Francesca finally snapped out of her shock from witnessing Juan's brutal defeat, her face filled with fear. She stuttered, "Y-You actually beat up Juan so mercilessly? Do you have any idea what—" Andrew cut her off with a bored expression. "You're going to say I'm in big trouble, right?" "Isn't that obvious?" Francesca exploded. "Don't you know who Juan's father is—" Andrew interrupted again, "Of course I know. He just told us—his dad is some East Side Tony, supposedly a big deal or whatever." "Then why would you attack him?" Francesca demanded. Andrew's face darkened. "He was spouting filthy insults and harassing Ms. Rhodes. Should I have applauded him instead? Besides, I've dealt with Dylan's people before, so what's one more from East Side?" Francesca turned to Lauren in desperation. "Lauren, this is serious trouble. This could bring Tony himself into it!" "This is just a little scuffle between us young folks. If Tony gets involved, I won't let Dr. Lloyd face this alon
Juan grinned maliciously at Andrew. "Not so tough now, are you? What happened to all that talk about breaking my neck? Get over here and beg me for a quick death!" Andrew stepped forward with a weary sigh. "You East Side lots sure talk a lot of trash, don't you?" Rocco and Juan froze, stunned by his words. In front of hundreds of East Side gang members, this guy was not just unafraid—he was openly mocking them. "If you're going to do something, do it," Andrew said coldly. "I'm tired of listening to you bark like dogs. And Juan, I let you off easy before, but this time, I'll turn that bruised face of yours into something unrecognizable." Anger quickly overwhelmed Juan, and he screamed, "Rocco, tear this bastard apart! I want him in pieces!" He had ruled the streets for over twenty years and never once had anyone pushed him this far. Rocco's eyes turned deadly as he gripped his blade and charged at Andrew. "Kid, you're really asking for death!" Lauren's face turned icy a
Rocco immediately backed down, gritting his teeth. "Mr. Garner, I've never offended you. Isn't this a bit extreme?" "If you'd offended me personally, we could talk this out for Tony's sake," Dylan said coldly. "But you idiots actually threaten Mr. Lloyd, and I'm not okay with that." With that, Dylan kicked Rocco hard in the chest, sending him reeling back as he coughed blood. "Get the hell out of here!" Dylan barked, his gaze murderous. Rocco shuddered, completely baffled by why this notorious Dylan would defend some pretty boy. However, the situation was clear—hurting Andrew was no longer an option. "Let's go!" Rocco commanded, quickly retreating with his East Side crew. Meanwhile, Juan blended into the crowd, shrinking down as he tried to make himself invisible, not daring to make a sound. "Wait!" Andrew called out. Juan trembled and nearly broke into tears. "W-What do you want? My dad is—" Andrew slapped him twice across the face, cutting him off. "Yeah, yeah. Yo
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Someone put him up to it? Who?" "Harvey Weller," Dylan replied simply. Lauren gritted her teeth. "I was wondering why Juan would randomly target Dr. Lloyd. So, it was that sneaky bastard Harvey pulling strings behind the scenes after all." Dylan growled, "Mr. Lloyd, just say the word. I might not be able to touch the Weller family, but I can definitely teach Harvey a lesson." Andrew shrugged it off casually. "Forget it. He failed anyway. But you helped me today, and I don't like owing favors. Give me your hand." Dylan was a bit puzzled by the request but complied, stretching out his hand. Andrew's grip was lightning-fast, his fingers hitting specific pressure points on Dylan's arm and along his meridians precisely. A wave of intense pain shot through Dylan's body, making him break into a cold sweat. Suddenly, the pain transformed into an unprecedented feeling of clarity, and he felt a rush of energy flowing through his entire body. "Did I just…
Dylan was caught off guard by Francesca's question. Then, he chuckled. "Ms. Aicker, I think you've got it wrong. While Mr. Yates has something to do with my respect for Mr. Lloyd, it's not the main reason." "So, you're not doing this just to please Mr. Yates?" Francesca pressed, still doubtful. Dylan scoffed. "I respect Mr. Yates, but I wouldn't grovel before somebody for his sake. Anyway, it's not just me who respects Mr. Lloyd. Even Mr. Yates himself holds him in the highest regard. I can't say much more. All I'll say is, Ms. Aicker, it's best not to dig too deeply into Mr. Lloyd's business." The cautious look on Dylan's face sent Francesca's mind reeling. The fact that even Marvin, the wealthiest man in Jayrodale, someone with enough influence to command the city, respected Andrew was unbelievable. If she had heard this from anyone else, she would have dismissed it as pure exaggeration. Yet, the person who said this was the crime lord of South City, an existence that e
Andrew's casual demeanor only made him seem all the more mysterious to Francesca. … Meanwhile, at the Stevens residence, Harvey made grand declarations to Christina. "I promised you and Mrs. Stevens a spectacular wedding. I want to make you Jayrodale's most admired bride!" Irene and Leroy applauded enthusiastically. Leroy even commented, "Harvey, you and Christie are a match made in heaven!" "Harvey, we all see how much you care for our Christie," Irene said with a bright smile. "You mentioned using the King of Diamonds for the proposal. How's that coming along?" "Mom, why are you bringing that up?" Christina protested gently. "I'm just asking because Harvey mentioned it," Irene replied with a chuckle. "Besides, Christie, with your grace and beauty, only the King of Diamonds would be worthy." Harvey smiled confidently. "Mrs. Stevens is right. Christie, I'll get the King of Diamonds as your engagement gift." Christina shook her head. "Harvey, there's no rush. I feel our
Marvin's tone was cold as he replied, "You must be Kane's son. Just get to the point." Harvey noticed the distant tone but pressed on with a friendly laugh. "Mr. Yates, I'd like to purchase the King of Diamonds from you. Please name your price." "King of Diamonds? What King of Diamonds?" Marvin's response left Harvey stunned. "The multi-million-dollar diamond ring in Jayrodale," Harvey explained. "From what I know, it's currently with Andrew, your staff. I wouldn't bother you with such a small matter, but Andrew refuses to sell it to me." Harvey continued smoothly, "I thought it was best to let you handle your subordinate. However, I must warn you—Andrew might be trying to steal this valuable piece for himself." A cold smile spread across Harvey's face after finishing his speech. Not only would he get the ring, but he would also expose that loser's true nature to Marvin, who was known for his harsh treatment of subordinates. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Marv
One of Tony's closest men handed him a phone. "Mr. Madden Senior, here you go." After some hesitation, Tony dialed Dylan's number. "What's so important at this hour?" Dylan's voice came through the phone. "Dylan, I need an explanation," Tony said darkly. "I have nothing to say," Dylan replied. Tony barely contained his rage. "If that's your attitude, then know this, Dylan—I'm not afraid of South City. You're not usually this reckless, but don't you think you've gone too far when you ignored Juan getting beaten and then surrounding Rocco's men?"Dylan chuckled. "Honestly, Tony, I don't think I have." Tony's patience snapped. "Fine, if you want it that way, we'll go to war! I've been in this game for so long that even the mayor respects me. South City barely made a name for itself, and you think you're untouchable now?" Dylan replied steadily, "Tony, you can be angry, and you can even declare war on South City. However, you might want to investigate what your brat actua
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