Chaptér 261 It immediately dawned on Andrew that Cedric must have made the detox pill .

Such medication .

was not particularly rare , as anyone with decent knowledge of traditional medicine could create it .

So why did you pretend to still be drunk when you were actually sober ? Andrew asked , giving Francesca a curious look .

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she kept her head down , staying silent .

After a long moment , she finally admitted with embarrassment , I wanted you to … take me home .

Worried that Andrew might misunderstand , she quickly explained , Its not what you might think .

I just felt that it wouldnt be safe for a woman to go home alone after drinking .

Since you were already taking Lauren home , I thought could just tag along ! Andrew chuckled and said , I wasnt thinking anything else .

Since you both had been drinking , I wouldve made sure to get you both home safely anyway .

Well , you know what happened after that , Francesca continued .

As soon as you left after dropping me off , Simon snuck in .

I was terrified and angry , to be honest .

If you hadnt come back in time , I wouldnt know what to do .

Andrew responded , Since you were conscious the whole time and that monster tried to assault you , why didnt you fight back and report him to Dr.

Aicker ? Francesca shook her head and said , If only it were that simple .

Ive been holding back because Simon is my senior apprentice and Grandpas first disciple .

Andrew raised an eyebrow and asked , Are you afraid of your grandfather finding out about Simons attempted assault ? Francesca sighed .

Im not exactly afraid , but Id rather keep this shameful incident within the family .

Grandpa values reputation highly , and Simon is his prized student .

If I exposed- Simons true nature , it would bring shame to the Aicker family , and I fear it might create a rift between them that could tear our family apart .

Andrew scoffed , Simon is just Dr.

Aickers apprentice .

Does he think hes untouchable ? Over the years , Grandpa has handed over many of the Aicker familys affairs to Simon , Francesca explained with a bitter smile .

She added , Simons influence in the family is second only to Grandpas , even surpassing mine .

Thats why Ive been enduring his advances to prevent internal conflict within the family .

So whats your plan ? Andrew asked .

Are you going to keep tolerating this forever ? Francesca took a deep breath and stated firmly , Of course not .

When the opportunity arises , Ill be direct with Simon and tell him I dont have feelings for him and never will .

He needs to 1/2 Chapter 261 move on .

Andrew shook his head and warned , He doesnt seem like someone who would back down easily .

When he cant get what he wants , he might act out of spite .

Even if he does , I wont force myself to accept him , Francesca declared .

I used to see him as a brother , but his behavior has become increasingly inappropriate .

Now , he just disgusts me .

Andrew stood up and said , Its getting late , and I should head back .

Get some rest , and dont hesitate to ask for help if you need it .

Francesca smiled .

Thank you for coming back to save me tonight .

Andrew dismissed her thanks with a wave and quickly left the Aicker residence .

He could understand Francescas predicament somewhat .

After all , he knew well that old families like that valued their reputation above all else and feared public scandal .

Nevertheless , in Andrews opinion , Simon needed to be eliminated sooner rather than later , as there was no saying what he might do later .

It was better to be safe than sorry , no matter how -promising Simons talent was .noveldrama