Michael praised, "Fran, you truly live up to being Dr. Aicker's protege! Your medical skills put us men to shame!" Francesca could not help but feel smug at the compliment, glancing at Andrew. She said in a condescending tone, "Well, Andrew, I'm sure my detoxification technique and medication choice are beyond your capabilities. Since you watched the whole process, you might want to take notes. It could really improve your skills." Andrew just shook his head with a smile, which prompted Francesca to raise an eyebrow. She asked, "What? You seem unconvinced." "Oh, I'm convinced," Andrew replied. "It's not every day you see someone put on such a dramatic show with zero actual results. That's quite an achievement." Francesca's expression turned cold. "Are you questioning my medical expertise?" Coming from a prestigious medical family with a legendary grandfather, she had always been confident in her abilities and could not tolerate any challenge to her skills. "I wouldn't da
Andrew ignored Francesca and immediately began treating Eunice. The silver needles danced between his fingers as he inserted them into specific pressure points on Eunice's body, all while stopping the spread of the toxin with a few taps. His mastery left Francesca dumbfounded. She stuttered, "Y-You actually know the pressure-point technique?" "Isn't it basic knowledge? Anyone with hands can do it," Andrew replied casually, leaving Francesca nearly choking with anger. Her grandfather, Cedric, had trained his whole life and, at 80 years old, had barely mastered the basics of pressure point techniques. Yet here was Andrew, wielding it as if it were child's play. Francesca thought Cedric would probably faint if he saw this. One by one, the needles drew out the poison, their silver surfaces turning black. Lauren beamed with pride and exclaimed, "Dr. Lloyd, you're amazing!" Then, she turned to Francesca with a smirk. "Well, Fran, are you convinced now?" Francesca stubbornly argu
Andrew calmly pointed out the flaws in their logic. "If they learn that Ms. Rhodes has access to someone who can neutralize poison, what's to stop them from using more lethal methods next time? Are you ready to take responsibility for that?" His sharp questions made Michael's face turn bright red. "You worthless parasite, how dare you speak to me like that! I'll…" Lauren cut him off, pointing toward the door. "Michael, I run Rhodes Corporation now, not you. If you're going to be useless and disrespect Dr. Lloyd, you can get out!" Michael glared venomously at Andrew. "Fine! Let's see what this loser can do!" Lauren flashed Andrew a charming smile. "Dr. Lloyd, since you've already saved Eunice, would you help us figure this out? Pretty please?" It was impossible to say no to a beautiful woman. Even though he thought Lauren was a flirt, he still replied, "I have a theory, but I'll need more information from you, Ms. Rhodes." "Ask away! I'll tell you everything," Lauren said ea
Lauren gazed at Andrew with sparkling eyes. "Dr. Lloyd, please tell us how you figured it out." Andrew explained, "It's quite simple. You have a predictable routine between three locations. Since the culprit couldn't act at photo shoots or your home, that only leaves the company." Francesca chimed in, "That's obvious. But how can you be so certain it's a high-ranking insider at Rhodes Corporation?" Andrew replied calmly, "Think about it—as CEO of the corporation, would regular employees have access to her? To poison her food or drinks, they'd need access to her office or personal items. Only executives have that kind of privilege." "Dr. Lloyd is absolutely right," Lauren exclaimed. "At Rhodes Corporation, only senior executives have that level of access to get near me." Michael snickered. "Then how do you explain Cece's poisoning? She didn't eat or drink anything—she just visited briefly and got poisoned. Your theory makes no sense!" "Exactly. You can't explain that part w
Francesca looked at Andrew with a hint of jealousy. "Well, well, it seems like you've got some skills after all." Michael scoffed beside her. "It's just a basic theory! Anyone who's watched 'Detective Kobe' could figure that out. Nothing to brag about!" Lauren shot him a cold smile. "Says the guy who spends all day watching 'Idiot Bears'." Michael's face flushed red as he argued, "I don't watch 'Idiot Bears' all day! Lauren, there are other people here. Can't you cut me some slack!" Lauren feigned understanding. "Oh right, my mistake—you're too busy watching adult films." Michael's face turned crimson with rage. "Did you go through my computer?" Lauren ignored him, her expression turning deadly serious. "Now that we know it's someone from senior management, they shouldn't blame me for showing no mercy." "Ms. Rhodes, I'm sure you already have some suspicions about who's behind this," Andrew commented. Lauren nodded hesitantly. "I do, but suspicions alone aren't
After leaving Lauren's office, Andrew did not head to the nearest restroom. Instead, he went straight to a different section of the building. To be exact, it was where Michael's office was located. He had noticed it earlier during his visit and slipped quietly into the only bathroom in that area. As soon as Andrew entered, he heard Michael on the phone, clearly panicking. "Remember, no matter what Lauren does, act normal. That damn girl is getting suspicious, and if she finds out you're behind this, I'm dead too!" Andrew smirked, his suspicions about Michael confirmed. Soon, Michael grew agitated. "What are you afraid of, you idiot? I'm covering for you here. As long as Lauren can't find proof, she can't do anything, even if she suspects you!" Michael added, "We shouldn't contact each other for a while. And watch out for that pretty boy hanging around Lauren—he's sharper than he looks. Damn him! If he hadn't helped Lauren, we wouldn't be in this mess!" As Michael hung up and
