Despite his bruised and swollen face, Ernest was beaming with joy as he felt his body recovering. After checking himself thoroughly to confirm he was really okay, he burst into laughter. "I'm alive! I actually made it!" The bodyguards looked at him in disbelief before turning to Andrew. They could not comprehend how a few kicks could save someone's life—was this guy some kind of miracle worker? Andrew explained clinically, "Mr. Ramsey's main problem was blocked pressure points causing blood congestion. My kicks cleared those blockages and restored proper circulation, which naturally resolved the issue." "But Andrew, why do I feel so weak even though the pain is gone?" Ernest asked groggily, holding his head. "I feel like I'm about to pass out." Andrew smiled knowingly. "That's normal. Most people would have died from losing that much blood. You survived only because of your strong constitution and all those supplements you take." Ernest's face turned pale. "Are you saying
"Actually, things aren't as bad as you think, Mr. Ramsey," Andrew explained casually. "You can return to Canraville and rest quietly for a few years—with proper restraint and the right supplements, your body will recover." Ernest immediately perked up at this suggestion. "Yes, yes, you're right! I may be weak now, but it's temporary. I just need some time to recuperate." "However, Mr. Ramsey, there's one crucial rule," Andrew warned. "You must absolutely avoid any intimate relations with women." Ernest's face fell dramatically as though he had just received news of a death in the family. He could handle giving up fine food and drinks, but this restriction was one he just couldn't bear. Andrew added gravely, "Don't take this lightly, Mr. Ramsey. In your condition, any intimate activity will instantly drain what little life force you've managed to rebuild. When that happens, you'll become nothing but an empty shell—not even the world's best doctor could save you then." Ernest's
Natasha glanced at him and turned away, her voice filled with frustration as she said, "I used to be obsessed with power and martial arts, always wanting to be above others. But now, I don't care about any of that anymore—if you just say the word, I'd give up my position as the head of West End right away to serve you." Andrew was stunned. "What did you just say?" "I said I'd give up everything just to be with you," Natasha replied irritably. Andrew's heart skipped a beat as he realized the widow had developed feelings for him. As he wondered if he really had to sleep with Natasha, anger washed over him. Just then, the pouting Natasha burst into laughter and looked at him triumphantly. "You fool, couldn't you tell I was just messing with you?" "You think this is funny?" Andrew asked, slightly annoyed. Natasha stood tall and challenged him, "It is funny… Unless you're man enough to take control of the situation." "Your provocations won't work on me," Andrew said with a smi
Seeing that everything was settled, and Natasha had no objections, Andrew asked, "Is there anything else? If not, I need to head back." Natasha replied seriously, "Oh, darling, there's one more thing. Although Atlas' Northern District has fallen apart, several of his top fighters have gathered over 100 followers and are starting to gain influence again." "When it comes to eliminating threats completely, you and Dylan are more skilled than I am," Andrew replied calmly. "From now on, you don't need my approval for these matters—just discuss it between yourselves." Natasha flashed a seductive smile. "Perfect, that's exactly what I wanted to hear." Andrew shook his head, thinking how Natasha truly lived up to her Black Widow nickname. With him, she was charming and submissive, even offering to warm his bed, but as a crime lord, she definitely had blood on her hands. It was necessary though. How else could a beautiful widow establish her position and protect her West End territory
A man in a suit and glasses stepped forward with a sneer. "Let me tell you just how impressive Mr. Rhodes is—he has complete control over Rhodes Corporation now, and he's as powerful as any other head of the prominent family in Jayrodale." Another executive rushed forward to brown-nose Michael, looking down at Andrew with contempt. "Young man, in this business, ignorance is a sin. The fact that you don't know how powerful Mr. Rhodes is just proves you're a small fry who can't see beyond your own limited view—you're less than an insect in his eyes." Marcus, who had been standing quietly in the back, stepped forward to mediate. "Sir, it's time for the noon meeting, and Ms. Rhodes is here today. Perhaps we should head up." Michael scoffed. "Ah, right, I forgot Lauren was coming to the company today. Fine, let's meet her, but remember what I said earlier—choose your sides carefully. I don't want my blade catching any foolish bystanders in the crossfire." After that, Michael swept h
Michael adjusted his designer suit with an air of superiority. He said, "Andrew, I'm done playing games with a nobody like you. Watch yourself—if you're foolish enough to side with Lauren, I might have to eliminate you along with her." With a contemptuous smirk, Michael led his group of executives through the corporate entrance. Marcus, who was the last to leave, looked at Andrew with a sympathetic smile. "Didn't I tell you to stop coming to see Ms. Rhodes? You not only showed up openly but also challenged our CEO—aren't you just digging your own grave?" He was particularly concerned about Andrew's bold declaration to take Michael's position. Marcus felt that Andrew was still naive about how the real world worked. With Michael's current position, all it would take was a nod of his head for his lackeys to destroy this young deputy chief's life. "Thanks for trying to help back there, Mr. Chapman," Andrew said with a smile. Marcus waved his hand dismissively. "I did what I co
