"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,
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
"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
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
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
"I'm sorry, Andrew, but I can't marry you!" Christina Stevens declared coldly in the CEO's office of Stevens Corporation. She sat behind her desk, looking elegant in a black lace dress, her demeanor icy and aloof. Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire. Andrew Lloyd could not believe what he was hearing and asked, "Christie, what do you mean? What happened to the promise between us?" They had agreed to tie the knot on the day Stevens Corporation went public, marking the end of their three-year courtship. "Since we've been dating each other, I'll be frank," Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her stunning features exuded grace and beauty with every movement. "Andrew, don't you think the gap between us has grown too wide? It's like we're from different worlds now. Forcing this relationship won't do you any good. For me, it would be… a burden." A burden? Andrew was stunned, never expecting Christina to say such a thing. If it had not
In the elevator, Andrew opened the modest ring box. A dazzling pink diamond immediately caught the light, its brilliance filling the small space. This 7.5-million-dollar luxury ring was once known as the "King of Diamonds" of Jayrodale, truly one of a kind. Andrew did not know exactly how much money was on the bank card, but he was sure it was enough to buy Stevens Corporations ten times over. Moments ago, Christina and Irene had not even bothered to look at these treasures, with Irene dismissing them as junk. As the elevator doors opened, Andrew stepped out. "Well, well, if it isn't Andrew! You don't look so good," a mocking voice greeted him. Andrew calmly looked up to see a man in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back, holding a bouquet of blue roses. It was Shawn Fields, Jayrodale's infamous trust fund baby and one of Christina's most persistent admirers. Not wanting to talk to him, Andrew tried to sidestep him, but Shawn moved to block his path again. Andrew's eyes turn
Meanwhile, Andrew had already settled into a Rolls-Royce, heading toward Jayrodale General Hospital. His phone rang, and to his surprise, it was Christina calling. Since their relationship was over, Andrew saw no reason to answer. Yet, the phone kept ringing, seemingly urgent. Frowning, Andrew finally decided to pick up. "Andrew, listen to me. Turn yourself in immediately!" Christina's voice blared through the speaker, catching Andrew off guard. "That King of Diamonds is worth 7.5 million dollars, Andrew. Have you lost your mind? I know you did this to make me happy, but have you considered the legal consequences? Turn yourself in now, while there's still time. Don't worry, with Stevens Corporation's influence in Jayrodale, I'll do my best to keep you out of jail!" Christina's voice was filled with righteous indignation, feeling disappointed in Andrew. Andrew finally understood—she thought he had stolen the King of Diamonds. "You've got it wrong. I didn't steal it," he said sim
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