Andrew said, "Perfect timing. I'm here to take Lauren with me, and while I'm at it, I'd like to ask her hand in marriage." Tiana's face twisted in shock and fury the moment he said those words. The rest of the Rhodes family instantly turned toward Andrew with blazing eyes, their expressions filled with outrage. "Kid, who the hell do you think you are? You think you're worthy of asking Lauren for her hand in marriage?" "Get lost already. Lauren would never end up with someone like you. Joe is the only one truly fit to marry our Lauren!" Another chimed in, "I've heard about you for a while now—Andrew Lloyd from Jayrodale, right? Let me give you a piece of advice: if you value your life, turn around and leave. But if you're set on dying, then by all means, keep acting like a fool!" Voices filled with scorn and rage came crashing down on Andrew from all directions, relentless and merciless. Jameson walked over with a helpless look and stood in front of Andrew, trying to calm
Andrew stood quietly, his gaze cold as he observed everything unfold. Kenny and Sherilyn's attention was locked on Jameson and Tiana, and they did not even notice Andrew standing at the back of the crowd. Tiana's voice was like ice as she snapped, "Kenny, what's the meaning of this? If you've got something to say, we could've handled it behind closed doors as a family. Was it really necessary to bring outsiders?" Kenny looked pale, clearly still exhausted from handling Michael's funeral, and his energy was visibly drained. Even so, his words were sharp and venomous. "Tiana, you f*cking bitch. You're still trying to sway me through familial ties?" He scoffed and added, "Where were you when Michael died? You said nothing then. Today, I'm taking the position of the head of the family. As for you and Jameson… You'll spend the rest of your lives on your knees at Michael's grave!" Jameson's face was red with rage as he shouted, "Kenny, can't you think straight for once? I've told
Tiana felt a chill run down her spine, but she still sneered, "Sherilyn, you married into the Goldings and made a name for yourself. I just didn't expect that all this time, you've still been eaten up with jealousy and hatred for your own family. "But you've clearly overestimated yourselves. Even if Jameson and I fall today, Lauren will be just fine. She's set to marry into the Driscolls, and one day, she'll use their power to make you and Kenny pay for everything you've done—blood for blood." Kenny scoffed. "You're the one dreaming, Tiana. That little tramp you raised will never marry into the Driscolls. She's already lost her purity, messing around with that street rat Andrew. Do you seriously think the Driscolls would ever accept her? "No! The second they learn the truth, they won't just reject Lauren—they'll join me in wiping out you two and your shameless daughter." Tiana's expression changed again and again. It was clear—there was no peaceful way out of this. Her anger to
Tiana's sudden move left everyone stunned. Even Andrew's brows furrowed tightly as disbelief flickered across his face. Jameson shot to his feet, his voice shaking. "Tiana, you—" Tears streamed down Tiana's face as she shouted, "Don't even try, Jameson. You're nothing but a coward—weak and useless. What? You want to know why I did this? Fine, I'll tell you—I don't want to die! I'm not letting you drag me down, and I won't let Lauren die alongside you!" From the crowd, one of the Rhodes family elders, Bruno Rhodes, roared with fury. "Shameless! Tiana, as the lady of the Rhodes family, how could you throw away all dignity like this? Stand up right now! I said, get up!" He shouted, "Kneeling to a violent brute like that? You've disgraced our family!" With rage boiling over, Bruno stormed toward her and reached out to yank her to her feet. Aidan's expression darkened as he growled, "How dare you? Calling me a brute—what, you think I'm beneath you? Well, let me send you off, fre
Aidan stared down at the beautiful woman kneeling at his feet, and something dark flickered in his eyes. His throat moved, and a twisted chuckle escaped his lips. "You really mean every word you just said?" Tiana raised her hand and vowed, "Every word I just spoke was true. If I'm lying, then may you tear me limb from limb, right here and now." Aidan burst into loud laughter, his eyes gleaming with greedy heat. His voice turned sleazy, laced with disgusting desire. "Wonderful—just perfect! Tiana, you were famous for your beauty in the martial world back in the day. "But back then, I was obsessed with training and had no interest in… other pleasures. Now that I'm older and wiser—and looking at you still so ripe, still so stunning—I've got to say, it's hitting me all at once. Honestly, I'd feel bad wasting a woman like you." Tiana's cheeks turned slightly red, but there was no sign of embarrassment or shame. Instead, her mature allure only intensified, like a perfectly ripened pe
