Simon let out a sharp cry, tumbling across the ground as blood spurted from his mouth. His entire body trembled in fear, his mind on the verge of collapse. He could not believe how vast the difference in strength between him and Andrew actually was. The dark arts he had been so proud of, along with his ambush using deadly poison powder, had not even made a dent. On the contrary, if Cedric had not spoken up on his behalf out of their old ties, Simon was sure he would already be dead by now. As luck would have it, a cab happened to drive by. Simon threw the door open, jumped inside, and barked, "Drive!" The driver stared at him in shock. "Dude, are you practicing for Halloween? Why are you covered in blood?" Simon's face contorted with pain, and he roared, "Are you going or not? One more word and I'll take you out with one strike!" Terrified, the driver slammed on the gas and sped off. … Meanwhile, back at the Aicker residence, chaos erupted. Cedric's apprentices had been r
Before Andrew realized it, Francesca had torn off every piece of clothing, including her underwear. The rough force she used left faint red marks on her smooth, fair skin. Yet, Francesca seemed oblivious to the pain, writhing in his arms as sweat glistened on her flushed body. Andrew knew they were out of time. If she did not find relief soon, the consequences would be dire. Taking a deep breath, he muttered apologetically, "Sorry, Fran!" Then, he scooped her up and hurried toward her bedroom. Francesca's warm breath tickled his ear as her eyes shimmered with desire. "Andrew, I don't blame you… I want this. I want… to give myself to you," she whispered between ragged breaths, her voice filled with anticipation. … Meanwhile, Simon's escape led him to a gated mansion on the outskirts of Jayrodale's wealthy district. He staggered toward the entrance, only to be blocked by a scowling security guard. "Get lost, freak! Who the hell do you think you are?" the guard barked, ey
Simon frowned in confusion. "Mr. Eslinger, I've never understood why you're so determined to control the Aickers. I mean, with your abilities, you could easily build your own powerful legacy." Bane snorted coldly. "What do you know about my ambitions? Cedric and I were once fellow apprentices under the same mentor, Mr. Gregory Sivan. From the start, Cedric was inferior to me in every way—whether in medicine, combat, or earning Mr. Sivan's favor. The man wasn't even in my league." Simon looked skeptical. "If that's true, then why are you here all alone? Meanwhile, Mr. Aicker has established a family empire that's thriving in Jayrodale." Bane's expression darkened, his face twisting into a grimace. "Funny you should ask. My story isn't too different from yours." He paced slowly as he continued. "Cedric was a nobody at the Advanced Medical Institute, a clown obsessed with weird herbs and remedies. I was respected, one of the Institute's top figures, while he was ignored by everyon
Bane's voice became cold and sharp. "Time may have passed, but my hatred for Cedric hasn't diminished one bit. If anything, I crave even more to see him suffer—so much that death would feel like mercy. "When I came to Jayrodale, I made a vow to strip away everything he has, piece by piece, just like peeling off his skin layer by layer. I want him to regret ever crossing me." Simon's eyes burned with shared hatred. "Then let's join forces, Mr. Eslinger. Together, we'll crush the Aickers. Cedric didn't give me what I wanted, and Francesca wouldn't accept me. Fine—I'll make sure their entire family is destroyed!" Bane nodded approvingly. "You've got potential. You're not quite on my level, but you'll do. I'm at a point in Jayrodale where I need capable people, and your timing couldn't be better." Simon clenched his teeth. "Then let's stop wasting time! Once I recover, we'll storm The Aickers and take them down." "Idiot!" Bane barked. "Do you really think they won't be on high al
"Mr. Eslinger, help me! I feel like I'm burning from the inside out like a hot iron is scorching me!" Simon writhed on the floor, all curled up as he screamed in agony. Bane's face turned serious as he crouched down beside him. "Spread your legs and stop moving. I need to take a proper look." When Bane examined the area, his expression darkened further. Simon's groin had turned completely black, a clear sign of severe poisoning. However, what baffled Bane was the swelling—Simon's manhood was inflating unnaturally, almost as if it were about to burst. "Mr. Eslinger, how bad is it? You've got to help me! I feel like I'm going to explode!" Simon gasped for air, drenched in sweat, as he groaned in pain. Bane's brow furrowed in confusion. "What the hell happened to you? How did this even get poisoned?" Simon howled in frustration. "It's that bastard Andrew! He stuck a silver needle down there! I thought it wasn't a big deal, but now it's killing me. You have to save me!" Bane qu
Michael asked in surprise," What happened to Simon? f he's in bad shape, I doubt a 'family meal' will help much." "It's a long story," Bane replied with a sigh. "Just hurry and send it over. If you don't, Simon might die!" Michael chuckled. "Sounds to me like he's more likely to 'die happy' after he's done with that meal. Don't worry, I'll arrange it right away—premium service just for you!" Half an hour later, the "family meal" arrived. The delivery included five women, two of which were foreigners, speaking with an accent that butchered the local language. Simon eagerly grabbed the two ladies and dashed to the room, ready to feast. Bane smirked and called out, "You three, go in as well." With five women in total, Bane figured it would be enough for Simon to relieve the dangerous buildup in his body. As long as he released himself, Simon's life could be saved. Soon, loud thumping sounds and muffled commotion echoed from inside the room. Bane remained expressionless, quietl
