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
Andrew noticed Michael's obvious relief, and their eyes met silently across the room. Andrew flashed Michael with a knowing smile, while Michael's gaze was mocking. To him, even if Andrew had figured out some of his secrets, he was convinced Andrew did not know the identity of the actual poisoner. As long as that person remained unknown, Michael believed he was safe. Lauren might suspect him, but suspicion without evidence was meaningless. "I imagine everyone must be thirsty," Lauren suddenly announced. "There's water in front of each of you to quench your thirst." Michael frowned and said, "Lauren, catching the culprit is more important. Being thirsty isn't a priority right now." Paul chimed in, "Mr. Rhodes is right. Even if we die of thirst, we won't leave until we find the person who tried to harm you, Ms. Rhodes." Lauren smiled gracefully and declared, "I'll be honest with everyone—one of these glasses has been poisoned by me. Everyone must drink their water now. Tho
Harvey stood up and said, "Mr. Wright, since the Weller family can't be of help, we'll be taking our leave." However, Quinton raised his hand. "Hold on. I've got something to discuss with you, Mr. Weller. Shawn, Christina—go on ahead. I just need a private word with Mr. Weller." Christina did not think twice and left right away. However, Shawn frowned. He wondered why Quinton was pulling Harvey aside instead of discussing it with him, his most trusted man. He felt slighted, but he did not dare show it. With a tight expression, he quietly walked out. Once everyone else had gone, only Harvey and a few of the Weller family's elders remained with Quinton. Harvey crossed his arms. "Alright, Quinton. Now that it's just us, what is it you need? If you're still trying to drag the Weller family into a fight with Andrew, then forget it. That's not happening." He locked eyes with Quinton, clearly on guard. Quinton shook his head, his face cold and composed. "Relax, Harvey. I don't
Quinton glanced over, not thinking much of Dominic since the latter was just another small-time family head. He replied flatly, "Speak, Mr. Goth. If you really have a way to get me what I want, then I'll make you a promise right here. The Goth family will become the number one family in Jayrodale, and I'll personally make it happen." Dominic lit up with excitement. "Mr. Wright, you might not know this, but my daughter is currently working at Moonlit Apothecary. If you want the formulas for those two miracle pills, I just might be able to get them—through her." Quinton's eyes widened, and a look of shock turned into overwhelming joy. "What did you say? Your daughter works at Moonlit Apothecary?" "What's her name? How much does Andrew trust her? Is she part of the inner circle or just another employee?" He fired off questions without pausing, his mind spinning. It would not be useful if she was just a background worker or someone sweeping floors. He needed someone Andrew actual
Harvey shook his head and said, "Sorry, Mr. Wright, I appreciate the offer, but the Weller family truly can't help you. I can only express my regrets." Quinton clenched his jaw and snapped, "So you're admitting you're just as spineless as the others? No different from that bunch of cowards who just walked out?" Harvey's face darkened—he had not expected Quinton to speak so bluntly and with such blatant disrespect. Harvey said coldly, "Heh, coward or not, call me whatever you want. But the Weller family is staying out of this. Because I have no interest in throwing myself into a pit I can't climb out of." It was a direct declaration, and Harvey clearly was not holding back anymore. He had already learned his lesson the hard way from crossing Andrew—he had paid for it, suffered for it, and was not about to make the same mistake again. Unless he had the power and a surefire win, Harvey was not going to make a single move. Quinton turned to glance at Christina, but she looked a
Quinton was in disbelief, and his face twisted with rage, veins bulging at his temples as if they were about to burst. The humiliation, the burning fury, and the sheer frustration had his whole body trembling. He had just been insulted—him, the heir of the Wrights, who came to Jayrodale bringing both power and wealth, and now a bunch of low-level underground thugs had just cursed him in front of everyone. Christina's expression was conflicted as she said calmly, "Mr. Wright, please calm down. I think you need to understand the current situation in Jayrodale." Quinton snapped, "What damn situation? If it weren't for my self-control, those cowards—those worthless losers—would've all been dead where they sat!" His face had darkened so much that it looked like a thunderstorm was about to roll in. Everyone he had summoned had either abandoned him or turned on him. The grand effect he envisioned—rallying everyone to crush Andrew—was unraveling fast. Christina spoke firmly, "Mr. Wri
