With those words, the Weller family was immediately silenced, holding back their protest. Harvey stared in disbelief and said, "Lauren, the Oakridge Club is such a precious asset. Surely you wouldn't give away something so valuable just for a man, would you?" Lauren smiled and simply stated, "Because I want to!" Kane, speaking as an elder, felt compelled to step in with a warning. He cautioned sternly, "A casual fling is one thing, but your father would be furious if he found out you're purchasing the Oakridge Club just to gift it to some young man." Lauren remained unfazed and replied, "Mr. Weller Senior, just focus on the sales. How I spend my money and what I do with my purchases is my business alone." After repeatedly hitting a wall with Lauren, Kane let out a cold snort and said, "Since you won't listen to reason, fine—the price remains at 120 million, not a dollar less." Andrew quickly interjected, "Ms. Rhodes, since they're not budging, let's leave. There are better
Lauren and her group could not help but chuckle. After all, 22.5 million dollars was somewhat unreasonable. However, Andrew spoke coldly, "What's wrong with 22.5 million? The Weller family wouldn't be selling their assets if you weren't drowning in debt, would you?" He continued with a piercing observation, "Since your family is clearly desperate enough to sell your properties, you're hardly in a position to be picky—without Ms. Rhodes, I doubt anyone would offer even 15 million for the Oakridge Club." Kane and Harvey's expressions shifted subtly, as Andrew's words had struck a nerve. During the Weller family's prime, they could have easily demanded 150 million for the Oakridge Club, and buyers would have lined up. However, with their reputation tarnished by debt, they were lucky to get any offers at all. "Fine, 30 million—it's a deal!" Kane gritted his teeth, fearing that Andrew might lower the price. At this point, he could not risk losing even the 30 million offer. Clos
In the next moment, Kane exploded with rage, "You ungrateful brat, are you threatening me? I order you to stand down right now!" Harvey did not move, instead giving his father a sinister smile. "Dad, I need money, power, the family's influence, and our best people—and I can only control these things as the head of the family." He snarled, "But I can't wait five years. If you truly love me as your son, then hand over your position quickly, and I promise the Weller family will return to its former glory under my leadership!" Kane refused to listen and shouted, "I told you to stand down! Or are you planning to rebel against me?" Harvey's fierce expression gradually softened as he knelt respectfully. He said with sudden humility, "Dad, I apologize for my impulsiveness just now. As you said, I'm still inexperienced and not ready to lead the Weller family. Five more years of training will do me good." Kane's boiling anger began to subside as he snorted. "Do you really mean that?"
Serena gasped in horror. "Harvey, don't do anything rash. He's your father and the head of the Weller family! If you rebel against him, you'll certainly die." Harvey scoffed. "I'm not stupid enough to openly commit patricide. Just keep giving him that drug I provided daily, but from today, increase the dosage. His health is failing fast, and I'm sure he won't last a month!" Serena shivered and protested, "No, if it's too obvious and he discovers it, I'll be executed. I'm already doing enough by helping you, so don't push me to take more risks." Harvey remained silent, his eyes roaming over his stepmother's curves as a lustful smile spread across his face. He whispered menacingly, "Serena, we're in this together now. We've already crossed lines we shouldn't have. If you don't help me, and Dad find out what's between us, do you think you'll survive?" Serena raised her hand in fury to slap him. "You bastard, are you threatening me?" Harvey caught her hand and roughly pulled
Andrew smiled gently. "I'm not leaving. I just think building a specialized medical center at the Oakridge Club site would be better than running another exclusive clubhouse." Lauren beamed at him. "Oh, my precious Dr. Lloyd! You have such a noble heart, always wanting to help others! You have my complete support!" Francesca rolled her eyes. "Lauren, since when did he become yours? Don't be so shameless!" Lauren shot back playfully, "So what if I'm shameless? If you've got the guts, why don't you throw yourself at him too? Let him admire your legendary assets." Francesca flushed with anger and embarrassment. "Lauren, seriously?" As a petite woman with an exaggerated figure, Francesca often found herself the center of attention. While her appearance attracted admiration, she secretly found the constant focus a bit overwhelming. Being openly teased about it—especially in front of Andrew—made her burn with embarrassment. "Lauren, stop joking around!" she snapped, her face glo
Finley's attendants taunted Andrew with crossed arms, treating him like he was beneath them. "What are you waiting for, fool? Didn't you hear Mr. Moore's order?" "Mr. Moore is a very distinguished person. It's your own bad luck that you heard his business in Jayrodale, so do as he say! Or do you want us to help you?" Andrew frowned and spoke firmly. "Even if you're from a martial arts sect, does your leadership really teach you to harm innocent civilians so casually?" Finley snapped his fan shut with a sharp click and replied arrogantly, "Since you know I'm from a martial arts sect, you should understand that no one in Jayrodale can touch me even if I decided to do worse than just taking your tongue." Francesca's expression changed as she whispered, "Lauren, Andrew, maybe we should leave." Lauren remained silent but seemed to agree with Francesca's suggestion, while Andrew sat unmoved and asked calmly, "Ladies, is this Hidden Dragons really so powerful in the Gabo Creek are
