Andrew said earnestly, "Of course I'd come when you're in danger. I'd walk through fire for you." Lauren suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears. "Andrew, you're such a jerk! Turn around—I won't let you see me cry. And just so you know, I'm not crying because of you!" Andrew was uncharacteristically flustered, having never seen this softer, more emotional side of Lauren before. "I hate seeing people being all lovey-dovey in front of me. Since you dared to come, I'll kill you first and let this girl die of heartbreak!" Tracia spat before laughing maniacally. "Perfect! I was planning to kill you anyway," Andrew replied, his eyes turning ice-cold. Then, Tracia lunged forward, curling her hands as she clawed at Andrew with lightning speed. The air whistled with the ferocity of her attacks, her movements almost too fast to follow. "Be careful, Andrew! She's a hidden force master," Lauren warned anxiously, wiping away her tears. Andrew remained calm. To ordi
Andrew shook his head. "There's no need for such formalities between us, Ms. Rhodes." Lauren felt warmth in her heart at his words but still huffed, "Well, at least you have some conscience. I thought you'd forgotten all about me now that you're rekindling things with Ms. Stevens!" Andrew gave a wry smile, wisely choosing not to explain. After all, some things would only get worse with explanation. Later, they made their way out of the forest and found the Rhodes family security team. "Miss, thank goodness you're safe!" they exclaimed upon seeing Lauren. "What happened to those thugs who ambushed us?" Lauren asked. "Mr. Keoghan arrived and drove them all away," Eunice replied angrily. "He even killed a few of them." "Jerry came? Where is he?" Lauren asked excitedly. Just then, a muscular middle-aged man strode toward them with purposeful steps. "Miss, where's Tracia? I don't see her," he asked. "Tracia is dead," Lauren replied coldly. Jerry Keoghan, the Rhodes family'
Only three of the Rhodes Corporation's ten trucks were recovered, while the other seven, fully loaded with medical supplies, had vanished without a trace. Jerry pointed at the injured security guards and shouted, "You're a bunch of good-for-nothings! The Rhodes family would've been better off keeping a pack of dogs than paying you!" "Come on, we all did our best," one guard protested, clutching his bleeding arm. "They caught us by surprise, and they had too many skilled fighters. We were overwhelmed." Jerry's eyes narrowed as he strode over and slapped the guard hard across the face. "Who do you think you are to talk back to me? Those supplies better be found, or I'll make sure you pay for your incompetence!" The guard swallowed his anger, and the others shot Jerry resentful looks. Within the Rhodes family, Jerry was the most despised figure. As the Rhodes family's elite fighter, he never treated them like human beings, regularly beating and berating them at will. "Jerry,
Lauren was angry at how arrogantly Jerry had been acting. She could not help but think these martial arts experts were all challenging to deal with, whether it was Tracia or Jerry. Andrew suddenly spoke up. "I know what he's so smug about, but unfortunately, it won't help him at all!" "Please tell me where to find the clues about the stolen herbs!" Lauren exclaimed excitedly. Andrew explained, "He must be thinking about following the trucks' tire tracks." Lauren nodded thoughtfully, "That's actually not a bad idea. There are plenty of dirt roads in the countryside, and our trucks would definitely leave tracks." Andrew shook his head and replied, "Unless the thieves are complete idiots, they wouldn't leave such obvious tracks for us to follow. Besides, Ms. Rhodes, have you considered what happens when the trucks hit concrete or asphalt roads?" "I guess that would make the tracks useless…" Lauren deflated. "Let's go," Andrew said with a smile. "Where to?" Lauren asked, co
Lauren watched this scene unfold with a dreamy look in her eyes. She admired his kindness and compassion, secretly wishing she could marry him right then and there. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside as Jerry rushed in with his men. When he spotted Andrew and Lauren, he briefly showed panic before quickly composing himself. He cleared his throat and said, "Ms. Rhodes, I'm impressed you found the trucks before I did. Your brilliant mind truly proves why you're the most exceptional member of the younger Rhodes generation!" Jerry laughed nervously, showering her with compliments while conveniently forgetting his earlier boastful promises about finding the trucks himself. Lauren smiled graciously. "Thank you for your efforts too, Jerry. The important thing is that we recovered the herbs." "Indeed… But did you manage to catch the criminals who stole it?" Jerry asked, trying to sound casual. Lauren shook her head. "The place was empty when we arrived, so we couldn't identify w
Andrew shrugged casually. "Those are your words, not mine." This finally pushed Jerry over the edge as he angrily shouted, "You fool! Stop trying to sow discord! I've served the Rhodes family faithfully for over 20 years. Do you think your petty words can discredit my loyalty?" In his fury, Jerry turned to Lauren and said respectfully, "Ms Rhodes, this pretty boy is insulting me. I demand justice." "Jerry, he just tends to be very direct with his words," Lauren stated diplomatically. "I know your loyalty to the Rhodes family, so on his behalf, I apologize." Jerry let out a cold snort and stormed off with his men, but not before shooting Andrew a murderous glare. Andrew, however, maintained his smile, completely unfazed. Once Jerry was gone, Lauren's expression turned ice-cold. "Do you think Jerry was telling the truth?" "I'd rather believe pigs could fly than trust him," Andrew replied without hesitation. Lauren burst into laughter. "You can be quite funny sometimes." A
