While Andrew had single-handedly driven away the Weller family and saved both Stevens Corporation and her, Christina felt little joy. Instead, she was a little uncomfortable. "Even now, you can't let go of that ridiculous pride and arrogance?" Douglas scoffed at her. "Without Andy, do you think Stevens Corporation would have survived the Weller family's attack today?" Christina was at a loss for words. Picking up her glass, she turned to Andrew and said, "Andrew, you truly saved us. Let me offer you this toast." "Is a single toast enough to repay the enormous debt of saving our entire family?" Douglas interrupted before Andrew could respond. Christina swallowed her pride and added, "Grandpa, you're right—a toast isn't enough. Andrew, to show our gratitude, I'm offering you 20% of Stevens Corporation's shares to manage." Irene and Leroy immediately showed their jealousy. Irene protested, "Christie, 20% is worth nearly 150 million dollars! Isn't that too much?" "Yeah, 20% is
Andrew responded indifferently, "20% of Stevens Corporation's shares are supposed to be my reward?" "You seem to have quite an inflated opinion of yourself, Ms. Stevens," he added with a hint of sarcasm. Douglas quickly chimed in, "Take it, Andy. You helped us out, and this is what you deserve." "Sir, I don't need the money," Andrew said with a smile. "While 20% of Stevens Corporation is substantial, it makes no difference to me whether I have it or not." Christina took a deep breath and replied coldly, "If you don't want it, there's nothing more to say. I gave you an opportunity, Andrew, but you couldn't seize it." She felt uncomfortable, knowing Andrew's rejection stemmed from underestimating Stevens Corporation. Little did he know that the company had transformed significantly since its early days. To her, Andrew remained as shortsighted as ever, lacking true vision. Among the Stevens family, only Douglas had a different perspective. He realized the family had missed
Christina stated firmly, "Once I make a decision, I never regret it. And speaking of decisions, why are you single now? What about Ms. Rhodes or Ms. Aickers? These two Jayrodale beauties have been throwing themselves at you." She had not realized the jealousy that tinged her voice as she spoke. "Well, Andrew, your love life certainly blossomed after breaking up with Christie," Irene remarked with an eye roll. "You must be living the high life now, being Ms. Rhodes's kept man." "You're absolutely right," Andrew replied with a smile. "Ms. Rhodes has been very good to me. In fact, I'm planning to confess my feelings to her soon. I look forward to that sweet sugar baby lifestyle and retiring 30 years early." Irene scoffed. "That's all you'll ever amount to. No wonder Christie doesn't want you. You should really take a look at yourself." Christina interjected coldly, "Mom, that's enough. It isn't easy to win over someone like Ms. Rhodes, and we should be happy for him." Leroy ea
Inside the SUV, Dylan personally drove Andrew toward West End. "Dylan, this isn't the way to South City, is it?" Andrew asked, raising an eyebrow. Dylan explained with a wry smile, "Mr. Lloyd, we're heading to West End. Tonight is a crucial three-way meeting between us South City, Northern District's Atlas, and the last major underground power in Jayrodale—West End's Natasha Vostokoff. "I wouldn't have dared ask for your company if it wasn't important." Andrew analyzed and commented, "So the conflict between South City and Northern District has reached a critical point. That's why West End couldn't stay neutral anymore and had to step in for negotiations, right?" "You've hit the nail on the head, Mr. Lloyd," Dylan said admiringly. "Last time, you helped us take down Griffin, giving South City a chance to counter-attack. "Now, neither Norther District nor South City can gain the upper hand. With Madam Vostokoff getting involved, I'm worried about potential tricks, which is
Dylan forced an awkward laugh and ducked his head sheepishly. "I was just kidding, Mr. Lloyd. Please don't be angry." He had no doubt about Andrew's influence. With one word, this man could actually have him performing stand-up comedy for the rest of his life. … The SUV pulled up in front of a towering building in Jayrodale's West End district. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Madam Vostokoff's headquarters—the main base of West End's underground operations," Dylan explained while opening the door for Andrew. "Impressive…" Andrew nodded after taking in the sight. At that moment, an alluring woman wearing a veil and dark smoky eye makeup approached them, surrounded by several imposing bodyguards. "Mr. Garner, you've finally arrived. Please come in. Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore are getting impatient," she said with a smile, her eyes deliberately lingering on Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Natasha Vostokoff, the leader of Jayrodale's West End," Dylan introduced. Before he could introduce
Atlas and Finley were already seated in the massive conference room. When Natasha entered with her signature sultry walk, Finley's eyes lit up with desire, but Atlas quickly shot him a warning glance. Atlas was well aware of Natasha's reputation in Jayrodale's underground circles, and he worried Finley's wandering eye might compromise their position. "Thank you for your patience, Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore," Natasha said with a smile. "Mr. Garner and South City's representative have arrived, so we can begin." "What capable fighter could South City possibly have besides Dylan?" Finley scoffed. "They're all trash in my eyes." "Pretty big talk from you, Mr. Moore. Better be careful not to bite your tongue," Dylan's voice sounded from the doorway as he and Andrew entered the room. Initially, both Finley and Atlas wore looks of contempt, feeling confident in their position against Dylan. However, when they saw Andrew beside him, their expressions quickly changed. "So this is who
