Despite his bruised and swollen face, Ernest was beaming with joy as he felt his body recovering. After checking himself thoroughly to confirm he was really okay, he burst into laughter. "I'm alive! I actually made it!" The bodyguards looked at him in disbelief before turning to Andrew. They could not comprehend how a few kicks could save someone's life—was this guy some kind of miracle worker? Andrew explained clinically, "Mr. Ramsey's main problem was blocked pressure points causing blood congestion. My kicks cleared those blockages and restored proper circulation, which naturally resolved the issue." "But Andrew, why do I feel so weak even though the pain is gone?" Ernest asked groggily, holding his head. "I feel like I'm about to pass out." Andrew smiled knowingly. "That's normal. Most people would have died from losing that much blood. You survived only because of your strong constitution and all those supplements you take." Ernest's face turned pale. "Are you saying
"Actually, things aren't as bad as you think, Mr. Ramsey," Andrew explained casually. "You can return to Canraville and rest quietly for a few years—with proper restraint and the right supplements, your body will recover." Ernest immediately perked up at this suggestion. "Yes, yes, you're right! I may be weak now, but it's temporary. I just need some time to recuperate." "However, Mr. Ramsey, there's one crucial rule," Andrew warned. "You must absolutely avoid any intimate relations with women." Ernest's face fell dramatically as though he had just received news of a death in the family. He could handle giving up fine food and drinks, but this restriction was one he just couldn't bear. Andrew added gravely, "Don't take this lightly, Mr. Ramsey. In your condition, any intimate activity will instantly drain what little life force you've managed to rebuild. When that happens, you'll become nothing but an empty shell—not even the world's best doctor could save you then." Ernest's
Natasha glanced at him and turned away, her voice filled with frustration as she said, "I used to be obsessed with power and martial arts, always wanting to be above others. But now, I don't care about any of that anymore—if you just say the word, I'd give up my position as the head of West End right away to serve you." Andrew was stunned. "What did you just say?" "I said I'd give up everything just to be with you," Natasha replied irritably. Andrew's heart skipped a beat as he realized the widow had developed feelings for him. As he wondered if he really had to sleep with Natasha, anger washed over him. Just then, the pouting Natasha burst into laughter and looked at him triumphantly. "You fool, couldn't you tell I was just messing with you?" "You think this is funny?" Andrew asked, slightly annoyed. Natasha stood tall and challenged him, "It is funny… Unless you're man enough to take control of the situation." "Your provocations won't work on me," Andrew said with a smi
Seeing that everything was settled, and Natasha had no objections, Andrew asked, "Is there anything else? If not, I need to head back." Natasha replied seriously, "Oh, darling, there's one more thing. Although Atlas' Northern District has fallen apart, several of his top fighters have gathered over 100 followers and are starting to gain influence again." "When it comes to eliminating threats completely, you and Dylan are more skilled than I am," Andrew replied calmly. "From now on, you don't need my approval for these matters—just discuss it between yourselves." Natasha flashed a seductive smile. "Perfect, that's exactly what I wanted to hear." Andrew shook his head, thinking how Natasha truly lived up to her Black Widow nickname. With him, she was charming and submissive, even offering to warm his bed, but as a crime lord, she definitely had blood on her hands. It was necessary though. How else could a beautiful widow establish her position and protect her West End territory
A man in a suit and glasses stepped forward with a sneer. "Let me tell you just how impressive Mr. Rhodes is—he has complete control over Rhodes Corporation now, and he's as powerful as any other head of the prominent family in Jayrodale." Another executive rushed forward to brown-nose Michael, looking down at Andrew with contempt. "Young man, in this business, ignorance is a sin. The fact that you don't know how powerful Mr. Rhodes is just proves you're a small fry who can't see beyond your own limited view—you're less than an insect in his eyes." Marcus, who had been standing quietly in the back, stepped forward to mediate. "Sir, it's time for the noon meeting, and Ms. Rhodes is here today. Perhaps we should head up." Michael scoffed. "Ah, right, I forgot Lauren was coming to the company today. Fine, let's meet her, but remember what I said earlier—choose your sides carefully. I don't want my blade catching any foolish bystanders in the crossfire." After that, Michael swept h
