Caught off guard by Andrewâs stern tone, Shirley stumbled over her words.
âIâ¦â She paused, clearly shaken by his visible frustration.
I wondered how she would navigate the mess she had created.
Ivy watched with excitement, murmuring, âThis is going to be interesting.
â
Suddenly, Shirley turned the tables, pointing her finger at me.
She accused, âAndrew, it was her! She disrespected me first.
I was so upset, I had to respond.
Itâs all her doing!â
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Ivyâs eyes widened in astonishment as she blurted out, âReally? Sheâs quite the actress to spin it like that.
â
However, Andrew wasnât easily fooled.
He knew Shirley well, having been associated with her for years.
After Shirley accused him, he didnât reply right away.
Instead, he looked at her for a few moments before shifting his focus to the subordinates ready to detain me.
Shirley, feeling guilty, couldnât Look Andrew in the eyes and Looked away, swallowing nervously.
Finally, Andrew addressed her bluntly, âShirley, Debra is my guest, my friend.
Even if she misspoke, you have no right to correct her.
â
Shirley clenched her teeth, and her face grew dark with anger.
Dropping all pretense, she snapped, âAndrew, have you lost your mind? Why do you always take her side? Sheâs nothing more than a lowly mixed-blood witch.
How can she possibly be suitable as your friend?â
Andrewâs displeasure was obvious.
Shirley briefly panicked at his reaction but quickly her anger returned stronger than her fear.
She continued, âAndrew, canât you see? Her presence compromises your noble status and tarnishes your purity.
You need to listen to me and send her away now!â
Andrewâs face turned even colder, his tone more severe.
âShirley, who I choose to be friends with is my decision alone.
You donât get to decide that.
â
At this point, anyone sensible would have apologized and switched topics.
But Shirley, lacking subtlety, continued, âBut she insulted me! Doesnât that bother me? Today, I need to set her straight, or what will become of my dignity?â
Andrew let out a deep sigh, his frustration visible.
âShirley.
â
Before he could add anything else, a sudden yell from one of the men interrupted him.
âMy gosh, the rift in the sky has gotten bigger.
Itâs frightening!â
âReally! Why is this happening?â
Anxiety colored the voices around us.