Francesca said, "Please take me to the patient. I have other matters to attend to after this treatment." Though Rodney's face darkened, he did not dare show any attitude. He replied, "Dr. Aicker, please follow me." Francesca gestured to Andrew and introduced him. "This is our deputy chief, Dr. Lloyd." Rodney nodded quickly and greeted, "Dr. Lloyd." Inwardly, his thoughts raced with confusion as he wondered just how many titles Andrew held. Andrew chuckled. "Fran, go ahead and handle the patient. I need to speak with Mr. Sanford here." Francesca agreed. "Alright, wait for me." Then, she followed one of the Madblade Martial Academy members into the main hall. Andrew scanned the remaining students and staff, including Dean, before speaking flatly. "Those not involved, get out." The students departed without protest, while Dean bowed deferentially. "I'll take my leave. Mr. Lloyd, please call if you need anything!" Once alone, Andrew asked, "Why did Aspen and Christina c
"Aspen's a proud woman who thinks highly of herself. You're dead meat for daring to violate her," Andrew remarked casually, killing time while waiting for Francesca. Rodney sneered. "If that woman doesn't know her place and dares to cause trouble again. I'll do more than just touch her next time." Andrew delivered another slap, not too hard, but enough to make Rodney stumble forward. "Andrew, stop hitting me! I'm warning you—don't push your luck!" Rodney shouted, his anger masking his fear. If it had been anyone else, he would have already drawn blood. Andrew did not even spare him a glance. "Watch your language when you talk to me. Honestly, you're lucky I don't hate you as much as Harvey or Michael—those idiots who never learn from their mistakes." Rodney scoffed, his anger barely contained. "Don't think I've forgotten how you trashed our academy's reputation. We haven't even settled that score yet!" Andrew grinned casually. "Feel free to settle it anytime. I'll be her
Andrew chuckled. "Relax, your head's too hard, and honestly, I don't enjoy slapping it—my hand's starting to hurt. Just have Dean repay all the money owed to those creditors—they worked hard for that money in the Northern District and deserve to be paid." "Fine, whatever," Rodney muttered reluctantly, and Andrew left with Francesca, confident the debt would be settled. Outside the academy, the creditors were still lingering, many of them nursing injuries from earlier confrontations. They were cursing Madblade Martial Academy bitterly when Andrew called out, "Everyone, listen up! Madblade Martial Academy has agreed to repay your money—go collect it!" "Are you serious?" asked one portly businessman, excitement rippling through the crowd. "I just spoke with Rodney, and he wouldn't dare refuse," Andrew replied with a smile. "Go on in." However, the creditors hesitated, still traumatized by their earlier treatment and doubting this stranger's influence. "How ridiculous. Giv
Aspen suddenly scoffed and mocked, "Andrew, if you think I'll thank you, forget it! You didn't get everyone's money back out of kindness—you just wanted to impress me, didn't you?" Andrew chuckled and replied with only two words, "Brain-dead." Aspen said dismissively, "No matter how hard you try to show off, your abilities are still worthless in Christie's and my eyes. I bet Rodney only cooperated because you're using Rhodes Corporation's name to intimidate him!" Andrew did not even bother responding and left with Francesca. Christina exclaimed happily, "Aspen, whether it was Andrew's doing or not, we can get that billion back now. That's worth celebrating!" Yet, Aspen's face remained dark, finding little joy in the situation. The assault at Madblade Martial Academy would be a lifelong shame for her, though getting the money back was at least some consolation. Stepping forward, Aspen demanded from Dean, "Now hand over the Bridgefields' Stevens family's billion, down to the
After buying breakfast for two downstairs at the Rhodes Corporation building, Andrew headed toward the elevator. Just then, Marcus stepped out of his modest Volkswagen Passat, briefcase in hand, looking utterly exhausted. When Marcus walked closer, Andrew smiled and teased, "Mr. Chapman, as a department head at Rhodes Corporation, don't you think driving a car like this is a bit too modest?" Marcus managed a weak smile when he recognized Andrew. "Good morning, Mr. Lloyd. I'm not too particular about cars—as long as it gets me where I need to go comfortably, I'm fine." "You look like you haven't slept all night, Mr. Chapman. Is something bothering you?" Andrew asked casually. "Work's been quite overwhelming. I didn't sleep well last night," Marcus replied. "Work is important, but you need to take care of your health, Mr. Chapman," Andrew advised. They chatted briefly before heading into the building and going their separate ways. When Andrew arrived at Lauren's office, he
The rooftop of Rhodes Corporation was over 50 stories high. Marcus stood at the edge, his expression shifting between confusion, anger, and frustration as his fists clenched tightly. He shouted, "Why? Why do all of you have to push me like this? What did I ever do to deserve this? I've given my life to this company—was that not enough?" His voice carried a mix of rage and despair, echoing in the wind. In his emotional outburst, Marcus lost his footing for a moment and nearly fell, causing gasps of horror to ripple through the gathering crowd below. Employees had rushed to the rooftop, forming a growing crowd, their fear and panic evident in their faces. "Mr. Chapman, please step back! Whatever's wrong, we can talk this through!" one of them pleaded. "Marcus, what are you doing? We've worked side by side for this company for years. Whatever it is, we'll face it together!" shouted another. "Where's Mr. Rhodes? Why isn't he here yet? If Mr. Chapman jumps, the consequences will