Butch and Spike immediately rushed to Aidan's side, their faces filled with panic. "Mr. Haywood Senior, are you alright?" "Please, hang in there, sir!" Meanwhile, Kenny and Sherilyn both looked horrified—if Tiana’s sneak attack had actually taken down Aidan, this whole day would have become the ultimate joke. "That filthy bitch couldn't hurt me even if I handed her the opportunity," Aidan growled. He did not even glance at the small patch of blood on his chest. However, his old face twisted into a storm of fury and darkness. Jameson stared at Tiana in disbelief. "Tiana, so you weren't really—" Tiana cut him off with a snap. "You idiot! Did you seriously think I'd stoop that low? Do you think I'd ignore a handsome man like you just to kiss up to that wrinkled sack of rot? You think I could stomach that?" Jameson was hit with a rush of surprise and relief, but it quickly turned into frustration. "If you were going to strike, why didn't you tell me first?" "No time for t
Sherilyn grinned and said, "Mr. Haywood, your two apprentices really are extraordinary." Aidan let out a proud snort and replied with disdain, "I don't even need to step in. Keep watching—Tiana's defeat is only a matter of time. I told you already, that the Rhodes family is nothing more than a joke." Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd. "Attack low!" Tiana's heart jolted the second she heard it. Instead of retreating, she lunged forward, striking with both palms in a fierce assault. Following the mysterious tip, she immediately shifted her focus to Butch and Spike's lower stances. In just seconds, their formation wobbled—only slightly, but enough. The crushing pressure on Tiana lifted, and she felt the change instantly. Seizing the moment, she let out a sharp cry and shaped her fingers into claws, brutally gouging at their eyes. Two blood-curdling screams rang out in perfect sync. Blood gushed from their eye sockets as both Butch and Spike went down, instantly blind
The moment Kenny and Sherilyn heard Andrew's name, they both exploded with fury. "You little bastard! Where are you? Show yourself!" Kenny shouted, veins bulging in his neck. His face twisted into a mask of rage as Andrew calmly stepped out from the crowd, his expression blank. The moment Kenny saw him, his eyes went blood-red. "Andrew, you killed Michael. Today is the day you die!" Andrew replied coolly, "Kenny, you old mutt—you know damn well how he died. If I remember right, you signed a written agreement promising not to challenge the Rhodes family leadership." Kenny's face twisted in a snarl. "Whether I stick to it or not is none of your damn business, you little punk! You think you're in a position to tell me what to do?" However, Andrew did not take the bait. Instead, he smirked. "Of course it's my business. That's why I sent Michael six feet under before you broke your word. Now we're even; nothing owed between us." Kenny trembled with fury, nearly passing out fro
Justin instantly sensed something was about to spiral. He rushed forward and tried to defuse the tension. "Mr. Hopkins, please calm down. We're all just here to have a nice dinner—no need for this." Archie clutched his swollen cheek, his face twisted with rage. "Calm down? Get out of my face! If you say another word, I'll end you too!" Justin flinched and quickly backed off, no longer daring to speak. However, as he glanced toward the Rhodes family, his eyes burned with resentment. He cursed them for being foolish. Despite knowing they could not go up against the Hopkins, they still had to throw punches. He could not help but think they were just asking for it. Lauren's voice rang out cold and firm. "Mr. Hopkins, what are you trying to do? Start a war?" Archie bellowed with laughter. "Big mouth on you, you little bitch! With your trashy Rhodes family, you're not even qualified to go to war with the Hopkins!" He sneered, eyes gleaming. "But don't worry—I'm not just gonna tak
Justin's face twisted in discomfort, but before he could say anything, a loud voice boomed across the entrance. "Mr. McGrath, you can step back! If Mrs. Rhodes wants to dine in our Celestial Suite, then she's more than welcome!" As the voice faded, a burly man with a thick beard strode over. The giant crystal ring on his hand and the heavy gold chain across his chest made it clear—this man was rich, but absolutely tasteless. Jameson snorted coldly. "The Hopkins family sure has some nerve, snatching up someone else's reservation like it's nothing." Archie Hopkins cracked a wide grin, revealing a mouth full of blackened teeth, and laughed without a care. "Mr. Rhodes, you sound way too naive!" Archie shrugged and said, "In this world, it's all about money and muscle. The Hopkins family's got both. So stealing a little dining room from the Rhodes family? It's nothing." Tiana's voice turned icy. "Since you're admitting it's theft, then do us a favor and get the hell out." Arch
The place Jameson picked for dinner was one of the most well-known upscale restaurants in Blumedale—The Palace. "Andy, you might not know this, but around here, this spot is top-tier," Jameson said as he adjusted his tailored suit and smiled. He added, "It's not like I'm trying to flaunt my wealth or anything. But sometimes, even if you don't care for appearances, you've still got to show up with style!" Andrew chuckled and replied, "Mr. Rhodes, I get what you're saying." Tiana spoke up coolly, "Jameson, no need to put on this kind of show in front of Andrew. Otherwise, you'll just end up looking ridiculous. This guy probably poops in places you haven't even dreamed of stepping into." Jameson froze for a second, clearly shocked. "Well now, Tiana, you're really singing Andy's praises today. Could it be… the classic case of a mother-in-law who's starting to really like her son-in-law?" Tiana gave a snort. "This has nothing to do with liking him. I'm just telling the truth."