Michael adjusted his designer suit with an air of superiority. He said, "Andrew, I'm done playing games with a nobody like you. Watch yourself—if you're foolish enough to side with Lauren, I might have to eliminate you along with her." With a contemptuous smirk, Michael led his group of executives through the corporate entrance. Marcus, who was the last to leave, looked at Andrew with a sympathetic smile. "Didn't I tell you to stop coming to see Ms. Rhodes? You not only showed up openly but also challenged our CEO—aren't you just digging your own grave?" He was particularly concerned about Andrew's bold declaration to take Michael's position. Marcus felt that Andrew was still naive about how the real world worked. With Michael's current position, all it would take was a nod of his head for his lackeys to destroy this young deputy chief's life. "Thanks for trying to help back there, Mr. Chapman," Andrew said with a smile. Marcus waved his hand dismissively. "I did what I co
"Very well," Eunice replied. Even so, she felt Lauren's decision lacked foresight. The entire Rhodes Corporation's upper management disapproved of her relationship with Andrew, and Michael especially despised him—bringing him to the company under this double pressure would only invite trouble. Andrew clearly sensed Eunice's aversion to him but chose not to comment on it. He asked, "Ms. Rhodes, now that you're back working at the company, is there anything I can help with?" Lauren playfully chewed on her pen cap and replied flirtatiously, "I couldn't bear to have you do anything strenuous, Dr. Lloyd. Just be my personal assistant here in the office." Andrew deliberately ignored her teasing, thinking this temptress really was not afraid he might lose control and take advantage of the situation. Lauren quickly switched back to her professional demeanor. Then, she said decisively, "Let's do this—I'll hire you as my driver for now. In a few days, I'll arrange a management position
Michael had already claimed the head position in the large conference room, surrounded by his suckups, who wore ingratiating smiles. "Lauren, it's been a while since you've been to the corporation. Do you even remember how to work?" Michael said with exaggerated cheerfulness when Lauren entered. He added, "If not, you can just stay in your office, get your nails done, take care of your skin, and leave when the day's over. I don't want to pressure you." The room fell silent instantly as the executives sensed the tension between Michael and Lauren. Lauren stared at Michael coldly and retorted, "Michael, you've just taken my position, and you're already acting like someone drunk on their newfound power." Lauren smirked as Michael's expression darkened. "Everyone in the family and company knows which of us is more qualified to be CEO. You've only been in charge for a couple of weeks, and you're already so full of yourself—clearly, you'll never amount to much." Michael snorted.
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
Andrew was sitting on the lawn outside Serenity Villa, watching the crew from The Sovereign Residences repair his home. After the attack last night, it was a miracle the place was still standing—if the villa had not been built to the highest security standards, it would have been reduced to nothing but ash and rubble by the Srovika Federation mercenaries. Felix Daughtry, the security captain from The Sovereign Residences, a semi-martial king-level fighter, walked over with a grim expression and reported, "Mr. Lloyd, Serenity Villa took quite a hit. Full restoration might be difficult." Andrew glanced at him and said coldly, "I want it restored exactly as it was, and not just that—The Sovereign Residences will need to compensate me for all damages, including emotional distress. If that's too much, then I don't want the house anymore. I'll go to the press and let the world know just how useless your brand really is." Felix's face darkened, turning almost pitch black with anger. H