Michael's head buzzed as he felt his blood pressure spike. He could not believe Andrew, whom he deemed a loser, was asking for such an outrageous amount. While Rhodes Corporation was rich, 15 million dollars was not pocket change. "Fine, I'll give you the 15 million," Michael agreed unexpectedly. "But remember—if I find out that you breathed a word of this to Lauren, you'll be dead." After that, Michael rushed back to his office and wrote a massive check, his heart bleeding at all those zeros. Andrew accepted the check happily. Then, as if afraid that Michael would not believe him, Andrew even made an oath, saying, "Mr. Rhodes, you're so generous. I swear on my life I won't tell Ms. Rhodes. May all the poisons in the world strike me if I break this vow!" As Andrew left grinning with the check, Michael sneered. "Idiot, you're playing a game you can't win." He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Mr. Garner, it's Michael. I need your men to take care of
In the Rhodes Corporation conference room, Lauren called an emergency executive meeting. After all the executives had entered, Andrew locked the door, drawing immediate disapproval from those present. "Ms. Rhodes, what's the meaning of this?" "First, an unannounced emergency meeting, and now we're locked in? What are you planning?" "Hey, you! Unlock that door now, that's an order!" Andrew returned to Lauren's side, ignoring their protests. When one furious executive tried to speak up, a warning look from Michael silenced him immediately. At the head of the table, Lauren looked over the gathered executives, her tone cold and direct. She began, "I've called this meeting because of an urgent matter. Someone has been trying to poison me for some time, and I've just discovered who it is." The executives' faces changed dramatically with this revelation. "Who could stoop so low? Ms. Rhodes is our CEO—who would do something so despicable?" "Whoever it is should get on their
Hugh hung up the phone and sneered at Andrew. "Your time is up. Rodney's already sent people over. If I don't break both your legs and ruin your woman, I'll change my name from Nasty Hugh to Loser Hugh." Feeling smug, he pulled out a chair, lit a cigarette with a dramatic snap, and took a long drag as if savoring his supposed victory. Fiona, now stripped of all her artificial enhancements, ran over to him, sobbing hysterically. "Hugh, you've got to stand up for me! That woman ruined everything I spent thousands on! I don't care what you do—just kill her for me!" Hugh was still fuming and trying to calm his nerves when he glanced at Fiona, only to recoil in horror. "What the hell are you?!" he shouted, flinging his cigarette to the floor. Smacking her across the face, he barked, "Are you human or some kind of ghost? Get away from me, you hideous thing! How can someone this disgusting even exist?!" Fiona clutched her swelling cheek, crying out in disbelief. "Hugh, it's me! I'm
The other customers and even the restaurant owner stood frozen in place, staring at Andrew and Lauren in shock. Everyone looked stunned. It was as if they were watching something out of an action movie. "Mommy, those two are amazing!" a little boy exclaimed. "Man, that guy knocked Nasty Hugh to the ground with just one slap!" a diner murmured in disbelief. "I thought he was just some skinny dude, but he's clearly hiding some serious strength!" Lauren walked up to Fiona, placing the heel of her stiletto on the woman's face while looking down at her with a cold smile. "A minute ago, you were throwing around insults like it was your hobby. So go on, say something else now." Fiona shrieked as Lauren's heel pressed harder, distorting her nose and mouth. Tears streaming, she cried, "Hugh, help me! Somebody help! She's going to kill me!" Lauren grabbed a fistful of Fiona's hair and sneered, "Your eyelids, nose, lips are fake, and even your chest is fake. Wow, you're a walking pat
Andrew looked at Hugh with a cold smirk and said, "I'll give you a choice. Slap yourself ten times, admit you're a loser, and promise never to show your face in front of me again." He added, "Do that, and I might consider letting you walk out of here." Hugh froze for a moment. However, he soon burst into loud laughter. "Are you out of your damn mind? Fiona, did you hear this moron?!" He howled, "This idiot actually thinks he can give me a choice. What a joke! He's just begging to die." Fiona sneered at Andrew with disdain. "You're gonna regret this. In a minute, Hugh's gonna have you crying for mercy on your knees, begging him to stop!" She scoffed. "And your tramp of a girlfriend? Hugh's gonna deal with her too. Next time, learn to steer clear when you meet a big shot like Hugh." Hugh's face darkened as he pointed at Andrew. "Get on your knees right now. I'm giving you three seconds to decide. If you don't, I'll smash your head open!" The other diners shook their heads
