The situation was frustratingly complex since Kane technically had the upper hand. As a family patriarch and Lauren's elder, Kane had made what appeared to be a concession by lowering the price by 30 million, making it difficult for Lauren to refuse without seeming disrespectful. If Harvey had been the only one present, Lauren could have continued negotiating. However, with the cunning Kane there, it was awkward for her, as a younger person, to keep bargaining. Nonetheless, she was not foolish enough to accept such an astronomical sum of 120 million dollars. Meanwhile, Harvey was secretly delighted that bringing his father along worked out so well. Kane's negotiating skills far surpassed his own, and the Weller family was past caring about their reputation—they just wanted to rip off the Rhodes family while they could. "Lauren, if there's no issue, let's sign the contract!" Kane said with a seemingly friendly smile. Lauren silently cursed the crafty old man while outwardly
"Alright, we'll follow Dr. Lloyd's suggestion and proceed with the 120 million," Lauren decided. Even though she was unsure why Andrew agreed to such a price, she trusted that he had his reasons and was willing to spend that amount on him. Just as Kane and Harvey's faces lit up with triumph, Andrew dropped a bombshell. "I think there might be a small misunderstanding. When I mentioned 120 million, I wasn't just talking about the Oakridge Club." He continued, "What I meant was that 120 million should buy the entire Weller family holdings. Everything the Weller family owns in Jayrodale would become Rhodes family property, and Ms. Rhodes can transfer the money right now. Now, that's what I call a win-win situation!" The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone reeled from Andrew's words. His suggestion was not about meeting the Weller family's greedy demands—it was about buying out their entire family enterprise. "What the hell are you talking about?" Harvey snarled. "The W
With those words, the Weller family was immediately silenced, holding back their protest. Harvey stared in disbelief and said, "Lauren, the Oakridge Club is such a precious asset. Surely you wouldn't give away something so valuable just for a man, would you?" Lauren smiled and simply stated, "Because I want to!" Kane, speaking as an elder, felt compelled to step in with a warning. He cautioned sternly, "A casual fling is one thing, but your father would be furious if he found out you're purchasing the Oakridge Club just to gift it to some young man." Lauren remained unfazed and replied, "Mr. Weller Senior, just focus on the sales. How I spend my money and what I do with my purchases is my business alone." After repeatedly hitting a wall with Lauren, Kane let out a cold snort and said, "Since you won't listen to reason, fine—the price remains at 120 million, not a dollar less." Andrew quickly interjected, "Ms. Rhodes, since they're not budging, let's leave. There are better
Lauren and her group could not help but chuckle. After all, 22.5 million dollars was somewhat unreasonable. However, Andrew spoke coldly, "What's wrong with 22.5 million? The Weller family wouldn't be selling their assets if you weren't drowning in debt, would you?" He continued with a piercing observation, "Since your family is clearly desperate enough to sell your properties, you're hardly in a position to be picky—without Ms. Rhodes, I doubt anyone would offer even 15 million for the Oakridge Club." Kane and Harvey's expressions shifted subtly, as Andrew's words had struck a nerve. During the Weller family's prime, they could have easily demanded 150 million for the Oakridge Club, and buyers would have lined up. However, with their reputation tarnished by debt, they were lucky to get any offers at all. "Fine, 30 million—it's a deal!" Kane gritted his teeth, fearing that Andrew might lower the price. At this point, he could not risk losing even the 30 million offer. Clos
In the next moment, Kane exploded with rage, "You ungrateful brat, are you threatening me? I order you to stand down right now!" Harvey did not move, instead giving his father a sinister smile. "Dad, I need money, power, the family's influence, and our best people—and I can only control these things as the head of the family." He snarled, "But I can't wait five years. If you truly love me as your son, then hand over your position quickly, and I promise the Weller family will return to its former glory under my leadership!" Kane refused to listen and shouted, "I told you to stand down! Or are you planning to rebel against me?" Harvey's fierce expression gradually softened as he knelt respectfully. He said with sudden humility, "Dad, I apologize for my impulsiveness just now. As you said, I'm still inexperienced and not ready to lead the Weller family. Five more years of training will do me good." Kane's boiling anger began to subside as he snorted. "Do you really mean that?"
