Harvey addressed the crowd with a smile, "The Weller family has another important announcement to make today." Though many already knew what this second announcement would be, someone still asked, "What might that be, Mr. Weller?" Harvey straightened his expensive suit, his smile growing brighter. "This other matter is a joyous occasion. I'll officially become the new head of the Weller family. All family affairs and authority will now be transferred to me." The crowd fell silent for a moment before scattered applause began, accompanied by various murmurs and discussions. "He's quite young to take over the Weller family. That's quite an achievement!" someone whispered. "He must be the youngest family head in Jayrodale. Let's hope he can handle such immense power." "Mr. Weller Senior just died, and he's already announcing his rise to power. Harvey's clearly ruthless. We'd better be careful not to cross him in the future," another muttered. Harvey inwardly smirked at the co
Harvey's face darkened instantly, and he said, "Christina, I'll give you one more chance to reconsider your answer." He stared at the Stevens family group and threatened, "If I'm unsatisfied with it, the Stevens family will have no reason to exist, so think carefully." "Harvey, no matter how much you threaten me, I will never agree to marry you," Christina replied, her fear replaced with defiance. Harvey exploded with rage. "Are you really not afraid to see the Stevens family destroyed by my hand?" Christina shot back angrily, "If you're using your position as the Weller family head to bully and destroy us, I'll fight you to my very last breath!" "Well said, Ms. Stevens! You've got spiritâyou have my support!" Finley laughed. Many others nodded in approval, impressed by the Stevens Corporation's Ice Queen's courage in refusing to bow to Harvey's intimidation. Bolstered by the support, the Stevens family members straightened their backs. Leroy pointed at Harvey and decl
"I won't need to step in because you can handle this alone," one of the Weller family elders said calmly. "Don't worry," the other elder replied dismissively. "I am enough to deal with these upstarts alone." With swift movements, the two Bridgefields Stevens family masters leaped over the crowd and landed on the Weller family's stage. The Weller family, displaying their confidence, left only one elder to face them. "How arrogant of the Weller family to fight two masters alone. Aren't they afraid of losing?" someone in the crowd muttered. "Those Bridgefields Stevens martial artists look pretty strong!" another added. Christina's palms were sweating with anxiety. Her fate now rested on these two masters from the main family. "Don't worry, Christie. Our people will knock the Weller family down a peg," Irene said confidently. Leroy added excitedly, "Christie, with the main family's masters backing us, we can finally hold our heads high. The Weller family is nothing now!"
A deathly silence fell over the crowd. No one had expected the Weller family's power to be so overwhelming, nor for two masters from the Stevens family to fall so easily. "How is this possible? They were supposed to be unbeatable!" Irene exclaimed in disbelief. Leroy nearly stumbled, his face pale with panic. "Our masters lost? This can't be happening!" Christina's face turned ashen white. With the main family's fighters defeated, Harvey truly had them cornered. In her daze, she spotted Andrew in the crowd, remembering his earlier warning about the masters of Bridgefields' Stevens family being no match for the Weller family. "So much for the mighty Bridgefields Stevens family," Harvey gloated as he returned to the stage, contempt written across his face. Few in the crowd dared to meet his gaze, which only fueled his satisfaction. However, Harvey noticed one person still meeting his eyes with casual indifference, seemingly unimpressed by the Weller family's victory. "
Leroy rushed toward Finley and Michael with desperation in his eyes. The situation was dire, and he needed allies fast. "Mr. Moore, with your prestigious background and connections, please help the Stevens family. I'll be your loyal supporter afterward," Leroy pleaded earnestly. He then turned to the other man, "Mr. Rhodes, as one of the elite four of Jayrodale, if you help the Stevens family out of this crisis, I'll be forever in your debt." Both Finley and Michael showed flickers of interest on their faces. The Stevens family was quite an attractive proposition, especially considering Christina, the elegant socialite. It would certainly be worth the effort if Christina could be theirs after. However, they both glanced up at Harvey, who was strutting arrogantly on the platform. After witnessing his display of power, they both decided to back down. "Leroy, it's not that I don't want to help," Finley said. "I just don't have a legitimate reason to step in right now. Next time