Marcus' words carried resentment, but even more apparent was his complete loss of purpose—both in life and work. He had nothing left but despair. "Damn that Michael," Lauren muttered under her breath. "If Marcus dies, how is he going to explain this to the family board?" Before Lauren could attempt more persuasion, Andrew held her back. He advised, "Ms. Rhodes, let's not mention anything that might upset Mr. Chapman further. He's too emotional to listen to reason right now—anything we say might only push him closer to the edge." Lauren nodded in agreement. "You're right, Dr. Lloyd. Eunice, has anyone called emergency services? We need rescue teams here." "They're already on their way," Eunice replied. However, Andrew shook his head. "There's no time. Marcus is determined to end it all—any sudden movement could trigger him to jump." "Everyone, please step back and give Mr. Chapman some space!" Andrew commanded, spreading his arms to push the crowd back. Eunice snapped, "Wh
Lauren exclaimed urgently, "Dr. Lloyd, you can't do this! Mr. Chapman is emotionally unstable—we should wait for the rescue team." She did not need to elaborate further, as Andrew already understood her meaning. She feared that if he tried to save Marcus and was not careful enough, Marcus might actually jump, and Andrew would have to bear that devastating consequence. Andrew smiled reassuringly and said, "Ms. Rhodes, trust me. I will bring Mr. Chapman back safely." "Andrew, are you trying to be the hero again? Are you looking for more trouble?" Eunice snapped angrily. "Do you understand what will happen if you fail to save Mr. Chapman?" "If I can't bring him back, I'll take full responsibility," Andrew replied coldly, which silenced everyone as they watched him slowly approach Marcus. Breaking out in a cold sweat, Eunice turned to Lauren and said, "Miss, how can you just stand there and let him act so recklessly? In this situation, whoever tries to save Mr. Chapman takes on t
Just as Chantelle started her car and was about to hit the gas, she suddenly stalled. She did not even get the car moving before she killed the engine—so pissed off by Andrew's parting shot that she nearly choked on her own fury. Andrew chuckled. "Ms. Garcia, looks like your driving test didn't go so well, huh? If you've got time, I can teach you how to balance the clutch and hit the gas properly for a clean start." Chantelle fired up the engine again, and the car shot off like a rocket. Through the rush of wind came her flat, icy voice. "Get lost!" Aspen could only shake her head with a helpless sigh. She said, "I really don't know why you keep provoking that woman. Ms. Garcia is known to be fierce in the capital—Mr. McCormick's personal chief secretary, personal bodyguard, and official enforcer." She added, "She's also a beast in martial arts. Some say she's on par with Luna from the Phelan family." Andrew scoffed. "And? Does that mean I should bow down to her? I don't ca
Andrew's eyes turned icy as a cruel grin curled at the corner of his lips. "Ms. Garcia, you saw it yourself. It was the Haywoods who started this mess. When I kill every last one of them, I expect you to testify to Mr. McCormick that I acted in self-defense, and I'm completely innocent." Chantelle's face darkened. "Hold it. No one moves a muscle. Mr. Lloyd, what the hell are you talking about? Why would I testify for you when you're clearly the one provoking this fight?" Andrew snorted. "Provoking? How am I the one looking for trouble? You saw it too. That Haywood moron brought an armed squad to corner me—he started all this." Chantelle clenched her jaw. "Yeah, I know they came here first. But they didn't touch you—you hit him first. How does that make sense?" Andrew flashed a mocking smile and replied calmly, "Sure, I struck first. But I acted out of instinct. To put it bluntly, their presence posed a serious threat, and I couldn't control my response. I reacted on impulse, fo
Seth glared at Andrew, his face twisted with hatred. He growled, "This isn't over, Andrew. I swear, one day, you'll be the one crawling at my feet!" He had stormed in like a king, ready to crush his enemy, only to leave humiliated and powerless. The sting of defeat burned deep in his chest. Chantelle glanced at Andrew and said coldly, "Mr. Lloyd, favors from Mr. McCormick aren't something you can just use at will. Let me give you a piece of advice: a man needs to be strong on his own. "If you keep hiding behind connections, always clinging to others to survive, this little streak of good fortune you're enjoying will run out fast. Mr. McCormick is upright and fair. He takes care of his people. "But if you turn out to be a spineless liability, someone who can't stand on his own… he'll lose patience with you sooner or later." Aspen's expression shifted. She thought, 'What was that supposed to mean? Was Ms. Garcia calling Supreme Capital Group a burden?' Andrew, however, smiled
