Below the ring, Andrew nodded slightly. Jerry's arrogance was backed by real skill, but unfortunately, the martial arts path was like a mighty river flowing into an endless ocean—there were always greater depths to discover. Ivan finally moved, transforming from his mountain-like stillness into explosive action. His classic internal martial arts technique concentrated all his power into a single point, channeling his energy like a surging tide before releasing it like a dragon's strike. Then, a dull thud echoed through the arena. Jerry's palm strike connected with Ivan's chest, but Ivan's counter-strike to Jerry's abdomen was even faster. Blood gushed out from Jerry's mouth as he staggered back three steps, his face pale as paper and filled with shock. Meanwhile, Ivan stood unmoved, wearing a look of disdain. He commented, "The Octa-Palm technique flows like a swimming dragon, fluid and adaptable. Too bad you've only scratched the surface of what your master created." Ivan wa
Rodney chuckled. "Mr. Lincoln, you truly live up to the high regard my father holds for you. Please rest, and I'll make sure you're properly compensated later." Ivan nodded and turned to leave, but Andrew's voice cut through the air. "Wait." Everyone froze—both Rodney's Madblade Martial Academy group and Rhodes family bodyguards were stunned. "Andrew, what are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Jerry growled through his pain. The bodyguards joined in, "Are you insane? Even Jerry was defeated! Do you want to die?" "Shut up! We already have a lot of problems on our plate!" "Andrew, don't try to get yourself killed. Mr. Lincoln is obviously a powerful expert—no one can save you!" Since even a master like Jerry had been defeated, they viewed Andrew's interruption as suicidal. The Rhodes family bodyguards were amazed at Andrew's audacity, believing he was playing with fire. "Well, our side still has one person who hasn't fought yet," Andrew said casually. "O
Ivan stood on the platform with his arms crossed, letting out a disdainful snort that showed his complete contempt. "Andrew, what the hell are you doing?" Jerry shouted. Andrew gave him a cold glance and replied, "Since you're badly injured and have already embarrassed the Rhodes family, you should stay quiet." Jerry's fury triggered his stomach wound, making him wince in pain. "Andrew, you can't possibly beat this guy," he hissed through clenched teeth. "Once you step into that ring, your life is in your own hands—do you understand that?" He had seen many reckless young men like this before—all courage and no wisdom. In his experience, they usually ended up as corpses. "Andrew, we've warned you multiple times not to throw your life away!" one of the bodyguards shouted. "If you get yourself killed, that's one thing, but you'll be putting Ms. Rhodes in a terrible position! Get lost—you're not as important as you think you are!" The Rhodes family bodyguards were furious, o
In the world of martial arts, following the unspoken rules of the ring meant that even if someone died, it was considered their own fault. And with the Madblade Martial Academy's influence in Jayrodale, the loss of one or two lives was nothing significant—they could easily sweep it under the rug. Ivan lowered his crossed arms, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He gestured at Andrew with a beckoning motion. "Kid, I'll give you the first move. If you can get close to me or even touch my clothes, I'll admit defeat." His arrogance made Jerry seem modest in comparison, but no one dared to laugh. Everyone believed Ivan had the strength to back up his confidence. Jerry coughed twice and muttered, "Mr. Lincoln isn't just some random nobody. It's a shame I can't figure out who he really is. Andrew's chances don't look good." On the platform, Andrew casually strolled toward Ivan, his movements unhurried. "Since you're being so polite, I won't hold back." Andrew's calm response pr
Andrew handled the attacks with remarkable ease. Though seemingly chaotic, his footwork followed an intricate pattern that left observers mesmerized. Despite Ivan's relentless offensive maneuvers, he could not land a single clean hit on Andrew's body. Andrew said calmly, "I think we've played enough. By your founders' standards, Mr. Lincoln, your technique barely made the cut. Perhaps another 20 years of practice would do you some good." With lightning speed, Andrew brought his right hand down, striking Ivan's wrist bone. Ivan let out a painful roar as his wrist trembled violently as if he had been bitten by a venomous snake. Before he could counter, Andrew's knee was already driving upward. Ivan's eyes blazed with fury as he prepared to take the hit head-on, believing his physical prowess would allow him to withstand the impact while simultaneously launching a lethal counterattack to Andrew's head. These thoughts had barely crossed Ivan's mind when he felt a searing pai
By that logic, Rodney was about as formidable as a mere ant compared to Andrew's capabilities. "Mr. Sanford, do we still need your permission to reclaim our 60 million now?" Andrew asked with a subtle smirk. Rodney's face twitched at the question. The thought of someone needing his permission would have been understandable before, but now it made his heart race. He gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Lloyd, your martial prowess is truly admirable, and the Madblade Martial Academy respects your skill. Dean, return the 60 million we owe to Rhodes Corporation." Dean was already terrified out of his mind. He could not even beat Jerry, who had nearly died at Ivan's hands, and Ivan had just been thoroughly defeated by Andrew. The comparison made Dean realize he was not even in the same league as Andrew. "J-Just a moment… I'll transfer the money right away!" Dean stammered, offering no resistance this time. The hundreds of martial arts students had lost their fighting spirit, too