The restaurant owner hurriedly retreated into the kitchen, too scared to intervene further. Meanwhile, the other diners cast sympathetic glances at Andrew, their hushed murmurs echoing their shared sentiment of pity. One diner whispered, "Just finish your meal quickly, and let's get out of here. Hugh always throws his weight around because of his ties to the Madblade Martial Academy." "The poor guy over there is doomed—looks like he's too soft to handle a thug like Hugh." Another diner chimed in, "The guy's unlucky, but did you see his girlfriend? She's stunning, like a goddess. Hugh's got a reputation for being a sleaze. He'll definitely try to mess with her." "That handsome guy was too rushed. When he met a mad dog like Hugh, he should've held back for a while, and the situation would've passed. Although our society is a society ruled by law, power is still absolute—we're no one to fight against that." All the diners pitied Andrew, thinking he was unlucky. However, a few a
Unable to take it anymore, Andrew tapped Hugh's shoulder and said politely, "Hey man, could you move your chair a bit? It's really tight back here." Hugh turned around and snapped, "Move your own damn self if you're uncomfortable, you idiot!" As he cursed, he deliberately showed off the tiger tattoo on his chest. This trick usually let him swagger around Jayrodale unchallenged, since most people were easily intimidated by such displays. Fiona Smith leaned forward aggressively and asked, "Hugh, what's wrong? Is this loser bothering you?" Hugh sneered. "Just eat your food, he's nobody. This moron actually asked me to move my chair. Who does he think he is, the king of Jayrodale's underground? He's got a death wish!" Andrew frowned and replied, "Watch your mouth. If you keep spewing trash, I might just help you find out what it actually tastes like." Hugh rolled up his sleeves and pointed at Andrew's face, bellowing, "Do you have any idea who I am? Listen here, you piece of c
"Mr. Warren, as far as I know, what Harvey and Serena did falls under moral issues. Using legal means won't do you any good," Andrew said. Then, he asked, "So, did Brad give you anything useful during the interrogation?" Donald scoffed. "Taking his stepmother to bed and doing something that shameless? Sure, it's a moral issue, but don't you think it's something that deserves divine punishment?" Andrew chuckled. "Mr. Warren, it seems like you're itching to do something to express your outrage, aren't you?" Donald smirked. "Of course! While I was interrogating Brad, there happened to be a few intern reporters present." He continued, "So, my apologies, but tomorrow, Jayrodale's front page will have the Weller family's scandal plastered all over it in the biggest headline. Make sure to subscribe and enjoy it, Mr. Lloyd." Andrew laughed and cursed in jest, "Enjoy it, my ass. I have no interest in this kind of trashy gossip." Donald chuckled mischievously. "Oh, come on, Mr. Llo
Lauren giggled. "You're such a stereotypical guy, Dr. Lloyd." Shopping with a beautiful woman was always exhausting, and it proved no different for Andrew. Lauren's shopping spree quickly loaded Andrew's arms with bags until he could barely carry them all. "I think that's enough. I can barely hold any more," Andrew said, overwhelmed. Lauren tilted her head thoughtfully before saying with disappointment, "Fine… I wanted to look at suits and belts for you too, but I guess that'll have to wait for next time!" Andrew brightened up and asked hopefully, "Can we head back now?" Waggling her delicate fingers, the young heiress laughed playfully. "No way! Shopping is exhausting, and I haven't eaten yet. Come on, this restaurant is amazing. It's my treat!" Andrew could only smile wryly as he followed her into the restaurant laden with shopping bags. Just as they sat down, Donald called him. Andrew found it strange to get a call from Donald at this hour. He answered irritably, "Mr.
After leaving Michael's office, Andrew said, "Ms. Rhodes, Mr. Chapman, don't give up—the game isn't over yet." Lauren turned to Marcus. "Mr. Chapman, you can work in another department temporarily. I'll make sure you get your position back." Marcus waved his hand tiredly and replied, "No need, Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Rhodes—you've both helped me enough. At my age, perhaps it's time to wake up and let go of these ambitious pursuits. Maybe living a simple life as an ordinary person is the right choice for me." Lauren quickly protested, "Mr. Chapman, you don't have to do this!" Marcus shook his head and smiled at them both. "Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Lloyd, when you have children of your own, maybe you'll understand how I feel right now." Lauren blushed and shot Andrew a shy glare. Just then, a bearded man strode over with a grin, saying, "Ah, Ms. Rhodes, Mr. Lloyd, and Mr. Chapman—all together! I just heard Mr. Chapman talking about wanting to live a simple life. What an excellent idea!"
Michael waved dismissively and said, "That was your personal matter. Of course, I couldn't help!" Lauren spat out a laugh and sneered. "Michael, don't you realize how stupid you sound right now? One of our own employees was being harassed by the Weller family, and you have the nerve to say such nonsense! Are you even fit to be CEO?" Michael's face darkened as he replied, "If I'm not fit to be CEO, you think you are? If you were so qualified, why am I sitting in this chair instead of you?" Lauren took a deep breath and retorted contemptuously, "We both know how you got this position. If the family hadn't interfered, you'd still be nothing but a lackey under me." Michael sneered. "You're right, I'll admit that. But what does it matter? You'll soon be married off from the Rhodes family. Lauren, no matter how capable, beautiful, or how many followers you have, there's still no place for you in the Rhodes family. Your only path is to be a sacrifice!" His venomous words struck Laur