At the last second, a government-issued sedan screeched to a halt beside them. "Stop right there!" A woman in a perfectly tailored business suit stepped out, her presence immediately commanding attention. Though her clothing was modest and loose-fitting, there was no hiding her striking figure—an impossibly full chest and legs that seemed to go on forever. Still, what stunned people most was not her body, but her face—icy cold, flawlessly beautiful, and chilling to the core. She had the kind of beauty that made jaws drop at first glance, but the longer you looked, the colder your spine felt. It was a strange contradiction—stunning and unapproachable—but on her, it somehow blended perfectly. The moment she appeared, Seth's expression shifted. He stepped forward immediately, respectful and even a little nervous. "Ms. Garcia…" Yet, Chantelle Garcia did not even look at him. She walked straight toward Andrew, her face emotionless as she said, "You must be Mr. Andrew Lloyd from
Aspen was speechless. Andrew had shamelessly milked Derek for all he was worth, then turned around and declared himself the man's loyal sidekick like it was nothing. She honestly had to admit—even she could not compete with that level of shamelessness. "Even if you did call Mr. McCormick for backup," she said uncertainly, "do you really think someone that high up would bother helping us?" Andrew stayed calm. "If he does, great. That saves me the trouble of handling this myself. If he doesn't, then it's no big deal. I'll just kill every single one of these Haywood thugs myself." Aspen opened her mouth, but no words came out. This was the Andrew she knew—the devil himself. Ruthless, cold, and always ready to shed blood. Nonetheless, these were not just any thugs. This was the elite private force of the Haywoods, one of the Five Apex Families. Could Andrew really take them on alone? Just then, Seth sneered and stepped forward. "Andrew, last time you smashed a bottle over m
"Seth, what the hell are you doing?!" Aspen had not expected the Haywoods to show up at their company, let alone that Seth would bring the family's private security team to block the entrance. Furious and stunned, she shouted, "Get your people out of here right now—we're done! From this moment on, there's nothing between us!" Seth let out a cold laugh. "Aspen, I gave you my heart, and this is how you repay me? Don't you see? Everything I've done, I did it for you. Just trust me—I'll save you from that devil and set you free!" Aspen's voice turned ice cold. "Seth, you've got this all wrong. Maybe I didn't exactly choose to become Andrew's slave… but I'm sorry, I don't need rescuing either." Seth's face twisted, and he ground his teeth as he snapped, "I saw it last time, Aspen. You've got some twisted feelings for Andrew, don't you? You act like you're trapped, but deep down, you like it, don't you?" Aspen's cheeks flared red—part rage, part something she could not quite name
At that moment, the other big shots who had also handed over their money to Andrew finally realized just how deep they had been played. Their faces turned green with fury, and they exploded in rage. Someone shouted, "Kill him! Hunt him down across the entire city—chase him to his relative's house if you have to, but don't you dare let him get away! Arrogant, reckless, completely out of control… damn it, I'm going to burst a vein!" Another chimed in, "We've seen all kinds of deception in this business, but this? This is by far the most outrageous betrayal we've ever faced!" Quinton let out a cold laugh and walked away. He silently mocked them for being a bunch of idiots of idiots for only figuring it out now. After all, regret and rage were useless at this point. Christina looked completely stunned. "So you're saying Andrew even tricked Mr. Golding Senior? And those billionaires too?" Quinton sneered, "He didn't just take their money—he played with their emotions. Mr. Golding
Meanwhile, Quinton's face twisted in fury as he gritted his teeth, nearly shouting, "Mr. Golding Senior, you've completely lost your judgment! That guy from Supreme Capital Group? He is Andrew Lloyd from Jayrodale—the owner of Moonlit Apothecary. "Everything that happened to Elon in Jayrodale, and even the humiliation Winston suffered there—every last bit of it was thanks to that bastard! He's the exact same man your family's bounty was targeting. That's the guy!" Richard's eyes burned with rage as he roared, "Quinton, are you absolutely certain about what you're saying?" Quinton shouted right back, "Dead serious! Every damn word! If I'm lying, do whatever you want to me, Mr. Golding Senior—hell, if you want to kill me right now, I won't fight it!" Richard stumbled a step, barely staying on his feet as disbelief crashed over him. "So, that little punk was lying to me from the very start? He didn't just steal my money—he fooled my heart, tricked my trust?" Quinton let out a sh
Quinton's face darkened, and it looked like he was ready to kill someone. He could not believe what was happening. Did Andrew come with some kind of main character plot armor? Even Richard, a heavyweight in the game, was leading the charge to back him—actually rallying support on his behalf. Moreover, no one was bringing up the fact that Elon literally ate crap because of him. Was the Golding family's public vendetta just meaningless now? Quinton could not wrap his head around it, not even a little—none of it made sense to him. Christina frowned and said, "Mr. Wright, what if there's another possibility? "What if Mr. Golding Senior and the others don't actually know that Andrew is the same guy from Jayrodale—the one who humiliated his son and triggered the Golding family's bounty in the first place?" Quinton's eyes burned with hatred as he hissed, "I already warned him, but Richard still didn't believe me. You saw it yourself. I honestly don't know what kind of spell Andr