"Ms. Rhodes, you're amazing! I can't believe you actually got the money back," Eunice exclaimed with admiration. Lauren shook her head and replied, "I didn't get the money back—Dr. Lloyd did." Eunice's excitement froze as she looked at Andrew in disbelief, who was casually sipping tea on the couch. She wondered how this man, whom Tiana had always looked down upon, had not only become Rhodes Corporation's fifth director in minutes but had also helped recover 60 million dollars that seemed impossible to retrieve. Just as doubt began creeping into Eunice's mind, she quickly dismissed it. Tiana was someone she unconditionally admired and respected—if Tiana said Andrew was just a gold digger, then it must be true. "Ms. Rhodes, congratulations! The company really needs you!" "Ms. Rhodes, we old-timers aren't worth a fraction of your talent. Solving this huge problem right after your return—we must report this to the board and get you recognized!" "Ms. Rhodes, we all noticed what
Lauren bit her lip playfully, her voice turning husky as she said, "Really? Then why don't you prove it to me? It's simple—help me take off these stockings. Remember, you won, so they're yours now." Andrew was left speechless, his eyes widening in surprise. … Meanwhile, in another office on the same floor of Rhodes Corporation, Michael violently slapped Cindy's bottom as she rose from his lap. Cindy's face showed a mix of pain and resentment as she complained, "Mr. Rhodes, what's making you so angry? You've been different ever since Ms. Rhodes returned." Michael snarled, "Shut up! Haven't you seen how many people are sucking up to that little bitch since she came back? I'm the CEO and spokesperson of Rhodes Corporation, not Lauren, yet these idiots still flock to her!" Cindy tried to calm him down, saying, "Sir, try to look at the bright side. Ms. Rhodes did manage to recover that 60 million for the company. To be honest, that was quite an achievement—nobody else could hav
At that point, Christina paused and swept a cold glance toward Shawn before letting out a sarcastic laugh. "Shawn, you've been out of Jayrodale for a while, haven't you? Clearly, you have no clue what the situation is like now. "Let me tell you—if Andrew wanted to, he could crush your little Fields family with the snap of his fingers. So if you're the one encouraging Quinton to go head-to-head with him, your family would be the first to get wiped out." Shawn stood there frozen, stammering, "I-I was just… you know, just talking big!" Meanwhile, he quickly rolled up his sleeve to wipe away the cold sweat dripping down his forehead. Quinton let out a cold snort. "Even if Andrew has every advantage—timing, location, and support on his side. If the Wrights really go all in, Christie, do you seriously think he could stop us?" Christina frowned. "If you come in full force, maybe Andrew wouldn't be able to handle the Wrights' top fighters. But have you thought about what that really
Quinton did not speak, his brow furrowed tightly. Meanwhile, Christina's side suddenly let out a mocking laugh. Shawn's face flushed red with anger as he snapped, "Christie, what's so funny? Do you think my suggestion is a joke?" Christina gave him a cold glance, her voice dripping with disdain. "That wasn't a suggestion—it was idiocy. A suicide mission." Shawn clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "Christina, don't think just because Quinton favors you now, you can talk down to me." He leaned in, his voice low and threatening. "Mark my words, one day, you'll be mine." Christina's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes filled with contempt. "Shawn, did you forget how you slunk out of Jayrodale like a beaten dog after Andrew humiliated you?" She tilted her head, her gaze icy. "Look at you now. What do you think you are in my eyes?" Shawn exploded with rage. Christina had not spelled it out, but her look said everything—to her, he was nothing more than a pathetic mutt. Quin
Meanwhile, Quinton lowered his phone, his face clouded with rage. Shawn sneered. "I told you Dominic was unreliable. You should've known he'd let you down." Quinton scoffed. "Anyone can throw shade after the fact. If he was worthless, then what exactly could you have done better?" Shawn looked like he had swallowed poison. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. "Damn it," Quinton growled. "Dominic didn't just screw up—he lost his position as family head. Find out exactly what happened. I want details, and I want them now!" He had invested serious hopes in Dominic, and to watch it all collapse this fast felt like a drop from heaven straight into hell. Christina spoke up, her voice cool and calm. "No need to investigate. I already know what happened." Quinton turned toward her. "Ms. Stevens, go ahead. I'm listening." Christina said plainly, "Everything started with Andrew. He pulled strings and leveraged his connections to rally over half of Jayrodale's powerhouses. T
Alfred added coldly, "This was Mr. Lloyd's order. Satisfied now?" Dominic's body went stiff as his heart sank completely. He knew that crossing Andrew meant ruin deep down, but now he was sure of it. This was not just a fall from grace; it was a freefall straight into hell, and there was no coming back. Camilla shrieked, clinging to Dominic's arm. "How are we supposed to survive in some small county town? They don't even have shopping malls, no luxury boutiques, not even a damn proper restaurant! What about my friends? My lifestyle? What the hell am I supposed to do?" Dominic tried to comfort her. "It's okay. These smaller towns have developed a lot recently. The Goth family owns several properties down there. Once we settle in, we'll still live comfortably. "As for luxury stores and proper restaurant chains—come on, let's be real. Do you think we'll ever be buying designer bags again?" Camilla shouted, "I don't care! I'm pregnant, and I can't live without the things I love.