"Finley and Atlas can't be trusted," Dylan warned. "If you believe their lies, once they destroy South City, West End won't be spared either." "Oh? What makes you say that?" Natasha asked with a smile. "Are you suggesting Northern District plans to take over West End as well?" Before Dylan could respond, Atlas cut in, "Dylan's just a brute—don't take his words seriously. Northern District and West End have always maintained peaceful relations, and even if we wanted your territory, we wouldn't have the strength after dealing with South City. That would be suicide!" "Mr. Giordano is right," Finley added smoothly. "In fact, West End stands to gain the most from this. The only reason we're pursuing this vendetta against South City is because Dylan treacherously killed Mr. Giordano's lieutenant. Such a betrayal demands justice." Their coordinated pitch seemed to sway Natasha, while her lieutenants behind her nodded approvingly. "Madam, we should stay neutral and let them fight it
"How dare you insult Madam Vostokoff! Are you asking for death?" West End's enforcers erupted in anger. "In all these years, no one has ever dared to disrespect our leader on our turf!" Over the years, many have experienced Natasha's ruthless cunning firsthand. For this young upstart to openly mock her intelligence right to her face—he must have been tired of living. Atlas and Finley could barely contain their joy at this turn of events. "Dylan, is this your way of making South City perish faster?" Finley taunted, fanning himself with a smirk. He added, "Andrew, I know you're trying to get Madam Vostokoff's attention, but this thorny rose is far beyond your reach. Now, you'll probably leave here in pieces!" "Mr. Garner, he's your man," Natasha snapped. "For old times' sake, I'll give you one chance to explain what he means. Otherwise, none of you will leave West End's headquarters alive." "Madam Vostokoff, Mr. Lloyd can be quite direct, but let me explain—" Dylan began
Rodney's words made the skilled fighters behind him burst into raucous laughter. The students stopped their practice to stare at Lauren with strange expressions. "Rodney, I told you years ago that I wasn't interested in you," Lauren said calmly, showing no sign of anger. "Your persistent pursuit might be romantic to some, but even if you offered me the entire Madblade Martial Academy, I wouldn't give you a second glance." Rodney's face darkened immediately. He had tried to embarrass Lauren, but her sharp tongue had turned the tables on him instead. A hulking man beside Rodney sneered, "Ms. Rhodes, if you're going to reject Mr. Sanford, why are you even here?" "For our money," Lauren replied curtly. Dean scoffed. "Atlas owed Rhodes Corporation money, not me. If you want it, go ask him in hell." Lauren smirked. "Atlas may be dead, but not all Northern District's people are gone. I know you cleaned out Atlas's accounts. Dean, are you really going to pretend you don't owe us?"
Inside Madblade Martial Academy, hundreds of students were practicing martial arts with loud shouts. They barely glanced at Lauren and Andrew's group before turning away, displaying obvious arrogance and dismissal. Lauren was unfazed by their attitude. She explained, "The students here are all from Jayrodale's wealthy families. Most of them are spoiled rich kids who couldn't succeed academically, so their families sent them here to learn martial arts. Over time, they've developed quite a superiority complex." Andrew did not mind. After all, it was natural for martial artists to have some attitude. Whether it was looking down on others or being arrogant, this kind of temperament came with this lifestyle. As long as they were not all talk and had no skill, he could tolerate their pride. A young man in casual clothes approached them with a smile, his pale complexion suggesting a life of extravagance. He was flanked by about four clearly skilled martial artists. As he passed the
Jake could not help but marvel at how a single conversation had completely changed his fate. His head was still spinning from the series of surprises. "Ms. Rhodes, should we head to Madblade Martial Academy now?" Andrew suggested. Lauren smirked playfully. "Dr. Lloyd, Natasha seemed quite different around you. Did something happen between you two?" Andrew shook his head. "She's West End's leader, a widow. What could possibly happen between us?" Lauren said suspiciously, "I don't believe you. The way she looked at you was exactly like a lonely woman gazing at her lover." Women's intuition was truly frightening. First Francesca, and now Lauren was just as perceptive. Andrew started the car and decided there was no point in hiding it. "Natasha wanted to be with me, but I turned her down because it didn't feel right." Instead of getting jealous or upset as Andrew expected, Lauren became excited. "Really? Natasha offered herself to you? That widow sure moves fast!" Andrew's
Natasha chimed in and explained, "Dean Mayer was Atlas's senior apprentice from the same martial arts school and Northern District's second-in-command. He was known as 'Iron Palm'. However, his skills never matched Atlas', which is why Atlas always held the position of Northern District's leader." Andrew asked, "So you're saying most of Atlas' assets and personnel fell into Dean's hands?" Natasha shook her head. "In terms of manpower, Dean only took about seven elite fighters with him. However, he did make off with the majority of Northern District's wealth—Atlas' years of accumulated fortune." "Natasha, do you know where Dean is now?" Andrew frowned. "As my people previously informed Mr. Lloyd, some of Atlas' forces have regrouped," Natasha said gravely. "Dean is their leader, and they've aligned themselves with the Madblade Martial Academy." Andrew was shocked. "Madblade Martial Academy? You mean the place that calls itself Jayrodale's premier martial arts institution?"
