Howard was completely terrified, looking at Andrew as if he were some kind of demon. His voice trembled as he stammered, "No… I'm not that impressive. Mr. Lloyd, I was wrong—please, I beg you, let me go!" Tears and snot ran down his face, making him look utterly pathetic. Andrew's tone was ice-cold as he spat, "If begging for mercy worked, then what if I just kill you right now and beg Mrs. Rhodes for forgiveness afterward? Would that make it okay?" Howard's entire body shuddered, and he immediately burst into loud sobs. "No, no, no—Mr. Lloyd, I swear, I was wrong! Please don't kill me; I don't want to die!" The feeling of suffocation just moments ago had taught him a brutal lesson—Andrew was not bluffing. He was the kind of man who would actually do it. Howard had always felt untouchable because of his connection to Tiana. That name alone gave him the confidence to be arrogant, to throw his weight around even as a lowly sales manager. However, none of that mattered when f
Andrew let out a dry chuckle. "Forgiveness? Mrs. Rhodes, I think you're mistaken. I didn't do anything wrong, so why would I need your forgiveness?" Tiana's eyes burned with fury as she pointed at Howard's battered face. "You didn't do anything wrong? Look at him! Do you see what you did? Andrew, don't think that just because Marvin backs you, you can run wild on Rhodes Corporation's turf!" Andrew frowned. "So what you're saying, Mrs. Rhodes, is that I wasn't allowed to hit Howard? Why? Because he's your nephew? Because the Lambert family is untouchable?" Lauren felt a pang of anxiety—Andrew was being far too aggressive with Tiana. Howard was not just another employee; he was part of the Lambert family. At a time like this, it would be better to give Tiana some leeway to de-escalate things. She whispered, "Dr. Lloyd, that's enough." Andrew simply scoffed and glanced at the other lackeys he had beaten down. His voice was laced with disdain. "Listen up—all of you. If you screw
Tiana's voice boomed with authority. "Howard, do you admit to what Mr. Lloyd just said? Did you speak to him disrespectfully?" Howard's eyes darted around as he scrambled for a lie. However, before he could speak, Andrew let out a cold chuckle. "I'd think twice before digging your own grave. Everything you said and did—there are surveillance cameras all over the Pharmaceutical Division." Howard's face turned pale, and he immediately swallowed his words. He quickly changed his tone. "I-I did say some things I shouldn't have, but I—" Before he could finish, Tiana slapped him across the face hard. The impact was so fierce that Howard saw stars, nearly blacking out. Michael stood there, dumbfounded. He could not believe that Tiana was hitting her own family. Even Lauren and Marcus were caught off guard. After all, Tiana had come in looking ready to tear into Andrew, but now she was disciplining her own nephew instead. With blood trickling from his lips, Howard whimpered, "Aunt
Lauren chuckled. "So tell me, how did you figure out that Mom felt guilty?" Andrew smirked. "It's simple—she was furious that Howard let himself get used by Michael. Think about it. Someone as high up as Mrs. Rhodes—would she ever tolerate someone messing with her people? That's a slap to her face." He added, "But she held herself back because someone of her status—someone who practically runs Rhodes Corporation—wouldn't lower herself to go after Michael directly. On top of that, Michael has her trust, at least on the surface. "So, with no other option, she had to swallow her pride. She knew she was in the wrong, so she let me go without another word and just took Howard with her." Marcus nodded thoughtfully. "That actually makes a lot of sense, Mr. Lloyd. If that's the case, then Mrs. Rhodes must be seriously displeased with Michael." Andrew leaned back in his chair, speaking at a leisurely pace. "It's more than just 'displeased'. Think about it—Michael's incompetence is obv
Tiana let out a cold scoff. "What do you know? Andrew's strength is far beyond what you and the rest of your generation can even comprehend! If I hadn't stepped in today, he wouldn't have beaten you half to death." Howard clenched his teeth. "Fine, maybe I can't beat him—but our Lambert family isn't afraid of him." Tiana sneered. "Still clinging to your family name for protection? Pathetic. Let me ask you this—when Andrew made his move, who was backing him? Did he have anyone supporting him? He walked in alone, and yet he crushed you—and that useless fool Michael—without breaking a sweat." She shook her head with disappointment. "Watching you weaklings struggle is honestly embarrassing for the Lambert family. But Marvin managed to cultivate someone this powerful. That's something I can't afford to ignore." For once, there was a rare trace of exhaustion in Tiana's voice, as if the weight of the situation was finally getting to her. Howard was too stunned to even be upset at her
The elderly patients continued showering Cedric and Francesca with gratitude. In Jayrodale, the Aicker family had long earned a stellar reputation in the medical field. When Nyla spotted Andrew walking in, her eyes lit up with excitement. "Dr. Lloyd—no, Andrew, you're here!" Under Andrew's firm insistence, she had finally stopped addressing him so formally. Andrew smiled. "Yeah, I'm here. How's your health? Are you feeling better?" Nyla grinned. "Way better! I don't feel any pain at all anymore. The supplements you prescribed worked like a miracle!" Andrew nodded. "Go grab me a chair. I'll take over for Mr. Aicker so he can rest for a bit." Nyla waved her hands frantically. "No way! Andrew, you've already been working all day. You should be the one resting. I'll tell Mr. Aicker to take a break instead!" Andrew shook his head. "I'm fine. Just make sure Mr. Aicker gets some rest—I'll handle the remaining patients so we can close up soon." Seeing that Andrew would not take