For a split second, Nyla hesitated. She had once truly loved her father. However, seeing Dominic sobbing on the floor, pathetic and pitiful, she finally saw him for what he really was. The so-called fatherly authority he used to carry was nothing more than fear-based dominance—he was no different than any other coward clinging to survival. She said calmly, "You don't have to worry. I won't pursue charges against you or Camilla." Nyla turned her head away, refusing to look at him again. "But whatever bond we had as father and daughter… ends here." Dominic's face twisted in disbelief. "Nyla, what are you saying? You're seriously going to steal my position as family head?" Nyla shook her head and let out a soft scoff. "I'm not stealing anything. But tell me—do you really think you're still fit to be the head of this family?" Dominic opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His throat locked up like someone was physically choking the words from him. Francesca stepped forward w
Camilla let out a desperate scream and clutched her pregnant belly as she dropped to her knees, trying to beg Andrew for mercy. "Mr. Lloyd, I'm pregnant… please, I'm begging you—for the sake of my baby, spare us! Please, just give us a second chance!" However, Andrew stepped to the side, refusing her plea without a second thought. "Sorry, but begging now is a little too late." He turned to Alfred and asked calmly, "Alfred, I'm thinking of appointing Nyla as the new head of the Goth family. Do you believe she's fit for the role?" Alfred did not hesitate for a second. "Mr. Lloyd, absolutely. No question—she's more than qualified. But… if I may add just one small condition…" Before he could even finish, Andrew cut in with a cool tone. "I already know what you're trying to say. You want me to spare the Goth family, right? Don't worry. As long as Nyla takes the leadership role and you support her properly… "I'll personally make sure the Goth family bounces back. In fact, I'll help
Alfred's furious outburst stunned everyone in the Goth family. "The entire city of Jayrodale is closing ranks against us right now!" he shouted, his face red with rage. "I spent over 30 years building our network—30 years of sweat, deals, and favors—and you destroyed it in a single day! You want me to stay away? Fine. But what now? You expect me to sleep on the streets like some washed-up nobody?" Alfred was shaking with rage as he slapped Dominic across the face again—and again, and again, delivering a flurry of brutal smacks. Given his seniority and power in the family, Alfred's authority was on par with Dominic's, if not stronger. In fact, Dominic's mediocrity had long been hidden behind Alfred's efforts—he was the one who kept the family's reputation intact. So, inside the Goth family, Alfred's word always carried more weight than Dominic's. After that vicious barrage of slaps, Dominic's face was covered in blood. Even one of his ears had started to bleed. Camilla shrie
Dominic believed there was a limit to how much someone could bluff. The Goth family might have kept a low profile, but they'd always been stable. Unless they were completely self-destructed, thinking someone could wipe them out from the outside was just a fantasy. Right then, Dominic's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and grinned before answering. "Mr. Jenner! Haha, I'm guessing the permit finally came through for our project, right? I knew it'd get approved!" The voice on the other end exploded. "Permit my ass, Dominic! Have you completely lost your damn mind? That project's main contract went through Rhodes Corporation, and you had the nerve to piss off their director, Mr. Lloyd? They already booted us off the deal! You absolute dumpster fire of a partner. I must've been blind to ever work with you!" The call ended in a furious hang-up before Dominic even had a chance to respond. He stood there frozen, still holding his expensive phone as if it had just slapped him across t
Camilla glared at Nyla with eyes full of venom. "You little bitch—this is all your fault! The Goth family fed you, clothed you, gave you everything. And this is how you repay us? By betraying your own blood? You just wait. I swear, I'll make you regret it." Nyla burst into tears. "Dad… Camilla… we were the ones in the wrong. If we all apologize to Andy together, I know he'll forgive us!" However, Dominic roared and pointed toward the door. "Get out! Get out of the Goth residence right now! From this moment on, you have no place here. You are no longer one of us." Nyla turned pale and dropped to her knees, ready to beg. Francesca rushed over and pulled her into her arms. Her voice was cold. "Nyla, don't waste your tears. Instead, be thankful. Because now, you finally see them for who they really are. These people are not parents—they're monsters." Andrew casually patted Dominic's cheek, a half-smile on his face. "You think I can't touch you, don't you? Mr. Goth, maybe we haven