Since the night before, Xavier had been fully suited in military attire, standing vigilant and sleepless. He gripped a massive broadsword, and when the butler spoke, his voice was ice-cold. "Don't worry. Andarov won't fail me. That bastard Andrew is as good as dead." Though those were his words, doubt lingered in Xavier's mind. After all, Andarov never took this long to finish a kill. Nonetheless, the sun was rising—he should be back any minute now. Andarov, commander of the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, was ruthless and battle-hardened. Xavier met him while stationed overseas, and after several missions together, they became close allies. "With the entire Blood Wolf squad under him, it doesn't matter if Andrew has bodyguards. He won't last five minutes," Xavier sneered, confident. He was already planning the next steps—hold Seth's memorial as soon as Andarov returned, then introduce him to Luna to score even more clout. Having a famous international mercenary as a personal friend? E
At the Golding family estate, Elon exclaimed in disbelief, "What did you just say? Black Wolf is dead?" The butler, face tight with unease, replied, "Yes, sir. Early this morning, his body was found dumped in the sewer. The cause of death matched the last group of assassins perfectly. There's no doubt that it was Andrew who killed him." Elon's expression darkened instantly. "Even Black Wolf failed and ended up dead? Andrew... you've clearly been hiding more strength than we thought." The butler nodded gravely. "Sir, that man is definitely not some pawn on the board. Not only is Black Wolf gone, but the Srovika Federation mercenary commander the Haywoods brought in also died at Serenity Villa." Elon gasped. "Even Xavier's overseas hitman got wiped out? Are you absolutely sure?" The old butler's brow twitched. "Completely sure. This morning, both bodies—Black Wolf and the mercenary captain—were found side by side in the sewer on Blumedale's main street." Elon clenched his ja
On the ground, Black Wolf writhed in pain, howling in disbelief. He finally understood why that last squad of heavily armed mercenaries had vanished without a trace after storming Serenity Villa. This place was not just a house—it was a damn death trap. "Who sent you to kill me?" Andrew asked calmly as he twirled the dagger Black Wolf had dropped. Pinned down by Natasha and Dylan, Black Wolf was drenched in sweat, his shattered legs leaving him gasping in agony. He growled, "Why the hell should I tell you? You should know exactly who you've pissed off. Even if I'm in your hands, kid, if you lay a finger on me, the consequences—" Andrew did not let him finish. Instead, he drove the blade straight into Black Wolf's chest. Whatever threat Black Wolf was about to spit out died on his tongue. His eyes bulged in shock before his head slumped to the side—dead. "If you didn't have the sense to act like a prisoner, then I did you a favor and sent you straight to hell. Next time, try
Aspen could not help leaning closer to see what Andrew was doing. To her surprise, his breathing was steady—he was already asleep. She stared at him, both amused and annoyed as she thought, 'I'm lying right next to him, and he still manages to fall asleep? Am I not attractive enough? Or does this guy just not find me worth the effort?' That split second of realization triggered an unexpected wave of disappointment and frustration in her. … Meanwhile, outside Serenity Villa, a black figure moved silently across the ruined outer wall, climbing with inhuman ease. It was Black Wolf—Elon's secret weapon, a top-tier assassin with a reputation to match. A matte-finished blade dangled from his lips as he surveyed the building, swiftly memorizing the layout of the damaged villa. He was not alone. At least a dozen other men hid in the dark, surrounding the perimeter and lying in wait. Nonetheless, they were not predators, at least not to him. He scoffed, thinking, 'They're the bait,
Through the second half of the night, Serenity Villa remained eerily quiet. Chantelle stepped out from her lookout post and announced, "Looks like no one else is coming tonight. Everyone should get some rest." Andrew stopped her. "Hold up. You all stay on watch—I'll go rest." Chantelle narrowed her eyes. "Are you giving me orders like I'm your subordinate?" Andrew responded calmly, "Not at all. I just want to isolate myself and draw the next assassin in alone." Chantelle frowned. "So, you're planning to be alone in a room and give the assassin a shot at you? You're using yourself as bait?" Andrew replied, "Exactly. One mercenary commander from the Srovika Federation is dead, but with the Haywoods and Goldings both after my head, there's no way they'd just send one decent hitter and be done." Chantelle nodded. "That… makes sense. But you're injured. What happens if something unexpected comes up? Can you really handle it?" Before Andrew could answer, Aspen blurted, "It's