Tiana let out a laugh, though it was a cold and disdainful one. "So stubborn, refusing to admit your weakness, hiding behind a facade of apparent strength. This is one of Marvin's old tricks, and you've learned it well." Andrew frowned. Tiana kept bringing up Marvin, and he couldn't figure out what her intent was. Her words implied she viewed Andrew as Marvin's pawn or lackey, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Andrew couldn't understand her logic. His relationship with Marvin was nothing like what she imagined. In fact, they were completely unrelated. With a flick of her sleeve, Tiana turned away and instructed, "The Pharmaceutical Division's issues—whoever can solve them will earn the CEO position." "Michael, Lauren, you're both outstanding members of the Rhodes family. Let's not dwell on the past. From now on, it'll be a fair competition between the two of you." Fair? What a joke! Andrew felt a chill in his heart and nearly exploded in anger. What was Tiana
"But now, you're my woman, Lauren, and I won't let you be treated unfairly like this," Andrew declared firmly. Lauren's eyes brimmed with tears, and she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to cry. "Dr. Lloyd, you're so kind." Without warning, she hugged Andrew tightly. Andrew felt increasingly uneasy. Was Tiana's presence truly such a significant threat to Lauren? He had never seen Lauren cry before. A discreet cough came from behind them. Lauren quickly let go of Andrew, wiped her tears in a hurry, and shot him a shy glare. Andrew turned around, completely unbothered, and smiled. "Oh, my apologies, Mr. Chapman. I didn't realize you were here." Marcus scratched his nose and chuckled awkwardly. "It's fine. I should be the one apologizing for interrupting Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Lloyd's moment." Andrew waved a hand. "No worries. I take it you're here to discuss the Pharmaceutical Division?" Marcus nodded solemnly. "Yes, Mr. Lloyd. I truly owe both you and Ms. Rhodes a debt of g
Lauren shook her head. "The development of formulas is incredibly costly and time-consuming. Just looking at the history of our Pharmaceutical Division at Rhodes Corporation, after decades of effort, we've only managed to develop a few formulas with good market reception. "Mr. Chapman, while your proposal is excellent, the manpower, resources, finances, and, most critically, the time needed to implement it are like insurmountable mountains." Marcus replied seriously, "Resources and finances won't be an issue. I've been managing the Pharmaceutical Division for years, so I'm confident in our foundation. We can reallocate tens of billions as an initial budget without any problems! "As for time, with the current market share of our thirty-plus products, the department can hold on for a while longer without being completely overtaken by the Weller family or other competitors. But manpower—that's the real challenge. Mr. Lloyd, Ms. Rhodes, I'm sorry, but that's where I'm stuck." Laure
Lauren couldn't help but think back to when she first met Andrew. Back then, he was nothing more than a man everyone dismissed—a so-called freeloader, introduced as Christina's live-in boyfriend. Had Andrew grown this much in such a short time, or had he been hiding his true abilities all along? Andrew smiled and said, "Don't worry. Think of it as my dowry for you. And besides, what's yours is mine—it's all the same." Marcus was at a loss for words. Using pharmaceutical formulas as a dowry? If Mr. Lloyd presented this kind of gift to marry a princess from one of Vestra's lesser-known royal families, it would be more than enough! At fifty billion per formula in today's market, even the seemingly untouchable royal families with their noble bloodlines would line up for such a proposal. Not only could he marry a princess, but he could even pick and choose from the most beautiful among them. Fifty billion! That was an astronomical figure! Some of Vestra's sma
Michael said, "This person doesn't have the best reputation. He's a disgraced disciple of Advanced Medical Institute. But as for his medical skills, they are absolutely top-notch—even Dr. Aicker doesn't measure up in his eyes." Tiana looked surprised. "You're not talking about the Master of Poisons, Bane Eslinger, who defected from Advanced Medical Institute years ago, are you?" Michael's face lit up. "Exactly, Aunt Tiana. You know of the Master of Poisons? Yes, it's him." Tiana's eyes narrowed as she spoke slowly. "Bane is said to be erratic and eccentric, completely unlike ordinary people. Years ago, he used live subjects for experiments, causing countless deaths, which led to his expulsion and punishment by the Advanced Medical Institute. "But his medical skills are indeed as legendary as his reputation suggests, even surpassing Cedric. Fine, let's see what you can do. If you can bring the Master of Poisons into our fold, I'll count that as a great achievement for you." Mi