"Very well," Eunice replied. Even so, she felt Lauren's decision lacked foresight. The entire Rhodes Corporation's upper management disapproved of her relationship with Andrew, and Michael especially despised him—bringing him to the company under this double pressure would only invite trouble. Andrew clearly sensed Eunice's aversion to him but chose not to comment on it. He asked, "Ms. Rhodes, now that you're back working at the company, is there anything I can help with?" Lauren playfully chewed on her pen cap and replied flirtatiously, "I couldn't bear to have you do anything strenuous, Dr. Lloyd. Just be my personal assistant here in the office." Andrew deliberately ignored her teasing, thinking this temptress really was not afraid he might lose control and take advantage of the situation. Lauren quickly switched back to her professional demeanor. Then, she said decisively, "Let's do this—I'll hire you as my driver for now. In a few days, I'll arrange a management position
Michael had already claimed the head position in the large conference room, surrounded by his suckups, who wore ingratiating smiles. "Lauren, it's been a while since you've been to the corporation. Do you even remember how to work?" Michael said with exaggerated cheerfulness when Lauren entered. He added, "If not, you can just stay in your office, get your nails done, take care of your skin, and leave when the day's over. I don't want to pressure you." The room fell silent instantly as the executives sensed the tension between Michael and Lauren. Lauren stared at Michael coldly and retorted, "Michael, you've just taken my position, and you're already acting like someone drunk on their newfound power." Lauren smirked as Michael's expression darkened. "Everyone in the family and company knows which of us is more qualified to be CEO. You've only been in charge for a couple of weeks, and you're already so full of yourself—clearly, you'll never amount to much." Michael snorted.
They all thought it was an absurd and comical proposal, wondering how Andrew could even say those words with a straight face. Everyone in the room had braced themselves for Andrew's lack of professionalism, but they had not expected anything this outrageous. Suggesting the company's CEO should guard the main entrance? Recommending the head of the Pharmaceutical Division be reassigned to manage the warehouse? It was the kind of logic that could only come from a "genius" with a truly unique imagination. Troy was the first to snap, standing up and shouting, "I object!" "Object!" "I object too!" "Unconditionally object! This is outrageous!" Not a single executive supported Andrew. They all glared at him, their voices raised in protest, their faces red with indignation. Andrew shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, since everyone objects, let's just pretend I never said it." Michael, still seething, sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, the company's meeting room is a place for discussing serious mat
Troy sneered, feigning politeness. "Oh, judging by Mr. Lloyd's demeanor, it seems he has some insights to share. Why don't we all listen attentively to his wisdom?" His comment dripped with sarcasm, clearly meant to set Andrew up for embarrassment. After all, in Troy's eyes, Andrew was just a wealthy shareholder with no real business knowledge. Michael followed up with a mocking grin. "Mr. MacAfee has a point. Mr. Lloyd, you're part of Rhodes Corporation now, so perhaps you could share some grand vision for our company's future or enlighten us with your development plans?" The other executives, all five of them, smirked and watched Andrew expectantly, clearly hoping for him to stumble. Lauren's face darkened, and she was about to intervene to spare Andrew the humiliation. She knew it was unrealistic for him to have a grasp on the intricate details of the business so soon after joining. Yet, Andrew simply smiled. "Visions and development plans? Let's skip the empty talk. It's no
"Dr. Lloyd, I really can't anymore. Please, have mercy and let me go, okay?" Lauren pleaded, her wide, tear-filled eyes staring at Andrew with desperation. "This is the office. People are everywhere, and you can't go on for this long in one go. Be good. Let's stop for now, and I'll give you another chance next time, okay?" she begged, trying to escape his grip. Andrew lifted his head from her neck, chuckling. "Next time? And when would that be?" Lauren's eyes darted nervously. "Uh… tomorrow!" "Then forget it. I can't wait until tomorrow. Besides, you were the one who came to me. I didn't force you," Andrew teased with a sly grin. "Ah, no, no, no… Fine, how about this afternoon? That should be okay, right?" Lauren stammered. "Nope, I'll need more by lunchtime," Andrew replied firmly. "Alright, alright! Lunchtime it is, you big pervert!" Lauren grumbled, feeling both defeated and flustered. For the first time, Lauren felt a chill run down her spine as she looked at Andrew
