Lauren bit her lip playfully, her voice turning husky as she said, "Really? Then why don't you prove it to me? It's simple—help me take off these stockings. Remember, you won, so they're yours now." Andrew was left speechless, his eyes widening in surprise. … Meanwhile, in another office on the same floor of Rhodes Corporation, Michael violently slapped Cindy's bottom as she rose from his lap. Cindy's face showed a mix of pain and resentment as she complained, "Mr. Rhodes, what's making you so angry? You've been different ever since Ms. Rhodes returned." Michael snarled, "Shut up! Haven't you seen how many people are sucking up to that little bitch since she came back? I'm the CEO and spokesperson of Rhodes Corporation, not Lauren, yet these idiots still flock to her!" Cindy tried to calm him down, saying, "Sir, try to look at the bright side. Ms. Rhodes did manage to recover that 60 million for the company. To be honest, that was quite an achievement—nobody else could hav
"Jerry, I need an explanation about what happened at Madblade Martial Academy," Michael demanded as soon as the call connected. "Explanation? I don't have any," Jerry replied, his voice weak. "Ms. Rhodes and Andrew got that money back through their own abilities, fair and square." Michael flew into a rage. "I don't give a damn about their abilities! I want to know why you didn't take the opportunity to eliminate that Lloyd guy!" Jerry let out a bitter laugh and said, "Eliminate him? How exactly was I supposed to do that?" He had barely escaped alive from Madblade Martial Academy. Michael said darkly, "Jerry, your attitude is very concerning. Don't forget that both Rhodes Corporation and the entire Rhodes family might end up in my hands. If you keep wavering like this instead of choosing the right person to follow, how do you expect to achieve that comfortable retirement you've been dreaming of?" Jerry snapped, "Mr. Rhodes, spare me the talk about the future. I don't care w
The news spread like wildfire through Jayrodale. Many unfortunate creditors with outstanding debts with the Northern District rushed to Madblade Martial Academy's doors, demanding their money back. "Dean, pay up!" "Dean, you're Atlas's senior and the Northern District's second-in-command. If you don't pay, you can join him six feet under!" "Give us our money back, you crook!" Large red banners were unfurled at the academy's entrance as angry crowds gathered, hurling insults. The academy remained unfazed as students came and went, completely ignoring the protesters while luxury cars continued pulling up to the entrance. The academy's response was simple. "Want your money? Ask Northern District or the dead Atlas. Madblade Martial Academy never defaults on payments, and we won't tolerate these circus acts." Soon, a Volkswagen Beetle pulled up to the academy's entrance, and two striking figures stepped out—Christina and Aspen. The creditors immediately swarmed around them.
Christina nodded thoughtfully and said, "True, while Rhodes Corporation's 60 million isn't a small amount, it pales in comparison to your billion. Even if Madblade Martial Academy is greedy, they wouldn't dare keep such an enormous sum." "Of course not," Aspen replied coldly. "Now that I'm personally involved, I'll bring in the media and the police to make their lives hell if they continue acting like common thieves. Let's see how Mr. Sandford handles that kind of public pressure." The two women put on their sunglasses and strode through Madblade Martial Academy's gates, surrounded by the crowd of creditors. … Inside the academy, Rodney and Dean wore grim expressions—not because of the people demanding money, but because Ivan was still unconscious from his severe injuries. "Damn it, Andrew turned out to be one tough son of a bitch!" Rodney cursed. Despite his young age, he had achieved the rank of junior grandmaster through rigorous training, making him a prodigy even by C
Dean explained, "In all my years in Gabo Creek, I've never seen anyone as extraordinary as Andrew. What's even more terrifying is that he clearly wasn't using his full strength against Mr. Lincoln. Watching his spine-chilling moves, I can't help but wonder if he might have had something to do with Atlas' death." Before Dean could continue, Rodney cut him off with an angry roar, "Shut up! No wonder you're a lost dog—you're completely useless, building up others while tearing down our own reputation!" Depending on Rodney's hospitality, Dean could not protest the insults, but a venomous glint flashed in his eyes. Rodney seethed. "I've never been humiliated like this in my life. And it's obvious Lauren has a thing for Andrew. I've pursued her for years without getting so much as a glance, while she probably can't wait to jump into his bed." While Rodney stewed in anger, a student hurried in and said, "Mr. Sanford, the debt collectors have arrived." Rodney's face twisted with rage
Rodney's smile turned cold. "So, you ladies aren't here to pay respect, but to collect a debt?" "If that's how you want to see it," Aspen replied, finally turning to face him. Christina said diplomatically, "Mr. Sanford, we had a billion-dollar deal with the Northern District. When Atlas met his unfortunate end, that money vanished. Since Dean is now with your academy, we're hoping you can help us recover our investment." She explained the situation with a composed and respectful tone, assuming Rodney would act reasonably now that the facts were clear. However, Rodney looked at her contemptuously and sneered, "They call you the Ice Queen CEO of Jayrodale, supposedly brilliant and beautiful. But I see you're just a pretty face without any real substance." Christina's face flushed with anger. "Mr. Sanford, what exactly are you implying?" Rodney laughed coldly. "You marched in here with this mob demanding money. Do you really think the Madblade Martial Academy is some common e