Jerry shook his head. "Based on the leads provided by Mr. Rhodes, we conducted surprise inspections of all the hotels, but we didn't find her." "I've already reported the situation to Mr. Warren at the Jayrodale Police Department. If even he can't find her, then it'll be a real problem." Michael frowned, visibly unsettled. "That's strange. Troy was just captured—there's no way Ruby could've sensed it and escaped so quickly." Tiana snapped, "Shut up. Do you think everyone's as incompetent as you? Keep searching for that wretch! After the loss she's caused the Rhodes family, I won't rest until she's torn to pieces!" … Meanwhile, Lauren lingered at the Moonlit Sanctuary until late at night before reluctantly returning home. The moment she stepped inside and turned on the lights, Tiana was already there, like a ghost waiting in the darkness. Lauren wasn't surprised. She said calmly, "Please leave. I need to rest." Without a word, Tiana strode forward, pulled up Lauren's sle
Ruby bit her lip, struggling to speak. "The truth is… I have some health issues. After I… was with Troy, he got tested and found out he caught a disease. He freaked out and turned on me completely, calling me to scream and curse, saying I was a disgusting tramp who had been with too many men. "In the end, Troy went to Andrew and begged him for treatment. Under Andrew's manipulative demands, Troy confessed everything to him." Aspen's face darkened with rage. "Andrew again? Why is it that every single one of my failures has his shadow looming over it? And you, you're just as useless! I spent so much effort and money getting you out of prison, not so you could mess everything up!" Ruby held back her anger and muttered, "I didn't want things to turn out like this. It's all because of Andrew—he's the real culprit." Aspen cut her off impatiently. "Enough! Let me ask you, this disease… is it from reckless behavior?" Ruby blushed deeply and, with great reluctance, admitted, "Yes, it'
Aspen sneered. "I knew it. Playing around with frogs wouldn't cause an illness. Turns out you wretches went back to men in the end." Ruby ignored the scorn in her words and replied, "I've always wanted to live well. Even in prison, I liked to feel superior to others. "So, I got involved with several male guards. They would do anything for me—buying me anything I wanted from the outside: fancy bags, pretty clothes—everything except my freedom—all with just a crook of my finger. But I didn't expect to end up catching a disease, and it spiraled out of control." Aspen snapped, "Enough! I've heard more than enough of your filthy, disgusting past. Now, hand over the formulas from Rhodes Pharmaceutical, and we'll call it even." Ruby smirked coldly. "Ms. Stevens, don't you think it's shameless to burn the bridge after you've crossed it? If you want the formulas, fine. But first, you'll need to arrange for me to get out of Jayrodale." Aspen scoffed. "Do you think I'm as cheap and sham
"Heh, Mr. Yates, your money might be able to move mountains, but Aspen's threat is right here and now!" Tiana said with a cold smirk, clearly annoyed. "Once they deal with the Madblade Martial Academy fighters, Aspen will turn his sights on Andrew." She continued, "Even if you throw a fortune around right now, by the time your reinforcements show up, your prized pawn will already be on his knees, begging for mercy!" Cedric frowned. "If Gordon gets too out of hand, aren't you going to step in?" Tiana gave a playful but sharp smile. "Why would I? The Bridgefields' Stevens family has done me no harm. Why should I get involved in their business?" Cedric's voice became more serious. "You're still from Jayrodale, Mrs. Rhodes. Are you really going to stand by and watch Gordon run wild in your own city? And what about Dr. Lloyd? He and Lauren are close. Surely, for their sake, you'd lend a hand?" Tiana gave an icy snort. "Mr. Yates is right here. He's the boss around here, and he has
Andrew spoke calmly, "Ivan has solid expertise in hard martial techniques. With his aggressive internal boxing style, he might hold his ground against that hunchback for a while. But if the fight drags on, that old man will use his superior stamina to gain the upper hand—he's adept at controlling internal energy flow." On the VIP platform, Tiana said flatly, "That Madblade Martial Academy guy is going to suffer today." Marvin chuckled. "Not many know this, but Cedric and I are well aware of your talents, Mrs. Rhodes. You've always been a martial arts genius. Who do you think that girl from Bridgefields is relying on?" Cedric nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Back then, you were one of Jayrodale's most celebrated women. Even Kane from the Weller family admired you. We'd appreciate your insights." Tiana smiled arrogantly. "Those days are long gone now that I'm a wife and mother. But since you asked, I'll share what I know." She turned her gaze toward Gordon and explained, "That man
"Dr. Lloyd, Aspen and Christina seem prepared for something serious. We need to be cautious," Lauren warned, her voice tinged with concern. Francesca nodded in agreement, her brows furrowed. "Aspen's always been proud and arrogant. She wouldn't dare show up here and threaten to ruin Moonlit Apothecary unless she had absolute confidence in her backing." Andrew smiled faintly. "Her confidence comes from that hunchbacked old man standing behind her. His skills are decent. In Jayrodale, there might not be many who could stand against him." Lauren's eyes widened in surprise. "That old man? He looks so frail he can barely walk. I didn't think he'd be a master fighter!" Francesca's worry deepened. "That just makes it worse, Andrew. Aspen's failures here have already filled her with resentment. I'm worried that after dealing with Madblade Martial Academy, she'll turn her attention to you." Andrew snorted, a hint of disdain tugging at his lips. "Sure, he might be formidable to others