Serena gasped in horror. "Harvey, don't do anything rash. He's your father and the head of the Weller family! If you rebel against him, you'll certainly die." Harvey scoffed. "I'm not stupid enough to openly commit patricide. Just keep giving him that drug I provided daily, but from today, increase the dosage. His health is failing fast, and I'm sure he won't last a month!" Serena shivered and protested, "No, if it's too obvious and he discovers it, I'll be executed. I'm already doing enough by helping you, so don't push me to take more risks." Harvey remained silent, his eyes roaming over his stepmother's curves as a lustful smile spread across his face. He whispered menacingly, "Serena, we're in this together now. We've already crossed lines we shouldn't have. If you don't help me, and Dad find out what's between us, do you think you'll survive?" Serena raised her hand in fury to slap him. "You bastard, are you threatening me?" Harvey caught her hand and roughly pulled
Andrew smiled gently. "I'm not leaving. I just think building a specialized medical center at the Oakridge Club site would be better than running another exclusive clubhouse." Lauren beamed at him. "Oh, my precious Dr. Lloyd! You have such a noble heart, always wanting to help others! You have my complete support!" Francesca rolled her eyes. "Lauren, since when did he become yours? Don't be so shameless!" Lauren shot back playfully, "So what if I'm shameless? If you've got the guts, why don't you throw yourself at him too? Let him admire your legendary assets." Francesca flushed with anger and embarrassment. "Lauren, seriously?" As a petite woman with an exaggerated figure, Francesca often found herself the center of attention. While her appearance attracted admiration, she secretly found the constant focus a bit overwhelming. Being openly teased about it—especially in front of Andrew—made her burn with embarrassment. "Lauren, stop joking around!" she snapped, her face glo
Finley's attendants taunted Andrew with crossed arms, treating him like he was beneath them. "What are you waiting for, fool? Didn't you hear Mr. Moore's order?" "Mr. Moore is a very distinguished person. It's your own bad luck that you heard his business in Jayrodale, so do as he say! Or do you want us to help you?" Andrew frowned and spoke firmly. "Even if you're from a martial arts sect, does your leadership really teach you to harm innocent civilians so casually?" Finley snapped his fan shut with a sharp click and replied arrogantly, "Since you know I'm from a martial arts sect, you should understand that no one in Jayrodale can touch me even if I decided to do worse than just taking your tongue." Francesca's expression changed as she whispered, "Lauren, Andrew, maybe we should leave." Lauren remained silent but seemed to agree with Francesca's suggestion, while Andrew sat unmoved and asked calmly, "Ladies, is this Hidden Dragons really so powerful in the Gabo Creek are
"He's my sworn brother, then standing up for him—no matter the cost—is only right," Logan said firmly. Elon's face instantly darkened, and deep inside, a gnawing jealousy bubbled up. Despite being the most low-key of the Five Apex Families' younger generation, Logan was arguably the most terrifying. He was about to take over the Keller family, a rising powerhouse. The Haywoods had Xavier—young, sharp, and fierce in combat. The Wrights had Quinton—manipulative, cunning, and notorious for his ruthlessness. But Elon? He was… just Elon. He was overweight, lacked presence, and had just been publicly humiliated when word spread that his wife had cheated on him. His reputation was already slipping, and now he had become the joke of Blumedale's elite circle. Still, no matter how pathetic things seemed, Elon believed he was far better than the man Andrew was. In his eyes, they were not even in the same league. So, it burned him even more to see Logan—someone he had always tried to i
"Logan, don't you know Andrew killed my younger brother?" Xavier shouted furiously. It was understandable for Luna to speak up. After all, the Phelans owed Andrew a small favor—but now even the Keller family was interfering. If this continued, Andrew would not just remain unharmed; he would likely rise to prominence in Blumedale. Andrew's rise would be a direct slap in the face to the Haywoods, humiliating them beyond redemption. Roy spoke grimly, "Logan, you're set to lead the Keller family. You should know better than to blur right and wrong. Andrew repeatedly humiliated the Haywoods and even murdered Seth. Do you expect us to swallow such a huge insult?" Logan replied calmly, "Mr. Haywood Senior, you know exactly why things turned out this way. I hate to say it, but Seth brought his death upon himself. Andrew may be impulsive, but he's done nothing wrong in my eyes." "I'll say this only once: if the Haywoods continue their vendetta against him, the Keller family won't stan
Xavier said, "Uncle Jude, you're in charge of internal discipline. My request is simple—either throw those losers out of the Haywoods and make them manage some backwater branch, or I'll kill them myself. And I doubt anyone in the family would object." Jude's eyelids twitched violently as he cursed the brats under his breath. Out loud, though, he nodded quickly and replied, "Don't worry, Xavier. I'll make sure they're kicked out of the family for good. They won't even get close to the front gate again." Xavier snorted and walked off, leaving Jude staring at his back, shaking his head. Jude muttered to himself, "Xavier… you really are the pride of the Haywoods. But you're spoiled by your status. With your father as the family head and all the elders favoring you, you've always kept the other branches under your heel. "That's understandable since you're the future heir and our strongest fighter among the younger generations. But the fact remains—you made a public promise and faile