Meanwhile, Andrew neither knew nor cared whether Simon was alive or dead. He was too preoccupied with Francesca, who had completely lost her mind. "Let go of me! Please, I need you! I'm going to die if you don't help me—please!" Francesca cried out. Her flushed, naked body squirmed helplessly as Andrew had her bound and placed inside a large tub of ice water to reduce the intense heat radiating from within. The icy water helped cool her down temporarily, but it was only a surface-level solution. The powerful drug, Enthralling Essence, was still wreaking havoc on her organs, tearing through her from the inside. If she did not find relief soon, she might not survive the night. "Fran, calm down," Andrew said firmly, gripping her shoulders to keep her from thrashing. "I'm working on it. I promise I'll save you!" His mind raced as he searched for a way to neutralize the effects of the drug. Simon had gone too far. Enthralling Essence was not a substance anyone used lightly—it was
Francesca sobbed, her voice filled with despair. "Andrew… I've said everything. You still won't accept me? Do you just want to watch me die? Or… is it because you don't care about me at all?" Andrew quickly shook his head. "No, Fran, you're wrong. I would never let you die." "Then give me what I need!" Francesca cried out, her voice cracking with desperation. "I can't take it anymore, Andrew! I'd rather die than go through this torture!" Andrew hesitated, his heart softening at the sight of her tear-filled eyes and pained expression. He knew he could not drag this out any longer—he had to act. "Alright, Fran… but brace yourself. It might hurt a little." Francesca's flushed face brightened with a gentle, relieved smile. "Andrew… I trust you. I'm not afraid. Just… give me what I need," she whispered softly. Andrew carefully laid her on the bed and reached out, his heated hands making contact with her trembling body. Francesca let out a quiet, kitten-like whimper. For the firs
Andrew shook his head slowly and said, "No, you're not like some middle-aged lunatic, and you're definitely not trash or a hooker. You look like a cute little bunny rabbit, just begging to be eaten up. You forced my hand, Aspen!" As soon as he finished speaking, Aspen's eyes widened in sudden panic, realizing what was about to happen. She struggled fiercely, desperate to escape Andrew's grasp. Her voice trembled with tears as she pleaded, "No, no, no! Andrew—Mr. Lloyd—I'm sorry, I admit it, I was wrong! I swear, I won't do it again, please don't do this—please, no!" Her frantic protests ended abruptly with a soft, electric whimper as Andrew silenced her, pressing his mouth firmly onto hers. What followed was a hungry, unstoppable kiss, intense and overwhelming. Aspen's clear eyes widened, her expression first filled with shame and anger, then disbelief, and finally melting into a dazed, dreamy blankness. Their rapid breathing mingled in the confined space of the Ferrari, th
Andrew let out a cold laugh as he stared at the trembling Aspen right in front of him. "What am I doing? What do you think I'm doing? When you were trying to suppress Christina and Davon earlier, you used my presence to scare them off. Don't tell me you forgot that?" Aspen flushed, both embarrassed and angry. "I didn't forget! But what I said—was any of it wrong?" Andrew snorted. "No, it wasn't wrong. But you did get one thing messed up: your grudge with Christina has nothing to do with me, so don't drag me into it just to make yourself look good. You used your own boss as a pawn. That takes some guts, Aspen." Aspen instantly felt a chill. She shrank back and begged, "I-I-I… I won't do it again, okay? Andrew, just let me down first. My butt's right up against the window, and if someone walks by and sees this, how the hell am I supposed to live that down?" The corner of Andrew's lips curved into a teasing grin. "Isn't that perfect? You're my little secretary. This? This is very
Someone joked loudly, "But we get it… I mean, with a secretary like that, why would you even look at anyone else?" The others burst into raucous laughter, not bothering to hide it even in front of Aspen's increasingly dark expression. "Exactly!" another chimed in. "Mr. Lloyd is living the dream. Damn, I look at my office girl and suddenly feel dead inside!" "Mr. Lloyd's not just talented—he's got the best of both worlds. That little secretary of his is a top-tier beauty!" A bespectacled executive chuckled crudely and added, "Mr. Lloyd, let me give you a piece of advice: when there's work, let the secretary handle it; when there's no work, handle the secretary! That line fits you perfectly!" The entire room erupted in laughter as Aspen's face flushed deep red, her cheeks burning. Furious, she shot Andrew a murderous glare, then stormed out of the room in her heels without a word. Andrew, looking utterly unbothered, leisurely followed behind. He even muttered to himself, "Han