"I'm here at Northern District's headquarters. One of your men is here, and I'm planning to get him promoted," Andrew spoke into the phone. "Of course, I'll be there in five minutes. Wait for me," Natasha replied urgently. As Andrew hung up, Jake shook his head. "Sir, this act isn't funny anymore. Don't tell me you actually have Madam Vostokoff's number?" "Of course I do," Andrew replied simply. "How else could I call her?" Jake did not bother responding and headed downstairs to hand out flyers, hoping to sell the abandoned building soon and get his promotion. He dismissed the supposed lunatic upstairs, remembering how he had only seen Natasha once since joining West End. Regular people never got close to someone of Natasha's status, let alone have her private number—unless this guy was her boy toy, he thought cynically. Minutes later, a convertible sports car screeched to a halt in front of the building. Jake, clutching a stack of flyers, stared in disbelief at the beauti
Jake burst out laughing. "Another group looking for money? I've seen several people like you today. Go home and forget about the money—Mr. Giordano is dead, and the Northern District has been stripped clean. There's nothing left." Jake continued, "You've heard of Christina Stevens, the Ice Queen of Stevens Corporation, right? And another gorgeous woman named Aspen Stevens came by too. Do you know what happened? Aspen went ballistic, trashing the place and cursing Mr. Giordano, demanding her billion dollars back." He shook his head with a smirk. "Can you believe how crazy that woman was? That man is already dead—how's he supposed to pay her back? And cursing a dead man? Man, you should've seen her face—she looked like she was having a mental breakdown!" Andrew understood Aspen's reaction well. Anyone would lose their mind after losing a billion dollars to the Northern District. The loss would make anyone's heart bleed. Andrew replied with a knowing smile, "You're right about
"What you're saying isn't wrong, but you do know where Atlas is now, right?" Andrew asked with a knowing smile. Jake turned awkward as he fell silent. Andrew continued, "So stop trying to con people. Northern District is done for—it's yesterday's news. This abandoned building probably has a body count, and it's probably been carved up by the other two underground powers by now. Try to trick us into buying it, and you might be in serious trouble." Jake replied with an apologetic smile, "Sir, I didn't realize you were so well-informed about the situation—my mistake. Go ahead. Nobody wants this building anyway." Of course, Andrew was aware of the matter. After all, he had helped orchestrate Atlas's downfall. He gestured for Lauren to wait and asked Jake, "Since this building is now under West End and South City's control, are you working for them?" Jake shook his head. "No, I used to work for Northern District. I had nowhere to go after Mr. Giordano got taken out at his subu
Andrew and Lauren quickly drove toward Jayrodale's Northern District. Instead of taking his Mercedes G-Wagon, Andrew was driving Lauren's pink Maserati. It was a fantastic car, but he felt a bit self-conscious about the color. Along the way, businessmen on the street did double-takes when they saw a man driving the pink Maserati with the stunning Lauren in the passenger seat. Their envious and judgmental glares made Andrew certain he would be labeled as another trophy boyfriend. "Dr. Lloyd, why are you closing the windows?" Lauren asked, hiding her smile. "I'm trying to avoid any would-be heroes looking to start trouble," Andrew replied dryly. Lauren giggled. "I wouldn't mind witnessing something like that." "Ms. Rhodes, I really think my car would have been more suitable," Andrew suggested. "Your car is nice, but since this is a business trip, we should use a company car," Lauren explained. "That way, the company covers gas and depreciation. I couldn't let you help me an
Lauren smiled confidently. "Don't worry, I have Dr. Lloyd—he'll help me." Eunice immediately gave Andrew a skeptical look. She said sharply, "If you truly care about Ms. Rhodes' wellbeing, you shouldn't try to show off like this. How exactly do you plan to help her recover the 60 million?" Andrew replied with a smile, "Relax. While the Northern District no longer exists, I know some inside information about Atlas' downfall. Recovering the money shouldn't be too difficult." He knew that Dylan and Natasha had divided Northern District's assets and territory between them. He knew that getting the money back would be as simple as approaching these two powerhouses. Eunice scoffed. "You make it sound so easy. Mr. Giordano was one of Jayrodale's elite, so what gives a mere doctor like you the audacity to speak so boldly? I have just one request: you can risk your own neck if you want, but please don't drag Ms. Rhodes into it." Lauren frowned. "This must be the hundredth time today