to her by Gabriel as he wanted to set her expectations. He told her, "There is no escaping Andy."

At first, Chi Zhong was not accepting of his fate. He did not enjoy admitting mistakes, but after just a day, Gao Rou came to his house with his men, alerting his neighbors and his wife. 

"Mr. Rou, I - I just put spoiled chili paste on the juice. I knew whoever took it would recover with treatment, I - I'm so sorry!" He cried, asking for mercy, seeing the serious look on Gao Rou's face. 

His wife was sitting on the sofa, crying in dismay after hearing her husband's confession. She never imagined her husband was capable of such. 

Gao Rou brought Chi Zhong to the hospital to confess to Arti and Bolin. He paid for their medical expenses and all the money he had received from Clifford; he used it to make a settlement for injuring Arti. 

Arti was forgiving and as long as she no longer saw Lanying's face or even her shadow, she was fine with not pushing any legal actions. It was fortunate that her tiger was quick enough to bring her to the hospital. 

Bolin, on the other hand, was completely dismayed by Lanying. He had high hopes for her, given her skills, but he figured techniques are easier to develop then good morals. Ho Ghozi proved to be more worthy. At least, Lanying made it easy for him to choose.

Andrea and Gabriel had an argument. She had been on the phone for nearly an hour discussing Lanying's future, but because she grew tired of his stubbornness, she said, "Okay. I will not lock her up but bring her here first and I will show her how to fear. She needs to learn her lesson, Gabe. At least let me do that."

Gabriel took a deep breath and answered, "Okay, how about this; me and dad, we are going to Angela's 1st birthday. It will just be more than a month away. Let's let her first recover from her trauma before you give her another one. I promise I will bring her with me."

"And... by the way, I am bringing two boxes of mixed macarons!"

Rolling her eyes while holding up her phone, she said, "what do you think of me? Easy? Make that six  boxes!"

Lu Fang, Gabriel, and Lanying lingered in France for another week. Lanying could barely work, so Gabriel covered for her and doubled his time at the office. Most of the time, she was out of focus, unable to look Lu Fang in the eye despite the man ignoring her completely.

Hanxi was supposed to fly to Italy earlier, but because he was caught up with Lanying's matters, he flew together with Alfred two days after. While there, he aided Lu Fang with some implementations for the newly named Transport Group. 

It was late in the evening with Alfred and Hanxi arrived in Italy, yet Isabella saw to it that she and Matteo welcomed them. 

"Uncle Hanxi!" Matteo called, running towards the private plane that had recently landed. 

Hanxi and Alfred had already descended from the craft when he saw the little guy cheerfully running toward him. 

"Hey buddy!" Said Hanxi. He opened his arms for Matteo and carried him upright. Turning to Alfred, he said, "This is grandpa Alfred. Say hello."

"Hello, grandpa," greeted Matteo. 

Hanxi received a kiss from Isabella before he introduced her to Alfred. She was all praises for the known businessman in Europe. "Mr. Davies. It is really a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you!"

"It's nice to finally meet you, Isabella," Alfred greeted back with a smile on his face. 

"Oh, please. Please call me, Bella." There was an awkward silence for a second before she spoke again, "Mr. Davies, would you be willing to stay at our hotel? I reserved the best one for you. It's really not as luxurious as the Four Seasons, but it's close enough."

"Of course, Bella. I'm sure it also is a wonderful accommodation. In fact, I have stayed in one of your hotels from my last visit to Italy… That was," Alfred pondered for a moment before resuming, "That was three years ago, I think."

Isabella beamed with happiness, relieved that Alfred was willing to accept her generosity. When she learned that Alfred Davies was arriving with Hanxi, she thought to thank him for giving back her grandmother's manor. 

"Mr. Davies, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your gift during my father's birthday. You have no idea how much it brought tears of joy during our celebration," said Isabella. 

"You are welcome, Bella. The truth is, I have not been there these past two years. It's been really busy for me. It was best to give it back to your family, knowing it would be well taken care of… It is such a beautiful home," said Alfred while putting a hand on her back.

Isabella asked Alfred if he was fine to meet his family for a picnic at her home as well, and he delightfully agreed. He knew how much Hanxi meant for his daughter, and he had always appreciated him staying by Andrea's side. It was a simple small help for Hanxi, plus have a nice home-cooked meal. They settled to do so after two days. 

Alfred and Hanxi agreed to meet at the Bank of Trust Italy the next day for the meeting. They rode together to the hotel and wished Alfred and his men a good rest before Hanxi and Isabella drove another car to the Ricci's residence. Isabella's parents were expecting Hanxi to stay with them that evening. 

While Hanxi was behind the wheels, he looked at the rearview mirror. Seeing the little guy already asleep, he asked Isabella, "Is Matteo going to sleep with us tonight?"

"Yes, of course! Why?" Isabella asked. 

He cleared his throat before saying, "I guess… the bathroom will have to do."

Isabella flushed, instantly realizing what he meant. She bit her lip while looking outside the window, saying, "I really miss you, Hanxi... So much."

"Same here, Bella. Same here."