Andrew looked completely innocent as he said, "It's not like I wanted this to happen! I just wanted to make things easier for Mr. Aicker so he wouldn't have to work so hard!" Francesca let out a huff, flashing her sharp little canine teeth as she smirked. "At this rate, the people of Jayrodale are going to think you're the only doctor around! They'll forget that my grandfather is Cedric Aicker!" Cedric scoffed, giving her a sharp look. "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you really think I care about fame and status? Dr. Lloyd's medical skills are far beyond mine. If patients trust him more, that's because he earned it fair and square." Francesca secretly stuck out her tongue and rolled her eyes at Andrew. She was just talking big—deep down, she was actually proud of him. Andrew chuckled. "Mr. Aicker, Fran, come sit down. There's something I want to discuss with the Aicker family." Then, he turned to Nyla and said, "Nyla, could you bring us some tea?" Nyla grinned. "Got it!
Andrew nodded. "This isn't a modern formula—it comes from Holtrien's ancient medical tradition passed down for generations." Cedric was amazed. "That explains everything! The rarity of ancient formulas is beyond measure, and these two are among the best of the best. Their value is simply incalculable." Francesca hesitated. "Andrew, these formulas are priceless… are you really okay with just showing them to us?" Andrew chuckled. "Why wouldn't I be? Do you really think I'd ever be on guard against you, Fran? Besides, I'm showing you because I want you to feel reassured and join me in producing these groundbreaking medicines!" A warm, sweet feeling spread through Francesca's chest, and a rosy blush colored her fair cheeks. So, Andrew trusted her completely—he already considered her one of his own. She wondered if their relationship progressed, she could truly become his woman. Her mind started to wander, imagining all the possibilities. Meanwhile, Cedric smacked the table in
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
Andrew nodded and said, "Go ahead, Mrs. Rhodes. I'm listening." Tiana said seriously, "When you treated me before, I'm sure you noticed how agitated my inner energy was, right? That's actually because of the martial arts method I practice. "I've been stuck at the semi-martial king level for almost five years, and I haven't found a way or opportunity to break through. So, I wanted to ask for your help." Andrew frowned and replied, "Mrs. Rhodes, breaking into the martial king level isn't something to take lightly. If your foundation isn't solid or the timing isn't right, forcing a breakthrough could cause serious problems." Tiana snorted proudly and said, "I'm well aware of the risks, but if I'm asking, it's because I have a level of certainty you don't know about. To be honest, my martial lineage isn't ordinary. "Before I left my sect, my mentor taught me a secret method that could open a shortcut to the martial king level. However, the technique requires external forces and
Archie knew he had no choice but to swallow his anger and live with the humiliation for the rest of his life. Unless one day, the Hopkins family could surpass the Keller family, he would never have a shot at revenge. But deep down, Archie understood that day would probably never come in his lifetime. … After Andrew and the Rhodes family returned home, he was ready to leave again. However, Lauren stopped him with a look full of longing. Andrew laughed and said, "I almost forgot. There's still something important I haven't done yet." He pulled the mischievous lady into his arms, grabbing her soft waist, and before she could even squeal, he carried her straight into a room. The two of them were wrapped up in each other, kissing passionately without a care in the world. Outside the door, Tiana called out flatly, "Alright, that's enough. If you keep going, your mouths are gonna fall apart!" Lauren huffed back, "Mom, can you give us a minute? We just got started!" Tiana grit
Andrew ignored Archie's desperate pleas for mercy and turned to Cecelia with a grin. "Cece, what do you think? Should we spare this big, bad guy?" Cecelia pumped her fist excitedly and shouted, "Andrew, I don't think we should! We should string him up and hit him with every torture technique from the Dark Ages! That would be so much more satisfying!" Andrew froze for a moment, thinking to himself that this little girl had quite a vicious streak. Lauren scolded playfully, "Cece, hush! You're a girl! Where do you even come up with such twisted ideas?" Tiana also called out, "Cece, come here, sweetheart! You need to remember that those old, brutal punishments are outdated and barbaric. They have no place in today's world!" Cecelia pouted and muttered, "But Mom, Lauren, don't you even want to see it just once? I saw the drawings in a history book—it looked so bloody and wild!" Jameson's face twitched as he forced a smile and said to Andrew, "Andy, you better take it from here.
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