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.
Not to mention that Michael at the head of the table was the Rhodes family's heir apparent. For Andrew, a mere deputy chief, to dare call him incompetent was unthinkable. Marcus kept his mouth firmly shut this time. Though he admired Andrew, he was not about to get dragged down by someone bent on self-destruction. A heavy thud echoed through the room as one of the veteran executives, a burly man, slammed his palm on the table. Edward Hills roared, "Where's security? Get this lawless thug out of here right now! And get the legal team here we're pressing charges for his outrageous slander against Mr. Rhodes. I'll make sure this arrogant punk rots in jail!" Edward was Michael's devoted follower, and no one dared speak up when he exploded. Everyone stared at Andrew with mockery in their eyes. "Anyone who touches my man will regret it," Lauren said icily. The security and legal staff who had rushed to the door hesitated, unsure whose orders to follow. Edward asked grimly, "M
"Security, arrest him immediately!" came the shouts from around the room. "Take him away and hand him over to the police—use the company's connections to make sure he rots in jail!" Michael's loyal followers on either side of him jumped to their feet, looking at Andrew as if he were already dead. This was their chance to prove their loyalty to Michael, and in their eyes, this foolish young man was nothing but dust to Rhodes Corporation. "Well, well, Rhodes Corporation's executives are supposed to be sophisticated, high-income individuals," Andrew said calmly, not moving an inch. "But right now, all I see is a pack of dogs barking." Marcus nearly fell out of his chair in shock. He figured Andrew had given up and decided to antagonize the entire executive board since he was headed for jail anyway—a reckless and foolish move, in his opinion. "Take him to the police," Michael ordered, his eyes cold as ice. "As CEO, I have only one demand—make him disappear from this world." Ed
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