"You two went from loving each other to trying to kill each other. Pretty entertaining," Andrew said with a glance at Aspen, smiling faintly. Aspen's face stayed cold. She snapped, "She deserved it, and besides, isn't everything that happened because of you?" Andrew replied calmly, "Had nothing to do with me. I never touched your Bridgefields' Stevens family." Aspen secretly gritted her teeth. Sure, he had not moved against the Stevens family directly. But her? She had been forced to sell herself into slavery, body and soul. Was that not tragic enough? Moreover, who knew when she might completely fall into his hands, devoured, with nothing left? Davon, wiping cold sweat from his forehead, squeezed out a smile. "Mr. Lloyd, Ms. Aspen, I've already taken care of that issue. Should we get down to proper business now?" Andrew nodded. "Okay, let's talk business." Immediately, the business partners who had been waiting nearby all jumped to their feet, smiling brightly and ea
"And since Mr. Lloyd needs a new target to let off some steam, maybe you should volunteer, Davon," Aspen said sweetly. The moment those words landed, Davon jumped up in pure panic, wailing, "Ms. Aspen, no, no, please! Don't say another word. I'll do exactly what you say—everything, exactly as you want!" After groveling, Davon's plump face darkened in shame. He spun around toward Christina, pointed straight at the door, and roared, "Christina, you worthless tramp, get out! Right now! You heard Ms. Aspen. Get the hell out of Phoenixdream Enterprises!" Christina's eyes widened. She could not believe that Davon was this spineless, that easy to terrify. She hissed, "Davon, you'd better think twice about what you're doing! If you throw me out, do you really think Mr. Wright will let you off afterward?" She barked a bitter laugh, furious to the core, and deep inside, her hatred for Aspen grew even sharper. Being thrown out in front of everyone, this humiliation would haunt her in Bl
Davon blinked in confusion and asked, "Ms. Aspen, who exactly are you calling bitch'?" Aspen smirked coldly and pointed straight at Christina. The latter's face darkened as she stood up stiffly. "Aspen, you're going too far!" Christina snapped. "If I had known Supreme Capital Group was the major client here, do you really think I'd have bothered showing up?" Her tone was sharp, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. Aspen remained utterly indifferent. "Since you don't care, then do us all a favor and leave. Christina, I told you once that I would make sure your entire family would struggle in Blumedale. And when I say something, I mean it." Christina's face turned from merely unpleasant to downright ugly. She turned sharply to Davon and demanded, "You're the one who invited us here. Now what's your decision?" It was a clever move, throwing the ball back into Davon's court. After all, they were on Phoenixdream Enterprises' turf—surely Aspen and Andrew could not compl
Aspen knew that Ronan charged a reasonable medical fee, and his medical skills were also quite good. Andrew started the car and sped off while answering casually, "I met Mr. Bates by chance. Showed him a few tricks, and he was so impressed by my skills that he practically worships me now. He even offered to introduce me to his granddaughter." Aspen let out a sharp laugh. "Just met by chance, and he's ready to hand over his granddaughter? Come on, if you're going to brag, at least make it believable!" Andrew just smiled, not bothering to argue with her. He and Ronan had bonded over their shared passion for medicine—it was nothing unusual. In truth, after witnessing Andrew's medical skills firsthand, Ronan nearly dropped to his knees, begging to become his disciple, though Andrew firmly refused. And yes, Ronan did have a granddaughter who was currently attending college. Ronan had hinted that if Andrew did not already have a girlfriend, he should consider his granddaughter.
After breakfast, Andrew, the ever-hands-off boss, got strong-armed by Aspen into actually going to work. Otherwise, Supreme Capital Group, a company sitting on billions in investments, would end up being nothing more than a shiny nameplate. Aspen's exact words were, "If you keep ignoring everything and leave me to worry about it alone, I'd rather go sell myself on the street than keep slaving away for you! At least if I'm selling, I'll make some money. Meanwhile, I'll probably die broke working for you—or just die!" Andrew winced when he heard that. Realizing that his little maid was seriously holding some grudges, he quickly agreed to tag along to the office. "Give me a minute. I'm gonna change," Aspen said before disappearing into her room. A few minutes later, she strutted out—black stockings, high heels, and a sleek blue business suit that shimmered slightly under the light. She was absolutely stunning, and even Andrew had to admit it. Aspen smirked inwardly. 'Yep, the
Whenever Andrew was alone with Tiana, he could not help but feel a little uneasy. Seeing that Tiana had nothing more to say, he quickly took the chance to excuse himself. However, Tiana hesitated. Then, she smiled slyly and asked, "Hold on, let me ask you—have you and Lauren… done it?" Andrew blinked, confused. "Done what?" Tiana rolled her eyes and snapped, "Don't play dumb, Andrew. You know exactly what I'm asking." Andrew finally caught on and answered honestly, "Lauren and I have done pretty much everything, but we haven't crossed the final line." Tiana nodded approvingly. "Good. You need to remember that you can't go that far until you're married. I made sure to tell her that too, and she understands." Andrew's face darkened a little. "Mrs. Rhodes, seriously? This isn't the Dark Ages anymore. We're in a real relationship, and sometimes things get a little… heated." Tiana shook her head firmly. "It's not about being old-fashioned. There are other reasons, but I can't