Quinton exploded, slamming the table. "Is this the best the Weller family can do?" He sneered, "Mr. Weller, you're supposed to be young and capable, right? You landed the head position at such a young age, and this is all the guts you've got?" What angered Quinton the most was Harvey's next response. Harvey just nodded and admitted bluntly, "You're right, Mr. Wright. I really do lack guts and boldness." Now Quinton was seething with rage. He shouted, "I invited you all here out of goodwill, giving you the chance to get rich, and this is how you repay me?" His gaze swept across the room, his expression turning sharp and threatening. These guys were supposed to be the top dogs of Jayrodale. With this many major figures in the room, how was it possible that not even one of them had the spine to act? In Quinton's mind, Andrew was just the owner of a local apothecary. All it would take was a united public statement, and Moonlit Apothecary would be done for in Jayrodale. Then,
Quinton had painted himself as the poor victim, skillfully drawing out sympathy from the room. He had gone all in, dangling a massive investment as bait. He was convinced the power players of Jayrodale would be fired up, rally to his side, and join forces to crush Andrew completely. The more he thought about it, the more impressed he was with himself. After all, using others to do the dirty work and riding the wave of influence was downright masterful. Andrew thought he was untouchable, clinging to those two miracle medicines like a dragon hoarding treasure. However, once Quinton boxed him into a corner, left him begging for air, and drained every last drop of business out of him, he would see Andrew on his knees, pleading for mercy from the Wrights, just for a sip of water. The fantasy alone made Quinton grin smugly. He half-expected applause at that moment, maybe some shouting, some outrage, someone grabbing their team and storming off to Moonlit Apothecary to cause trouble.
The moment Quinton said that, several people in the room erupted in outrage. Dominic, the head of the Goth family, slammed his hand on the table and declared, "Mr. Wright, you're an honored guest from Blumedale, bringing billions to help revitalize Jayrodale! "We're beyond grateful you'd even consider investing here, and yet someone actually had the nerve to offend you? Mr. Wright, if you just say the word, the Goth family will be the first to deal with whoever that bastard is!" Harvey was not about to fall behind and quickly chimed in, "Mr. Wright, you're our meal ticket—our livelihood depends on you. Who the hell was blind enough to cross you? The Weller family would walk through fire for you, no hesitation!" Everyone else immediately jumped in, each one eager to win Quinton's favor. "Mr. Wright, just tell us—who was it? Which family or which group pissed you off? Whoever it was, we'll drag them out and make them get on their knees in front of you and beg for forgiveness!"
Rodney let out a cold snort and said nothing more. Plenty of people around could not help but be shocked—Quinton was really something else. After all, Rodney was usually wild and arrogant, never caring about anyone, but Quinton shut him right down with just a few words. Now, that was what you called true dominance. Christina leaned toward Quinton and whispered gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Wright, for stepping in." Quinton flashed a charming smile and replied, "It's nothing. Since you've already decided to join me for the development project in Blumedale, you'll be under my care from now on. Naturally, I have to keep you well protected." His words were laced with an obvious flirtation, like a possessive man doting on his favorite girl. Christina did not say anything, but Quinton was secretly feeling very pleased with himself. He believed a true master never showed all his cards and had no doubt he would win Christina over eventually. There was no rush—when the time came,
The massive conference room was buzzing with activity. Quinton sat back with one leg crossed over the other, his polished branded loafers casually propped up on the large round table. He looked completely at ease, though it was clear he was putting on a show. People continued arriving for his so-called roundtable meeting, including some of the most influential figures in Jayrodale. Among them were Natasha, Dylan, and Harvey—the head of the Weller family—as well as representatives from Madblade Martial Academy and the Goth family. Shawn, ever the suckup, leaned forward with a flattering grin. "Mr. Wright, your influence is truly unmatched. Look around—everyone who holds real power in Jayrodale, from the high society elites to the underground forces, has shown up just for you!" Quinton did not respond, but the smirk on his lips grew even more noticeable. Sitting beside him, apart from Shawn, was another notable figure—Christina. She had not spoken a word, but internally, she wa