Bane silently crouched down and examined Tracia's body. After a moment, he stood up with a grim expression and said, "She must've encountered a skilled martial artist." "What kind of master could kill a Rhodes family security chief?" Michael demanded angrily. Bane remained silent for a moment, his face unusually grave. "At the very least, someone on the level of a junior grandmaster—or maybe even a full grandmaster." He continued, "The ability to kill Tracia with a single punch is leagues beyond those amateurs who had just learned the basics." "Come on, Bane, you can't be serious," Michael said in horror. "How could there be a grandmaster hiding in this place?" To Michael, a grandmaster was practically a living legend—someone even the Rhodes family would show respect. In his mind, those figures were untouchable, being able to kill others without breaking a sweat. Bane snapped, "I never joke about such a matter. She died at the hands of at least a junior grandmaster." "Ba
Michael nodded nervously. "Thank goodness we weren't there when Tracia died. Running into that grandmaster would've been bad news. Still, it's unfortunate Lauren escaped, but at least we have the herbs. When she returns to Rhodes Corporation empty-handed, she'll have to answer for this failure!" At this thought, a hint of a smile returned to Michael's gloomy face. However, Bane suddenly tensed and shouted, "Who's there? Show yourself, or you'll regret it!" Michael spun around in terror, stuttering, "B-Bane, you don't think it's that grandmaster coming for us?" A broad-shouldered man emerged from the shadows, and Michael immediately relaxed. "Oh, it's just you, Jerry. You scared me half to death!" Jerry scoffed. "Mr. Rhodes, if you want to take over Rhodes Corporation, you need to show more backbone. Being spooked by every little noise makes you look like a coward." Michael laughed. "Relax, Jerry, it's just us three here. Even if I'm scared out of my wits, no one else will kno
Logan was stunned. He rushed forward in shock. "Father, you're awake?" George forced a small smile. "Not only am I awake, but I've never felt this clear-headed before. It even feels like my martial cultivation just had a breakthrough!" The crowd of expert doctors, including Chantelle and Mosby, was frozen in place, completely dumbfounded. No one could utter a single word, as they were too stunned to react. Andrew gestured for Logan to help George onto the couch, smiling as he said, "Mr. Keller Senior, the energy corruption has already been cleared from your system. Now you'll just need some medication to aid your recovery, and your body should return to normal. "However, your vitality and spiritual energy were badly depleted—it'll take a few months to fully recover." George looked at Andrew with genuine admiration. He asked Logan to help him sit up, then turned solemnly and said, "I'm already grateful just to be alive. But to come out of this without losing an ounce of my life
Mosby explained, "But undoubtedly, his mind must be utterly exhausted and his spirit completely drained! Whether or not he wakes up will be the real challenge. If he doesn't regain consciousness, he'll become nothing more than a hollow shell." As he spoke, he cast a deliberately sinister glance at Andrew. If George remained in a vegetative state, then Andrew would not just be blamed—he would probably be executed on the spot by the Keller family. Yet right then, Logan turned to Andrew with genuine sincerity and said, "Andrew, all of us in the Keller family saw what you did for my father. Don't worry—even if he doesn't wake up, you'll still be honored as a benefactor of our family." Mosby could not believe what he was hearing. "Mr. Keller, how can you say that? If Mr. Keller Senior doesn't wake up, Andrew should be held accountable for a grievous crime!" Logan, however, had already seen through Mosby's jealousy and hostility toward Andrew. He responded calmly, "Mr. Lake, this is
Andrew ignored all the shouting around him without batting an eye. Once everything he requested had been brought in, he began the treatment without delay. "Mr. Keller Senior, brace yourself for some pain," he warned calmly. With that, he slowly inserted golden needles into the top of George's head. Chantelle's voice turned serious. "Andrew, the head is the most delicate part of the human body. It's where the nerves are most complex—what you're doing could have serious consequences." Andrew replied evenly, "Mr. Keller Senior's condition stems from a mental collapse, and the mind resides in the thoughts—the thoughts in the brain. So, treatment has to start there." As he explained, his hands moved with precision. Soon, the crown of George's head, right in GV20, was covered in golden needles. Then, he pressed two acupoints on George's chest with careful control. A flicker of relief finally appeared on George's agonized face. Logan asked cautiously, "Andrew, why did you target
