Andrew's voice was calm and firm as he instructed John to take Astrid to the car. "Take her to the car," he said, unlinking their elbows.

Astrid's eyes widened in confusion as John escorted her to the vehicle. She tried to process what was happening, but everything seemed to be unfolding too quickly.

As John locked her inside the car, Astrid peered out the window, trying to make sense of the scene before her. Brian's voice was raised, his words dripping with malice.

"So, you're the Andrew Thompson," Brian sneered. "You don't even look competent."

Andrew's expression remained calm, his eyes never leaving Brian's face. He stood tall, his shoulders...