Rodney smirked shamelessly. "Ms. Aspen, as long as you surrender yourself to me, I wouldn't mind letting these people go. How about that?" Aspen's calm and composed demeanor finally cracked. She exploded, shouting, "Screw you, Rodney! If this were Bridgefields, someone would've dumped your corpse in the wilderness by now for speaking to me like this!" Rodney's face darkened as he waved a hand, barking, "Close the doors!" The sound of the heavy doors slamming shut echoed through the hall. He sneered, "Damn it! Two bitches daring to stir up trouble in my academy? Tonight, you're leaving here soaked, one way or another!" Knowing Rodney's ruthless reputation, the debt collectors accompanying them began to panic. They feared he might truly lock them in and unleash violence. Christina's face turned pale. "Aspen, we need to call the police immediately." Aspen gritted her teeth. "No need. I want to see what this little scumbag thinks he can do to me." She fixed Rodney with an i
Taking out her phone, Aspen immediately dialed Donald's number. "Donald, come to Madblade Martial Academy quickly. I'm in trouble." She pleaded, "If you help me just this once, I promise I'll treat you to dinner tonight." Donald's voice came through, dripping with impatience. "What the hell are you calling me for again, Aspen? Didn't I suffer enough because of you last time?" "Are you deaf? I told you I'm in trouble, so get over here now!" Aspen shouted angrily. Donald let out a cold laugh. "If you're in trouble, go cry to your parents. Why come to me? I'm not your father." He continued with a sneer, "Besides, sorry to say, but Mr. Lloyd made it clear he wants to make your life hell in Jayrodale, so there's nothing I can do. Bye!" The line went dead as Donald hung up. Aspen stood there in disbelief, wondering how she, the precious daughter of Bridgefields' Stevens family, had reached such a low point where even her cry for help went unanswered. Then, it hit her—Donald sa
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
Andrew finally paid a visit to the Rhodes family. "Andy, you're here! Come in, have a seat," Jameson greeted warmly, his tone unusually enthusiastic. The way he looked at Andrew was not just the admiration of a family elder—it was the hopeful gaze of someone eyeing a perfect son-in-law. Lauren giggled behind her hand. "Andrew, you've become quite the welcome guest around here. Everyone in the Rhodes family is thrilled you came." Andrew glanced around casually and noticed several of the Rhodes family's core members smiling and nodding in greeting. A few girls around Lauren's age were sneaking glances his way, their cheeks tinged pink. Cecelia, the youngest among them, blurted out, "Andrew, when are you marrying Lauren?" Andrew laughed and replied, "Anytime works for me." Cecelia clapped her hands excitedly. "Great! Let's do the wedding today and the honeymoon tonight!" Jameson's eyes widened. "Cece! Stop saying nonsense!" His youngest daughter was a wild one—always blu
Logan nodded and smiled. "Andrew's medical skills really are rare. Medicine is a deep and complex field, and among the younger generation in Blumedale, hardly anyone has any decent understanding of it. "Even top talents like Joe Driscoll or Luna Phelan from the three major families are focused on martial arts. When it comes to healing, there's nothing to talk about." George beamed. "What makes Andrew truly special is that he's not only exceptional in medicine, but his martial prowess is also extraordinary. Just the fact that he's survived the joint manhunt from two powerful families already tells me he's not to be underestimated." Logan frowned. "There's a rumor going around that Andrew survived only because someone powerful is secretly protecting him." George scoffed. "That's just idle gossip from nobodies parroting what they hear. If Andrew were weak, no amount of backing could keep him alive. Logan, remember this—life throws us many challenges, but there's one hurdle you mus
Elon's face turned red from the scolding, and he muttered bitterly, "I mean, I might not be great, but I'm still better than Andrew, right? Are you really saying that in your eyes, your own son is worth less than that guy?" Richard let out a cold snort. "You really care about comparing yourself to him? Fine then—do you want the truth or a lie?" Elon shrank back at his father's sarcastic smile and mumbled, "The lie… I guess." Richard scoffed, "Alright. If it's lies you want, then sure—you're way more promising than Andrew. That guy doesn't even deserve to be compared to you." Elon's face twitched. He wanted to laugh, but the words tasted bitter in his mouth. The lie was that he was better than Andrew. But the truth? The truth was that compared to Andrew, he was absolutely nothing. The more he thought about it, the more he realized—either way, he came up short. So what was the point in choosing? He silently cursed, 'Damn it!' Richard folded his hands behind his back, his
"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