Mosby said, "I already drained most of the old man's strength with Ms. Garcia! And now you're just waiting on the sidelines to swoop in when it's safe. Don't you think that's rather shameless?" Andrew said flatly, "Judging others by your own petty standards—that's exactly the kind of person you are, Dr. Lake. If you're so upset about it, how about I release Mr. Keller Senior and let you try your luck? Let's see how easy that 'swooping in' really is." Mosby's expression instantly changed. He fell silent, visibly shaken by the idea. He still remembered almost getting killed by George just moments ago, and there was no way he wanted to flirt with death again. Andrew sneered, "Coward." Mosby snapped, "You insolent brat! How dare you insult me?!" Andrew could not be bothered to respond. He had no personal vendetta against the man, but after being provoked repeatedly, he was not going to sit there and take it either. "Logan, get Mr. Keller Senior into the room. I'm ready to begin
Logan shouted, his voice cracking, "Dr. Lake, get out of the way!" Mosby forced himself to stay conscious, pried his eyes open, and immediately saw death rushing at him. He screamed, "Mr. Keller Senior, please—spare me!" However, George had already charged in, eyes blood-red, and a brutal hand chop was aimed straight for Mosby's skull. If that blow landed, the so-called legend of Blumedale would die right here, with his head cracked open. Chantelle gritted her teeth and moved in without hesitation. Her long leg, clad in sleek, tailored slacks, swept out in a horizontal arc. George stumbled back two steps, let out a low, guttural growl, and immediately lunged at her instead. Logan shouted from the side, trying to talk his father down, yet it was useless. George had fully descended into a killing trance. "Dr. Lake, get clear!" Chantelle barked as she spun forward. Her pale, graceful hand landed squarely on George's shoulder, and with a sharp twist, she executed a perfect shoul
Logan instinctively stepped forward, panicked, ready to intervene. However, Andrew stopped him. "No rush. Mr. Keller Senior needs to burn off some of that energy first. That way, it'll be easier for me to treat him afterward." Logan's voice trembled. "Dr. Lloyd, my father is not going to get hurt, right?" Andrew smirked. "Relax. Mr. Keller Senior will be fine. If anyone's in danger, it's probably Dr. Lake." Mosby and George had already gone head-to-head in combat. However, George looked completely possessed, growling like a wild beast, clearly stripped of rationality. His physical strength was nothing short of monstrous. Every vase, table, and piece of furniture in the room that stood in his way was shattered to dust under his fists. He held nothing back. Chantelle's eyes widened. "That strength… Has Mr. Keller Senior reached martial king level?" Logan sighed, conflicted. "That was originally a tightly guarded secret of the Keller family. No outsiders were supposed to know.
Andrew waved a hand dismissively. "I don't have time to explain everything to you, and even if I did, you wouldn't understand it anyway. You just need to know this—if you want to save your father, then do exactly what I tell you to." Logan looked uncertain and shot a quick glance at Chantelle as if to ask, "Who is this guy you brought along, and what's with the ego?" Chantelle's face darkened. "Mr. Keller, this man is Andrew Lloyd—he came at Mr. McCormick's recommendation. But honestly, you don't have to take him seriously. Just carry on with your own plans—ignore him." However, Logan shook his head and turned toward Andrew. "Dr. Lloyd, go ahead. Tell me what you need. As long as it'll help my father, I'll make it happen." His respectful tone stunned Chantelle. She wondered if Logan was out of his mind for believing Andrew just like that. Andrew smiled. "My request is actually pretty simple. If I'm going to treat your father, I expect to be compensated. So, I want access to al
Chantelle could not lash out, so she gritted her teeth and quickly followed behind. Inwardly, she made a mental note to report this arrogant clown to Derek later. To her, Andrew was reckless, so full of hot air, and completely unworthy of trust—nothing but a showboating jester. … Inside the main hall of the Keller residence, the place was packed with people coming and going. A group of specialists and renowned doctors stood gathered, their brows furrowed as they exchanged anxious whispers. One commented, "Mr. Keller Senior's condition is strange—truly bizarre!" "Exactly. His entire face is paralyzed. Even his tongue won't move. He can't swallow even a spoonful of medicine!" Another chimed in, "And the worst part? No one can get within three feet of him. The second anyone tries, they get attacked—some left with cracked skulls, others… well, some didn't make it." "Jeez! That serious? Who would dare try to treat him now? No matter how much the Keller family is offering, it's no
Chantelle was behind the wheel while Andrew rode along in the passenger seat as they headed out to treat Derek's old friend, George Keller. The atmosphere inside the car was tense, with Chantelle's resting expression as frosty and detached as ever, her face practically carved from ice. Andrew was not the kind of guy to throw warmth at a wall of cold, so he simply stayed quiet, staring out the window at the passing streets. After holding back for a while, Chantelle finally could not resist and let out a mocking laugh. "Mr. Lloyd, what a clever move—create your own mess, then try to get Mr. McCormick to step in and clean it up for you. Don't you think you're playing with fire?" Andrew smiled. "Playing with fire? Nah, I don't see it that way. At this point, I'm pretty much one of Mr. McCormick's trusted men. So if the little guy's getting targeted, doesn't it make perfect sense for the boss to step in and fix it?" Chantelle was momentarily stunned before letting out a scoff. "An