"He's got a death wish! This guy's brain must be fried," Michael commented with disdain. "Even I wouldn't dare mess with Harvey, yet this nobody seems eager to end his life," Finley chimed in mockingly. After getting a good look at Andrew, the other spectators joined in with their own derisive laughter. The crowd muttered about his apparent lack of self-awareness. Who was this unknown challenger picking a fight with the Weller family? It was like bringing a knife to a gunfight. "Mr. Vaughn, what is Mr. Lloyd doing?" Elsie asked. The sudden turn of events stunned her. Silas gave a wry smile and replied, "Mr. Lloyd's actions are beyond my understanding, but he must have his reasons. Though Harvey's at the peak of his power, he might have met his match." "Are you saying Mr. Lloyd alone can stand against the entire Weller family?" Elsie asked in disbelief. She knew Andrew was formidable. After all, even Silas respected him. However, taking on the Weller family single-handed
The strike was incredibly vicious, carrying the full force of the Weller family elder's 50 years of martial arts training. To experienced fighters like Finley and other martial arts experts in the crowd, it was clear that this attack carried lethal intent. Finley smirked. "This kid might have some skills, but he's hit a wall now. The fighter is obviously at least a junior grandmaster. Andrew couldn't possibly dodge that!" Down below, Lauren's expression suddenly tightened as she turned to Eunice and said, "Alert our peopleâif anything happens to Dr. Lloyd, we intervene immediately." "How do you plan to defend against my decades of refined combat experience?" the Weller family elder sneered. "Your arrogance comes with a price!" Many spectators instinctively covered their eyes, unable to watch what was coming. The elder's attack was beyond human limits, distorting the very air around them. Yet Andrew remained perfectly calm as he watched the thunderous palm strike approach. Whi
"Lock this place down immediatelyâno outsiders can see this," the other Weller family elder commanded gravely. "That young man is at least a junior grandmaster-level fighter. We cannot provoke him again carelessly." Cold sweat broke out on Harvey's forehead. Andrew, a junior grandmaster? It had to be some cosmic joke. "He's no damn grandmaster! You must be mistaken," Harvey snarled. "Everyone, follow me! We'll cut him off and end this now!" He refused to believe that someone so young could hold such power in Jayrodale. "You'd better listen to me," the elder warned. "If you rush to your death, neither of us will step in to save you." The elder was already frustrated with Harvey's arrogant behavior since taking over. Even with one elder being critically injured, the new leader was still trying to pick fights. Harvey's face turned red with fury, but looking at the elder still bleeding on the ground, he had no choice but to back down. Without the elders' support, he did no
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 thisâif 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 Lloydâhe came at Mr. McCormick's recommendation. But honestly, you don't have to take him seriously. Just carry on with your own plansâignore 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 trustânothing but a showboating jester. âĶ 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 strangeâtruly 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 attackedâsome left with cracked skulls, othersâĶ 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 moveâcreate 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
Derek said coldly, "These elite families and old-money clans have been feasting off Blumedale like it's their private banquet. They think they can gorge themselves for life, rule without question, and remain unchallenged. "But as long as I'm the one calling the shots in this province, they don't get to do as they please!" Chantelle was startled. She had not expected Andrew to actually ignite Derek's fury. She silently cursed, 'This idiot is already useless on his own, and now even worse, he's using Mr. McCormick as his shield? It's despicable!' Derek turned to Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, don't worry. Those arrogant bastardsâI'll handle them and make sure you get justice. But the reason I brought you here today is something more urgent. There's a matter I need your help with." Andrew lifted a hand and said, "Mr. McCormick, say the word. If I can help, I will." Derek nodded. "Here's the situationâan old friend of mine suddenly found himself fighting for his life. We've brought in nearly
