Lauren couldn't help but think back to when she first met Andrew. Back then, he was nothing more than a man everyone dismissed—a so-called freeloader, introduced as Christina's live-in boyfriend. Had Andrew grown this much in such a short time, or had he been hiding his true abilities all along? Andrew smiled and said, "Don't worry. Think of it as my dowry for you. And besides, what's yours is mine—it's all the same." Marcus was at a loss for words. Using pharmaceutical formulas as a dowry? If Mr. Lloyd presented this kind of gift to marry a princess from one of Vestra's lesser-known royal families, it would be more than enough! At fifty billion per formula in today's market, even the seemingly untouchable royal families with their noble bloodlines would line up for such a proposal. Not only could he marry a princess, but he could even pick and choose from the most beautiful among them. Fifty billion! That was an astronomical figure! Some of Vestra's sma
Michael said, "This person doesn't have the best reputation. He's a disgraced disciple of Advanced Medical Institute. But as for his medical skills, they are absolutely top-notch—even Dr. Aicker doesn't measure up in his eyes." Tiana looked surprised. "You're not talking about the Master of Poisons, Bane Eslinger, who defected from Advanced Medical Institute years ago, are you?" Michael's face lit up. "Exactly, Aunt Tiana. You know of the Master of Poisons? Yes, it's him." Tiana's eyes narrowed as she spoke slowly. "Bane is said to be erratic and eccentric, completely unlike ordinary people. Years ago, he used live subjects for experiments, causing countless deaths, which led to his expulsion and punishment by the Advanced Medical Institute. "But his medical skills are indeed as legendary as his reputation suggests, even surpassing Cedric. Fine, let's see what you can do. If you can bring the Master of Poisons into our fold, I'll count that as a great achievement for you." Mi
Jerry shook his head. "Based on the leads provided by Mr. Rhodes, we conducted surprise inspections of all the hotels, but we didn't find her." "I've already reported the situation to Mr. Warren at the Jayrodale Police Department. If even he can't find her, then it'll be a real problem." Michael frowned, visibly unsettled. "That's strange. Troy was just captured—there's no way Ruby could've sensed it and escaped so quickly." Tiana snapped, "Shut up. Do you think everyone's as incompetent as you? Keep searching for that wretch! After the loss she's caused the Rhodes family, I won't rest until she's torn to pieces!" … Meanwhile, Lauren lingered at the Moonlit Sanctuary until late at night before reluctantly returning home. The moment she stepped inside and turned on the lights, Tiana was already there, like a ghost waiting in the darkness. Lauren wasn't surprised. She said calmly, "Please leave. I need to rest." Without a word, Tiana strode forward, pulled up Lauren's sle
Ruby bit her lip, struggling to speak. "The truth is… I have some health issues. After I… was with Troy, he got tested and found out he caught a disease. He freaked out and turned on me completely, calling me to scream and curse, saying I was a disgusting tramp who had been with too many men. "In the end, Troy went to Andrew and begged him for treatment. Under Andrew's manipulative demands, Troy confessed everything to him." Aspen's face darkened with rage. "Andrew again? Why is it that every single one of my failures has his shadow looming over it? And you, you're just as useless! I spent so much effort and money getting you out of prison, not so you could mess everything up!" Ruby held back her anger and muttered, "I didn't want things to turn out like this. It's all because of Andrew—he's the real culprit." Aspen cut her off impatiently. "Enough! Let me ask you, this disease… is it from reckless behavior?" Ruby blushed deeply and, with great reluctance, admitted, "Yes, it'
Aspen sneered. "I knew it. Playing around with frogs wouldn't cause an illness. Turns out you wretches went back to men in the end." Ruby ignored the scorn in her words and replied, "I've always wanted to live well. Even in prison, I liked to feel superior to others. "So, I got involved with several male guards. They would do anything for me—buying me anything I wanted from the outside: fancy bags, pretty clothes—everything except my freedom—all with just a crook of my finger. But I didn't expect to end up catching a disease, and it spiraled out of control." Aspen snapped, "Enough! I've heard more than enough of your filthy, disgusting past. Now, hand over the formulas from Rhodes Pharmaceutical, and we'll call it even." Ruby smirked coldly. "Ms. Stevens, don't you think it's shameless to burn the bridge after you've crossed it? If you want the formulas, fine. But first, you'll need to arrange for me to get out of Jayrodale." Aspen scoffed. "Do you think I'm as cheap and sham
