Andrew scoffed. "Once Brad faces trial, Harvey's true colors will show. We just need to sit back and watch the show unfold." After leaving Dillon's Bar, the three of them returned to Rhodes Corporation. Marcus was ready to throw himself back into work now that Lucy was safe and sound. However, as soon as he returned to his department, devastating news spread. "Mr. Chapman, effective immediately, you are no longer the head of the Pharmaceutical Division. Mr. MacAfee will be taking over your position," announced Michael's secretary, Cindy. Marcus struggled to contain his anger as he demanded, "I deserve an explanation!" Cindy replied haughtily, "There's nothing to explain. These are direct orders from Mr. Rhodes! If you have any objections, take them up with him." With that, she sauntered away, swaying her hips. Marcus stood frozen, his earlier joy completely vanishing. With a bitter smile, he muttered, "Just as one wave settles, another rises." His face showed the weig
Andrew apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry, truly sorry. Now that I know you dislike any mention of Mr. Aicker, I absolutely won't mention Mr. Aicker again. My clumsy tongue betrayed me by mentioning Mr. Aicker twice more—I deserve death for this transgression. Please forgive me, Mr. Eslinger." Bane's face was not just dark anymore—it had turned ashen. He slammed his hand on the desk and pointed at Andrew, shouting, "I see what you're doing! You're apologizing, but is that really an apology? You mentioned Cedric three more times—it's infuriating!" Andrew shrugged at the enraged Bane and said, "You're right, I am deliberately mentioning him. If you don't want to hear it, you don't have to listen, but I'll say what I want—that's my right." Bane sneered, "I heard from Mr. Rhodes that you were quite the troublemaker, but I didn't expect such insolence even in my presence. You clearly don't understand how terrifying people from the Advanced Medical Institute can be." Andrew did not
Michael waved dismissively and said, "That was your personal matter. Of course, I couldn't help!" Lauren spat out a laugh and sneered. "Michael, don't you realize how stupid you sound right now? One of our own employees was being harassed by the Weller family, and you have the nerve to say such nonsense! Are you even fit to be CEO?" Michael's face darkened as he replied, "If I'm not fit to be CEO, you think you are? If you were so qualified, why am I sitting in this chair instead of you?" Lauren took a deep breath and retorted contemptuously, "We both know how you got this position. If the family hadn't interfered, you'd still be nothing but a lackey under me." Michael sneered. "You're right, I'll admit that. But what does it matter? You'll soon be married off from the Rhodes family. Lauren, no matter how capable, beautiful, or how many followers you have, there's still no place for you in the Rhodes family. Your only path is to be a sacrifice!" His venomous words struck Laur
After leaving Michael's office, Andrew said, "Ms. Rhodes, Mr. Chapman, don't give up—the game isn't over yet." Lauren turned to Marcus. "Mr. Chapman, you can work in another department temporarily. I'll make sure you get your position back." Marcus waved his hand tiredly and replied, "No need, Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Rhodes—you've both helped me enough. At my age, perhaps it's time to wake up and let go of these ambitious pursuits. Maybe living a simple life as an ordinary person is the right choice for me." Lauren quickly protested, "Mr. Chapman, you don't have to do this!" Marcus shook his head and smiled at them both. "Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Lloyd, when you have children of your own, maybe you'll understand how I feel right now." Lauren blushed and shot Andrew a shy glare. Just then, a bearded man strode over with a grin, saying, "Ah, Ms. Rhodes, Mr. Lloyd, and Mr. Chapman—all together! I just heard Mr. Chapman talking about wanting to live a simple life. What an excellent idea!"
Lauren giggled. "You're such a stereotypical guy, Dr. Lloyd." Shopping with a beautiful woman was always exhausting, and it proved no different for Andrew. Lauren's shopping spree quickly loaded Andrew's arms with bags until he could barely carry them all. "I think that's enough. I can barely hold any more," Andrew said, overwhelmed. Lauren tilted her head thoughtfully before saying with disappointment, "Fine… I wanted to look at suits and belts for you too, but I guess that'll have to wait for next time!" Andrew brightened up and asked hopefully, "Can we head back now?" Waggling her delicate fingers, the young heiress laughed playfully. "No way! Shopping is exhausting, and I haven't eaten yet. Come on, this restaurant is amazing. It's my treat!" Andrew could only smile wryly as he followed her into the restaurant laden with shopping bags. Just as they sat down, Donald called him. Andrew found it strange to get a call from Donald at this hour. He answered irritably, "Mr.
"Mr. Warren, as far as I know, what Harvey and Serena did falls under moral issues. Using legal means won't do you any good," Andrew said. Then, he asked, "So, did Brad give you anything useful during the interrogation?" Donald scoffed. "Taking his stepmother to bed and doing something that shameless? Sure, it's a moral issue, but don't you think it's something that deserves divine punishment?" Andrew chuckled. "Mr. Warren, it seems like you're itching to do something to express your outrage, aren't you?" Donald smirked. "Of course! While I was interrogating Brad, there happened to be a few intern reporters present." He continued, "So, my apologies, but tomorrow, Jayrodale's front page will have the Weller family's scandal plastered all over it in the biggest headline. Make sure to subscribe and enjoy it, Mr. Lloyd." Andrew laughed and cursed in jest, "Enjoy it, my ass. I have no interest in this kind of trashy gossip." Donald chuckled mischievously. "Oh, come on, Mr. Llo
Unable to take it anymore, Andrew tapped Hugh's shoulder and said politely, "Hey man, could you move your chair a bit? It's really tight back here." Hugh turned around and snapped, "Move your own damn self if you're uncomfortable, you idiot!" As he cursed, he deliberately showed off the tiger tattoo on his chest. This trick usually let him swagger around Jayrodale unchallenged, since most people were easily intimidated by such displays. Fiona Smith leaned forward aggressively and asked, "Hugh, what's wrong? Is this loser bothering you?" Hugh sneered. "Just eat your food, he's nobody. This moron actually asked me to move my chair. Who does he think he is, the king of Jayrodale's underground? He's got a death wish!" Andrew frowned and replied, "Watch your mouth. If you keep spewing trash, I might just help you find out what it actually tastes like." Hugh rolled up his sleeves and pointed at Andrew's face, bellowing, "Do you have any idea who I am? Listen here, you piece of c
The restaurant owner hurriedly retreated into the kitchen, too scared to intervene further. Meanwhile, the other diners cast sympathetic glances at Andrew, their hushed murmurs echoing their shared sentiment of pity. One diner whispered, "Just finish your meal quickly, and let's get out of here. Hugh always throws his weight around because of his ties to the Madblade Martial Academy." "The poor guy over there is doomed—looks like he's too soft to handle a thug like Hugh." Another diner chimed in, "The guy's unlucky, but did you see his girlfriend? She's stunning, like a goddess. Hugh's got a reputation for being a sleaze. He'll definitely try to mess with her." "That handsome guy was too rushed. When he met a mad dog like Hugh, he should've held back for a while, and the situation would've passed. Although our society is a society ruled by law, power is still absolute—we're no one to fight against that." All the diners pitied Andrew, thinking he was unlucky. However, a few a
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