One of Finley's attendants sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "Do you know how many women would kill for Mr. Moore's attention? You better not act like you're too good for him!" Lauren took a deep breath and replied coldly, "You're bold to act so arrogant on our turf here in Jayrodale. Fine—the Rhodes family isn't afraid to take on the Hidden Dragons." She reached for her phone to call for backup. Francesca also took out her phone, ready to call Cedric. Finley smirked as he leaned back, clearly amused. "Oh, calling for backup? Go ahead, call whoever you want. Just remember—I haven't laid a single finger on either of you. Even if your families send their forces, do you really think they can touch me? Go ahead, try it!" Andrew slowly stood up at this point. "Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Aickers, there's no need to make those calls." Lauren responded firmly, "Dr. Lloyd, we don't need to be afraid. The Hidden Dragons may be powerful, but the Rhodes family has never bowed to anyone in J
Andrew's slap sent Finley flying, causing the latter to howl in pain. Finley clutched his face as blood mixed with shattered teeth sprayed across the floor. Yet, it was not the searing pain in his mouth that stung the most—it was the sheer audacity of this nobody daring to strike him, fully aware of his connections. Did this guy have a death wish? "If you were a reasonable man, then even if you were just some street vendor, I wouldn't stoop to hurting you," Andrew said calmly, watching Finley wail in pain as blood seeped through his fingers. "But since you won't listen to reason, I couldn't care less if you're from the mighty Hidden Dragons or their leader is your granduncle—I'll do whatever I want." His words weren't particularly loud, but they carried an undeniable power that left Lauren and Francesca momentarily stunned. They had not expected Andrew to resort to violence so quickly, leaving Finley crumpled on the ground, likely with a broken jaw. "How dare you hurt Mr
Nyla lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes full of sorrow. She choked out, "Andy… my dad… he's forcing me… He wants your formulas. He's making me steal them and bring them back to him." She broke down into sobs. "Andy, Dr. Aicker, you should fire me. I don't deserve to stay at Moonlit Apothecary anymore. I don't even have the face to show up here!" The words poured out of her as the tears fell. She had finally revealed everything because her trust in Andrew and Francesca was unconditional. Her loyalty to them ran deeper than blood, and when it came to Dominic, the man who was supposed to be her father, she felt nothing but heartbreak and betrayal. She had come to see that the man who once called her his daughter had turned into someone cold, greedy, and unrecognizable. He wanted her to betray Andrew—to steal from someone who had only ever been kind to her. Nyla realized she simply could not do it. She would rather tell the truth than live with that kind of guilt. Francesca
"But the Three Titans—Driscolls, Phelans, and the most elusive of them all, the Drache family—you'd better be careful around them, Mr. Lloyd," Phantom Eye said seriously. He added, "From what I've heard, those families each have someone far beyond the martial king level hidden in their ranks." Andrew remained unfazed. "If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them. So what if they're above martial king? The world is vast—no one stays undefeated forever. There's always a higher peak beyond the last, and just because they're the Three Titans doesn't make them invincible." Phantom Eye nodded, still concerned. "Maybe so, but the Three Titans have always held the reins there. So, Mr. Lloyd, it never hurts to stay cautious when you're not on home turf." Andrew understood where Phantom Eye was coming from. Anyone who survived in Blumedale's ruthless martial world had to have a sharp eye and a wide view. Even a semi–martial king could build a reputation and live comfortably, but
A new day had begun. First thing in the morning, Andrew noticed several missed calls from Aspen. However, he did not respond to any of them. He already knew exactly why she was calling—she wanted to ask about the new 40 billion dollar transfer. However, Andrew did not feel the need to explain. As far as he was concerned, as long as Aspen managed the funds properly, that was enough. Francesca stepped out of the bathroom with flushed cheeks, looking irritated and disappointed. "Andrew, my period just started." Andrew chuckled. "It is what it is. Does your stomach hurt? Want me to give you the classic 'get some rest' line?" Francesca clenched her jaw. "Don't. Only emotionally clueless guys with zero tact say stuff like that." Andrew nodded seriously. "I agree. That's why I was going to make you a proper warm tea instead." Francesca waved it off. "No need. I may be on my period, but I'm not cramping or low on energy. Don't forget—I grew up in a traditional medicine family. My