The fact that Gordon Woods, a martial arts master from Bridgefields, had secretly infiltrated Jayrodale went unnoticed by Andrew. Even if Andrew had known, he likely wouldn't have cared. Over the years, Andrew had collected nearly 30 rare medicinal herbs, all of which he had refined into a single golden pill, glimmering like a piece of yellow crystal. The Five Convergence Pill! In the martial arts world, it also went by more illustrious names such as the Ascension Pill or Immortal Pill. As the name suggests, consuming it was said to grant one immortality. Of course, this was merely a romanticized and exaggerated notion within martial circles. While the Ascension Pill was extraordinary, it wasn't a magical elixir that could defy death or wrest control of life from the heavens. If it truly granted immortality, the world would have been overrun with immortals by now. In truth, the pill's effects, while not literally divine, were indeed transformative, cap
But those who reached the level of an eighth-grade alchemist paid unimaginable prices in effort and hardship. They had faced countless life-and-death crises and needed immense fortune to encounter rare opportunities and profound enlightenment to become an eighth-grade alchemist. Andrew, however, had walked the path others spent their entire lives treading, finishing it over a decade ago. As per the old saying, "The tallest tree in the forest is always the first to be felled." Ten years ago, Andrew had been forced to carve a bloody path out of Chetvine, vanishing into obscurity. Now, seated calmly in his meditation chamber, Andrew took a deep breath and swallowed the Ascension Pill in one go. A surge of immense heat rushed to his head and spread through every part of his body. "Break!" he muttered. Andrew's eyes glowed with a faint golden hue as he clenched his teeth and let out a low growl. The roaring sound of thunder coursed through his twin core merid
Lauren giggled and said, "Dr. Lloyd, you silly man, you can't even figure out something as obvious as a girl's feelings. I'm not explaining it to you—see you at the medical center later." With that, she hung up. Andrew thought for a moment. Why was Francesca upset? Could it have something to do with Simon? But that didn't seem right. Francesca had mentioned before that Simon had come to terms with her decision and had even offered his blessings. After mulling it over, Andrew decided to call Francesca. "Fran, I'd like to thank you and Lauren for taking care of everything for the medical center. After the opening ceremony, let me treat you to dinner." Francesca's tone was lackluster, almost lethargic. "There's no need, Andrew. I helped you willingly. You don't have to take me out." Andrew chuckled. "Fran, you don't sound well. Are you feeling sick?" Francesca responded softly, her voice subdued. "Yes, I'm sick—very sick." Andrew frowned. "You're a doct
With a sickening snap, several bones shattered under Logan's brutal kick, and Archie let out a bloodcurdling scream that made everyone's scalp tingle. "Mr. Keller, please, stop! I'm begging you! I was wrong! I was talking shit! I apologize—I apologize!" Archie flailed on the ground like a dying animal, completely stripped of his earlier arrogance. His body trembled violently, his face twisted in agony, but he did not dare show the slightest bit of temper as he groveled before Logan, crying and pleading. Logan casually strolled over and slapped him twice more across the face, with ruthless, bone-jarring force. Archie's head snapped to the side so hard it almost seemed like his neck would break, and his screams grew even more pitiful. Yet, not a single Hopkins fighter moved to help him. All of them stood frozen, faces pale with fear, too terrified to even breathe loudly. Logan's voice was calm but icy. "Tonight, if Andrew doesn't accept your apology, not a single one of you