Tiana had already been urging Andrew to make a trip to the Rhodes residence. With his current matters finally settled, Andrew made his way there. … Meanwhile, back at the Haywood residence, the funeral was underway. The place was shrouded in white—the last rites for Seth. It should have been a major event, but the atmosphere among the Haywoods was lifeless. No one looked remotely interested, and many of the younger members were outright slacking off, hiding in corners, smoking, drinking, and chatting. Someone whispered, "Xavier's the eldest son of the Haywoods and a damn colonel in the military, yet he couldn't even bring back Andrew's head? What a letdown." Another chimed in, "No kidding. Seth got taken out like that, which is a direct slap to the Haywoods' face." "Honestly, I've never seen our family this humiliated. Xavier even said he'd kill Andrew within three days or take his own life. Big talk for someone who came back empty-handed…" After just a few gulps of alco
Aspen and Chantelle both gasped in disbelief. They could not believe that Andrew had just toyed with Luna like she was some puppy. He offered her a treat, dangled it right in front of her face, and then yanked it back when she reached for it. Anyone with an ounce of pride would have snapped—and Luna Phelan was not just anyone. "Playing games on a razor's edge… Andrew, I'll be watching," Luna said coldly. "I'll watch how you destroy yourself." Her expression turned colder than it had been even when confronting Xavier.With one sharp step, she kicked up a gust of wind and vanished into the air. It was a clear sign that she was not just leaving, she was unleashing her fury. "That footwork was terrifying," Chantelle muttered. Even Aspen looked shaken. "Keep acting like this, Andrew, and someone's gonna hack you into pieces one day!" Chantelle snapped. After one last angry glare, she stormed off too. Aspen did not have quite the same fire in her. This demon of a man was hear
Luna turned around, clearly reluctant to even look at Andrew, and said flatly, "I can save you once, maybe even twice—but not a third time. To be precise, the only reason I stepped in at all was because you've done favors for the Phelans… and for Marvin. "But next time? Your life or death will have nothing to do with me. So, here's my advice—tone it down. This is Blumedale, not Jayrodale. You could show off back there, and no one cared, but here? Power and politics clash every second. Dying young might be the only fate you're headed for." Andrew frowned. "Luna, are you sick or something? Did I ask you to save me?" That one line did not just offend Luna—it also lit a fire in Chantelle. "Andrew, what the hell is wrong with you? General Phelan just saved your damn life. You didn't even say thank you, and now you're blaming her? Are you even a man?" She was speechless, thinking the guy was seriously unbelievable. Andrew shot her a cold glare. "Shut your mouth. No one asked for
Yet, of all the fearless, reckless men they had encountered, neither Aspen nor Chantelle had ever seen anyone as stubbornly arrogant as Andrew. Both women were completely stunned, wondering where he even got the guts to say things like that. In this world, commoners fear officials—but officials? They fear the men with guns—the military. However, here was Andrew, treating a colonel like Xavier as if he were worthless weeds. It was utter madness—like a sparrow challenging an eagle, a lamb taunting a wolf. It was sheer recklessness bordering on suicide. With a thunderous swoosh, Xavier's massive broadsword came crashing down with enough force to split boulders and level trees. Just the murderous pressure from that swing made Chantelle's face go pale. She was starting to doubt if she could even stand up to Xavier herself. After all, Andrew looked like he was about to be torn in half by that blade. What infuriated her even more was that, at the height of danger, Andrew just st
"Colonel Haywood, you know full well that with your rank and position, you can't just go around killing people on a whim," Chantelle warned coldly. She added, "Besides, your friend Andarov used banned weaponry on Holtrien soil, which is a serious offense. You can be sure Mr. McCormick won't just let that slide." Left with no other option, Chantelle had to drop Derek's name to try to rein Xavier in. However, Xavier was not intimidated at all. His voice dripped with venom as he said, "Ms. Garcia, I respect Mr. McCormick—he governs this province, and I'll give him that. But do you think the Haywoods' name should be trampled like dirt? Especially by some no-name punk who doesn't know his place? "I'll chop him into pieces, and if I have to, I'll apologize to Mr. McCormick myself. But with the military accolades I've earned, the Haywood family's backing, and my deep ties in the defense department, killing this bug wouldn't even cause a blip on the radar." Chantelle's stomach twiste
Chantelle sneered, "All in all, you're just an ordinary man, a slave to your desires with a pathetically mediocre mind." She had finally caught an opening to hit Andrew where it hurt, and she was not about to waste it. Andrew chuckled. "Ms. Garcia, you really do live up to your title as a master of psychology. You got most of it right. But you still missed one tiny detail—like the fact that, right now, I've got a very clear image of your naked body in my mind." The bluntness of that line stunned Chantelle, and her expression twisted in outrage. She snapped, "Andrew! That was in the past—how dare you bring it up like it's nothing? Aren't you worried I'll kill you?" The usually cold woman was genuinely furious now. Andrew shrugged lazily. "I'm sitting right here, wounded and unarmed. Go ahead, kill me. But even if you did, you still wouldn't erase the fact that you once stripped bare in front of me." Chantelle raised her hand in fury but forced herself to lower it again with