Nyla could not believe how Dominic could say something so vile, so cruel, and actually mean it. Dominic let out a furious snort, his tone sharp as a blade. "Listen closely. The Goth family is currently on the verge of locking in a billion-dollar investment deal. Do you have any idea what that kind of money means? "It would launch our family into the elite overnight—we'd finally be one of the top powers in all of Jayrodale. For that kind of future, a small sacrifice like this is nothing. Nyla, you're not a child anymore. It's time you started contributing to this family." Camilla, her belly swollen from pregnancy, was practically trembling with excitement. "Wait—what did you just say? A billion-dollar investment? Oh my god, do you know how massive that is?" She turned to Nyla, her tone sharp and commanding. "Did you hear that? Dominic is doing this because he has no choice—it's all for the family. If you had even a sliver of conscience, you'd agree without hesitation. "So wha
Camilla could not help but sneer. "Dominic, I told you long ago that Nyla isn't loyal to our family. She's always been the type to side with outsiders. "You treat her well, and in the end, she'll never remember what you did for her. If you ask me, raising a stray dog would've been better than raising her." Dominic's voice turned cold. "You're right. I must've been blind to raise such a disgrace. If I'd known she'd turn out like this, I should've let her die with her mother!" The alcohol was clearly taking over. Dominic had downed a couple of drinks, and now his true colors were coming out. His face turned red, his eyes fierce, and a violent temper simmered just under the surface. Nyla was terrified. Before long, her vision blurred as tears welled up. She was used to Camilla being mean to her and trying to push her out of the family, but she never expected her own father to be so cruel. She never imagined Dominic to say something so venomous—something like wishing she had die
It was not that Nyla was some reckless flirt—far from it. She was just under unbearable pressure from her family, and Andrew's sudden appearance had felt like a lifeline. In her heart, she fantasized that if she could marry someone like Andrew, her life would finally feel complete. Nonetheless, it did not take long for reality to set in. Andrew was incredible—kind, brilliant, and respected—and she knew she was not in his league. Gorgeous and confident women like Lauren and Francesca were all vying for his attention, so someone like her did not stand a chance. That thought broke her heart a little, but at the same time, she felt strangely lucky. After all, even though Nyla did not have his love, Andrew and Francesca, not to mention Lauren, were all incredibly kind to her. Especially Andrew. As the head of Moonlit Apothecary, he cared for her and supported her like a mentor. At Moonlit Apothecary, she could already see a promising future ahead of her. "Dad, if there's somethin
Meanwhile, at the Goth family back in Jayrodale. Dominic had been restless since he returned from Quinton's roundtable event. He thought it was the perfect time for the Goth family to rise. If he could impress Quinton, billions of investments would come pouring into the family. With that kind of funding, the Goths could skyrocket and finally stand shoulder to shoulder with the Weller family, the Rhodes family, and other regional powerhouses. Eventually, Dominic could not wait any longer and eagerly waited for Nyla to get home from work. He greeted her with uncharacteristic warmth. "Nyla, come here, sweetheart. You're back a little early tonight, huh? It's been a while since we all sat down for dinner together. Tonight, I want to have a real heart-to-heart with you." Nyla gave him a suspicious look but walked over and sat down beside him. Normally, Dominic was completely consumed by family business. Even when he came home, he only spoke to Camilla and barely acknowledged Nyl
Tyler said plainly, "Seth? To be honest, I don't know you, and I definitely don't remember ever having a drink with you. So please, don't make up stories like that." He was still polite about it, but the message was loud and clear. Seth's face flushed with heat. Tyler had not yelled at him, but his tone made it obvious—he wanted Seth gone. He was not even acknowledged, let alone remembered, and the drink? A total lie. His attempt to show off had backfired hard, and the shame burned worse than any public embarrassment. Nonetheless, Seth did not have the guts to argue back. All he could do was step aside awkwardly, watching as Tyler turned his full attention to Aspen. Tyler said respectfully, "Ms. Stevens, your new company in Blumedale recently opened a corporate account with our bank, correct? A transaction just hit that account earlier today, and I felt this matter was serious enough that I needed to confirm it with you personally." Aspen frowned, thinking it over. The new
Aspen could not help but laugh to herself. Men in Blumedale really were something else—being a player here took skill, and this one clearly had it down to an art. Seth spouted romantic lines like a pro, sounding so sincere it was almost believable. Compared to him, Andrew might have been a brute with zero charm who only knew how to exploit her, draining every ounce of energy she had left. Nonetheless, at least Andrew was not fake—what you saw was what you got. Meanwhile, this charming heir from the Haywood family was starting to feel downright repulsive. "Mr. Haywood, I've told you more than once—there's no chance between us," Aspen said, her voice firm. "You should know I'm not even free right now. Honestly, my body doesn't even belong to me. While I appreciate your feelings, you're just wasting your time." She let out a sigh as if she was tired of repeating herself. Seth's face turned cold as he said with conviction, "Aspen, tell me—who's the bastard? The one controlling yo