Lauren said, "Funny thing, Andrew—you probably don't know this, but my mom's been all about dressing up lately. For the longest time, I only ever saw her in simple outfits. She never really cared about appearances. "But now, she's all glammed up and polished! If you didn't know better, you'd think she was dating someone!" Andrew did not know how to respond, so he stayed quiet. He had a pretty good idea why Tiana suddenly started caring about her looks. It was probably because his presence reminded her of her first love—his father. Even though he was not the man himself, they were still father and son. Much like Aspen, Tiana clearly had something not quite right going on in her head. Only someone like her could project her feelings for a man onto his son. Nonetheless, no matter how he looked at it, Andrew just could not shake the weirdness of it all. After all, this woman was supposed to be his future mother-in-law, and yet, she was just a little off. Not that Tiana acted c
"Andrew, my mom didn't give you a hard time, did she?" Lauren asked as they stepped into the Rhodes residence's front parlor. She had noticed right away that Andrew did not look so great. "It's fine. Your mother was… gracious enough," Andrew said with a small smile. There was no need to bring up Tiana's moment of madness—it was better buried. Jameson chuckled. "Andy, sorry to trouble you again! But today wasn't just about getting your help with her condition." Lauren beamed. "That's right, Andrew. Now that you're part of the family, you're not an outsider anymore. So, Dad planned a little family dinner. We thought we'd introduce you to some people too, help you make some connections around Blumedale." Jameson added, "Exactly! And I heard from Lauren that you've been looking for some rare medicinal herbs. Well, turns out, I know some folks who might be holding on to a few." Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "I am looking for rare herbs, that's true. But as for opening doors, Mr.
Truthfully, Tiana was by far the most challenging woman Andrew had ever dealt with. He could not hit her or offend her. To make things worse, she was Lauren's mother and Jameson's wife. No matter what insanity she pulled, Andrew could not actually do anything to her. Seeing Andrew so obviously trapped, Tiana felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. She chuckled smugly. "Andrew, you're the Dragon Prince of the Lloyds. There's no way I could ever win against you—not in a million years. "But you lost the moment you started dating my daughter. I'm your mother-in-law. That means I can mess with you, tease you, and you won't be able to lift a finger." Andrew replied evenly, "You're right—I can't fight you. But if I can't win, I can still walk away." Tiana waved her hand. "Alright, alright. Let's stop arguing. Just promise me one thing—what happened here today stays between us. Lauren can never find out." Andrew let out a dry laugh. "You're only worried about Lauren? What ab
It felt to Tiana like she had fallen into a vast, unfamiliar net—one she had never experienced before. She was sinking, drifting, wanting to break free. Yet, she was addicted to the thrill of it all. All these conflicting emotions passed through her in the blink of an eye, though they were layered and complex. Meanwhile, Andrew was completely unaware of the chaotic thoughts swirling inside her. To him, this was just another straightforward medical procedure. He was careful and respectful. He only touched what he had to, avoiding sensitive areas entirely. As a doctor, Andrew had no sense of guilt about what he was doing. Illness knew no gender; treatment was treatment. That was how he saw it. Whether others saw it the same way was not his concern. He calmly explained, "Stimulating your pressure points with needles and smoothing the meridians with massage helped your condition today. "But in the end, to restore proper balance, you'll still need a medicinal remedy to regulate
Tiana flinched, both shocked and furious, but she had no chance of dodging him. Under Andrew's hand, she did not stand a chance. However, the loud smack that followed was not across her face—it landed squarely on a pressure point along her waist. A wave of sharp pain shot through her body like a crashing tide. She gasped, "Ah… Andrew, you… stop, that hurts…" A strange moan escaped her lips, echoing awkwardly in the quiet room. Andrew muttered under his breath, cursing her madness. Without wasting time, he lifted her up and laid her down across the bed. Tiana stared up at him in disbelief, her eyes wide—until he pulled out a slim, metallic object. A gleaming golden acupuncture needle. "Mrs. Rhodes, your speech is erratic, your energy's spiking. I'll give you a few needles to stabilize your condition," Andrew said calmly. With that, he plunged the first needle into a targeted spot on her body. Tiana's breath hitched as her lips parted, and her reaction was a mix of pai
"If you called me here just to ask something this ridiculous, Mrs. Rhodes, then I'll be going now," Andrew said flatly as he turned toward the door. He did not dare stay a second longer, worried Tiana might start acting crazy like she did last time. If things spiraled out of control and someone like Jameson walked in on them, not even a hundred confessions could clear his name. "Stop right there!" Tiana snapped, her brows raised in defiance. "What's the matter? Are you that scared of being alone with me?" Andrew paused and looked back, his brows still tightly furrowed. "Mrs. Rhodes, you and I both know this isn't appropriate." Tiana stepped forward with a graceful sway, a trace of perfume trailing in her wake as she stopped right beside him. Her lips curled in a playful smile. "What's not appropriate? Can't a mother-in-law spend a little one-on-one time with her future son-in-law?" Andrew fell silent, exasperated. "You said you weren't feeling well. If you need help, I'll tak