"Andy, I'm here!" In the midst of the tense, frozen atmosphere, only Logan and Andrew seemed relaxed, chatting like old friends without a care in the world. Andrew chuckled. "Logan, you're acting way too friendly!" For once, Logan's face flushed slightly red with embarrassment. Truth be told, he and Andrew were not actually that close. However, orders were orders—George had made it clear that they had to secure Andrew's favor no matter what it took. If Andrew did not show much enthusiasm toward the Keller family, then Logan had no choice but to make up for it by being overly enthusiastic himself. "If you don't like it, how about you be the older brother and I'll be the younger one?" Logan's attitude was ridiculously accommodating as if he had no pride left to defend. No matter how awkward it felt, Andrew was someone the Keller family absolutely had to win over. Watching all this unfold, Tiana, Jameson, and the Hopkins crowd were even more stunned. It almost seemed like Loga
By some twisted stroke of luck, Archie's manhood—though bruised and swollen—had not been completely destroyed. While he silently thanked the heavens, his hatred for Tiana grew even deeper. That seductive married woman? He was determined to have her tonight, no matter what it took. Just then, Jerry and a dozen of the Rhodes family's top fighters finally arrived on the scene. Jameson, seeing that his people were in place, narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Mr. Hopkins, you really want to keep pushing this?" Archie let out a twisted laugh. "Mr. Rhodes, your wife hit me. That punk by your side hit me too! Do you really think someone like me, who cares this much about his reputation, is just going to let that go?" Tiana scoffed. "So what if we don't let it go? Mr. Hopkins, you're nothing more than a disgusting maggot. What are you going to do about it?" Archie screamed, his face flushed with rage. "Tiana, you filthy bitch! Do you think you're better than me? Tonight, I'll make
"This way, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Rhodes, Mrs. Rhodes, and Ms. Rhodes—please!" Justin had completely changed his attitude, now grinning with over-the-top enthusiasm. He was practically bowing, a world apart from the snobby arrogance he had shown earlier. Tiana smiled faintly and said, "We'll be dining in the Celestial Suite now. That won't be a problem, right?" The manager nodded so fast it looked painful. "No problem at all, Mrs. Rhodes. Please, right this way!" Jameson patted Andrew's shoulder reassuringly and whispered, "Andy, don't worry. I already called our people. Jerry and the others are on their way." Andrew chuckled lightly. "Mr. Rhodes, there's no need to mobilize the whole family.The Hopkins? I can handle them myself." Jameson shook his head, thinking Andrew was just putting on a brave face. He believed Andrew, being new to Blumedale, could not possibly fend off the Hopkins on his own. Meanwhile, Andrew casually excused himself during dinner to make a quick call to
Everyone could tell Andrew was no ordinary martial artist. After all, he had taken down the Hopkins men like it was nothing. Nonetheless, the fact that he kept going and even dared to lay hands on Archie was pure suicide. "That little bastard is dead meat! Archie's gonna skin him alive!" someone hissed. "Yeah! It's one thing to slap us around, but hitting Mr. Hopkins? Does he think he's untouchable?" "Just wait. This fool's been used like a pawn by Mrs. Rhodes. Once the real Hopkins heavy hitters show up, he's gonna get slaughtered right here at The Palace!" Meanwhile, Archie caught another few brutal slaps from Andrew. Chunks of his thick beard went flying through the air. Archie howled, "You little punk! You've pushed it too far! If I don't kill you tonight, I'll change my damn last name to yours!" Grimacing with rage, Archie pulled out his phone and snarled into it. "I just got attacked at The Palace. Bring the whole crew over—now! "Yeah, you heard me. Tonight, I'm w
The others around them sneered and snickered. "Kid, you're all skin and bones. Do yourself a favor and get lost." Another chimed in, "Mr. Hopkins doesn't even take the entire Rhodes family seriously. What makes you think you stand a chance, you low-level nobody?" "Heh, did you all hear it earlier? Tiana said they are his in-laws. Damn, this kid hit the jackpot. Tiana and her daughter? Both absolute knockouts." One remarked, "No kidding. That lucky punk, I envy him like hell. If it were me, I'd be laughing in my sleep. Bagging a mother-daughter pair? That's the dream, man… pure heaven." A few filthy-mouthed degenerates let loose with their vulgar fantasies, and the air instantly grew more volatile. The tension between both sides was now on the brink of exploding. Tiana let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like Mr. Hopkins isn't the only one talking shit tonight. Some of you have even more sewage coming out of your mouths." She turned to Andrew, her smile sharp as ice. "Come
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."