Andrew said indifferently, "I was just being honest. I don't see how that counts as a joke. And besides, didn't you dress up to please Mr. McCormick's eyes?" Chantelle, who usually stayed cool as ice, immediately felt her temper flare. "YouâĶ" Andrew could not be bothered to deal with her. Without waiting for any announcement, he pushed open Derek's office door and swaggered in. "Uncouth bruteâĶ" Chantelle gritted her teeth and followed behind him with a scowl. Derek's office, just like his reputation, was simple and understated. Aside from two traditional landscape paintings and a few framed family photos, Andrew did not see a single decorative item inside. "Mr. Lloyd, you're hereâplease, have a seat!" Derek stood up with a warm smile the moment Andrew walked in. Andrew chuckled. "Mr. McCormick, you're the top official in Gabo Creek Province. If you're personally welcoming me, I might start getting a big head. You go ahead and sitâI'll manage just fine." Derek took his sea
The red Ferrari sped down from the mountaintop of The Sovereign Residences, tires slicing through the breeze with precision. Aspen sat in the passenger seat, hesitating for a while before finally speaking. "That XavierâĶ turns out he's Seth's older brother, and even worseâhe's a full-blown colonel. Andrew, a colonel in the military is basically a god to most people. You'd betterâĶ watch your back." Andrew hit the brakes and stopped right in front of the gated entrance of The Sovereign Residences. He turned with a grin. "Aspen, are you worried about my safety?" Aspen scoffed, gritting her teeth a little. "Worried is a stretch. I'm just giving you a heads-up. And don't act like it's nothing. We haven't even cleaned up the mess with Seth and Mr. Parks." She added, "And now you've provoked the Haywoods' golden boy too? All I can say isâway to add fuel to the fire." Andrew said flatly, "One loser or 100 losers, there's no real difference." At that moment, the two martial arts guard
Ethan refused to let it go. He pointed at Andrew, cursing under his breath. "Kid, I'm not gonna stoop to your level. But if I actually wanted to deal with you, you wouldn't even live to see the sunrise tomorrow. You better believe that." Xavier stepped forward and looked down at Andrew with a calm, superior gaze. "I can see you've got some skill. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to stand up to my younger brother, Seth. "But here's a word of adviceâyou've made too many enemies. And your attitude? It's practically begging for trouble. Sooner or later, it'll catch up to you." Andrew raised a brow. "So that scumbag Seth is your little brother, huh? That means you're from the Haywoods." Although Xavier tried maintaining a cool, aloof front, a hint of arrogance still slipped through his mask. "I'm the eldest son of the Haywoods. Go ask anyone on the streets of Blumedaleâsee if there's a soul who doesn't know the name Xavier Haywood." Andrew shook his head. "Sorry, but I'm not
Andrew replied coolly, "Alright, fine. I did do it on purpose. But the only reason I chose the room next to yours was so it'd be easier for you to wake me up in the mornings. Nothing moreâso don't go overthinking it." Aspen crossed her arms and let out a cold laugh. "You think I'm buying that?" Andrew shrugged. "Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter. Even if I asked you to warm my bed at night, would you dare say no?" "YouâĶ" Aspen was instantly at a loss for words. Her cheeks turned pink as she silently fumed. She was sure that the bastard Andrew was still lusting after her body. Andrew seemed to read her mind and scoffed, "You dumb woman. Don't flatter yourself. Do you really think the only reason I went through the trouble of snatching Serenity Villa from Zachary and picked the room next to yours was just to sleep with you?" As Aspen let out a sarcastic chuckle, Andrew headed downstairs, adding, "I did it because you're weak. If you got yourself killed because of on
Aspen ran through every room and checked out the front and back of the house. By the end of it, her legs were sore. Even so, instead of feeling tired, her delicate face was lit up with excitement and wonder. "Hey, this place is hands-down the best, fanciest, and most expensive location I've ever seen in my life!" she said, rubbing her aching calves while smiling up at Andrew. Andrew replied casually, "Judging by that smile you can't wipe off your face, I'm guessing you're falling in love with it?" Aspen pouted. "Saying I'm not would just be lying to myself. Serenity Villa is clearly the kind of estate that money alone can't buy. A place like thisâĶ I'd say only the top families in Blumedale are worthy of it." Andrew let out a dismissive snort. "Don't put those so-called Blumedale elites on a pedestal. Serenity Villa isn't some heavenly paradise. Just rememberâthe view from the top is always the most breathtaking. And Blumedale in Gabo Creek Province? That place barely makes it t