Andrew froze, startled by Lauren's serious tone. Looking at her earnest expression, he seemed to understand something deeper. "Target you? Someone must've told you that. But, Lauren, what do you think?" Andrew replied with a faint smile, offering no further explanation. Lauren shook her head firmly. "I don't believe it. That's why I'm asking you directly." Andrew's expression turned cold. "I don't care who's feeding you these ideas. I only want to tell you one thing—I came to Rhodes Corporation for one reason: you. There are no schemes, no ulterior motives, no hidden agendas. I'm here because I see you as my friend." Without warning, Lauren threw herself into his arms, catching Andrew completely off guard. A faint floral fragrance swept over him. In the next moment, her soft, delicate body pressed against his, filling his embrace entirely. Andrew instinctively wrapped his arms around her, startled. "Lauren, you—" She tilted her head back, her eyes glistening with unshed tea
"Please, just give me one more chance! I promise to turn over a new leaf and lead the Weller family responsibly," Harvey pleaded, his forehead nearly touching the floor. The two elders exchanged glances, their eyes burning with a desire to punish him severely. However, there was no escaping the reality—Harvey was Kane's only heir. If they removed him, the Weller family would need to choose a new head, and frankly, there was not anyone else who seemed even remotely suitable. Though Harvey was reckless and immoral, he had proven competent as the family leader. The recent surge in profits from their wellness products was his doing, helping to pull the family out of a dire financial crisis. "Fine, get up," Ian said in frustration. It was as if he speaking to an utter disappointment. "Having someone like you as head of the family is a disgrace, but it's our misfortune, not yours." Ted gritted his teeth. "But listen carefully, you pathetic fool. You may remain as the family head,
Serena's piercing scream echoed from behind, forcing Harvey to whip around in shock. To his horror, he saw Ian and Ted, two of the most respected elders of the Weller family, dragging Serena across the ground by her hair, pulling her out from hiding. "You two old bastards! Let go of me! I command you, as the family matriarch, to release me immediately! Are you really going to defy your master?" Serena shrieked. Her disheveled hair and furious expression made her look like a vengeful ghost. Half of her face was bruised and swollen, evidence of a slap. Harvey rushed forward, alarmed. "Elders, what are you doing? Let Serena go, now!" However, before he could say more, one of the elders kicked him square in the stomach, sending him flying backward. Harvey tumbled to the ground, rolling over several times before coming to a stop, gasping for air, and almost spitting blood. As he staggered to his feet, dazed and clutching his burning abdomen, he roared, "You old fools! What do
"Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about," Harvey said calmly. He added in a steady tone, "As far as I know, the one responsible for such an appalling act in our family is my uncle, Brad, and he's already been taken into custody by your department. Now you're here again—so I have to ask, do you even have evidence?" Harvey forced himself to remain composed, ensuring he did not give anything away. After all, he had only issued orders and stayed in the shadows. As long as no one caught him red-handed, his position as the head of the Weller family would shield him from arrest. One of the officers spoke coldly, "We do have evidence. According to the kidnappers' confessions, they were hired by your family's butler." The officer continued, "So, we'll be taking Mr. Alfie Daves, your butler, into custody. You don't have any objections to that, do you, Mr. Weller?" Harvey clenched his teeth and said nothing, though rage boiled inside him. Suddenly, with a loud thud, Alfie dr
When the call connected, a voice answered, "Who is this?" "Are you kidding me? You don't know who I am?" Harvey exploded. "Kill Marcus's daughter and dump her body at Rhodes Corporation! I want Marcus, Andrew, and Lauren to learn their lesson!" "Sorry, but the Jayrodale Police Department only catches criminals—we don't do murder for hire," the voice replied coldly. "This is Donald, the police commissioner, and I'm ordering you to identify yourself and your location immediately, then turn yourself in." Harvey froze, his heart nearly stopped as the blood drained from his face. It felt like his entire body turned to ice. What the hell just happened? He had clearly dialed the number of those hired thugs, but how on earth did Donald answer the call instead? Donald barked through the phone, "I'll repeat myself: state your identity and address, then surrender at the station. If we have to catch you ourselves, you'll face serious jail time!" Harvey threw his phone down as if it had
Before Harvey could even use his family's influence to suppress the negative online news, he had become Jayrodale's hottest headline. Social media erupted with comments. [What an absolute animal! How could such scum become the head of the Weller family? It's ridiculous!] [Is this a moral failure or a loss of humanity? How could he sleep with his stepmother? Isn't he afraid his father will crawl out of the grave to haunt him?] [Man, the scandals in their circles are wild! Honestly, I'd pay 50 bucks to see a video of Harvey and his stepmother hooking up. Anybody got one? DM me!] [I've seen Serena before, and she's definitely still got it—curvy, voluptuous, and oozing mature charm. When she wears those body-hugging dresses, she could drive any man crazy!] [Honestly, this isn't even surprising. A playboy like Harvey would sleep with anything that moves!] "This is a PR nightmare for the Weller family, though. Let this be a lesson for all of us: keep your pants zipped and you