Finley scoffed, shocked that Andrew was actually trying to fleece five million out of Aspen. He could not help but think Andrew's greed was going to be the death of him. Irene stood with her hands on her hips, smirking. "Andrew, you've got quite a show going today, but let me tell you something—our family may not have brought a large crowd, but we're not someone you can push around!" Leroy puffed up his chest and added, "Yeah! Aspen's got top family fighters with her. You're in for a world of pain soon!" "Shut up, both of you!" Christina snapped, her brow furrowed in frustration. "Why should we?" Irene huffed. "With Aspen backing us, I've got every right to show off a little!" She crossed her arms and scowled. "Besides, look at this fancy medical center Andrew's opened. It's practically a luxury resort. I can't stand the thought of him living it up like this!" Leroy nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Andrew dumped you, and now he's thriving—first buying that fancy Mercedes, and now
"Mr. Moore, that hunchbacked old man looks like he's reached the level of a senior grandmaster," one of the Hidden Dragons experts whispered. "No, not just senior grandmaster—he's probably at the peak, capable of taking lives with a mere flick of his finger!" "Hah, Moonlit Apothecary is in big trouble now. I've been saying that Andrew can't go around making enemies without someone eventually coming to settle the score." The Hidden Dragons experts exchanged smug glances, their eyes gleaming with schadenfreude. Finley sneered, his jaw tightening. "Just wait. Today, not only will Moonlit Apothecary be wrecked, but that loser Andrew will probably be lucky to survive this." Finley sensed the overwhelming danger emanating from Gordon. Although he could not pinpoint who the man was, his instincts screamed that Gordon was not someone to provoke. If Finley had been in Andrew's shoes, he would have run without a second thought. Natasha's voice sliced through the tension. "Aspen, tak
Aspen strode confidently to the center of the banquet, her expression cold and unforgiving. She swept a glance over the gathered crowd and sneered. "Looks like today's a good day. Jayrodale's most prominent figures are all here. Perfect timing—I'll make sure everyone knows that the Stevens family from Bridgefields always collects their debts." However, Christina and her family looked increasingly nervous. Christina whispered urgently, "Aspen, you might want to reconsider. Even Jayrodale's wealthiest man is here today. You're playing with fire!" Irene glanced around nervously. "How on earth did that loser Andrew manage to gather such a crowd? These people aren't ones to mess with!" Leroy clutched Irene's arm, his legs shaking. "Mom, I feel like fainting. Oh my God, look! Even Natasha and Dylan are here—those two are killers, legends in the underground world of Jayrodale!" Their initial confidence quickly evaporated. They had arrived intending to support Aspen and demand rev
Andrew sighed dramatically. "I can't believe it. You have a Hidden Dragons boss as your uncle, yet you can't even manage 50 million. Fine, I'll lower it to 30 million." "30 million? Forget it! If you're going to keep pushing, then do it. I'd rather risk my life!" Finley snapped. Andrew chuckled. "Alright, alright, you look like you're about to pass out. Let's settle on five million. Honestly, you're the poorest and stingiest of all the guests today, Mr. Moore." In the end, after some intense back-and-forth, Finley begrudgingly transferred five million to Andrew. He stared at his phone screen, watching his balance drop, and felt his heart bleed. Five million gone over a single simple banquet—it was a humiliation he could not swallow. The moment the transfer came through, Francesca promptly confiscated it. "This isn't some secret fund, Andrew. It's part of the collection, so I'll keep it for proper accounting," Francesca said with a playful grin. "You're not getting it back!
Finley's eyelid twitched violently. "What do you mean by that? I'm warning you—don't go spreading rumors!" Andrew chuckled. "Oh, it seems Mr. Moore values his reputation quite a bit. But here's the thing—this is my Moonlit Apothecary. You've eaten and drunk here without paying, and that's just unacceptable." He leaned in a little and added with a smirk, "All it takes is one loud announcement from me, and soon, everyone in Jayrodale will know you're nothing more than a broke freeloader. Think about your uncle's reputation!" Finley's expression darkened further as Andrew casually said, "So, Mr. Moore, why not save face and swipe that card? Or perhaps consider applying for a loan?" At the mention of Hidden Dragons' reputation, the faces of the other gang members grew serious. They could tolerate embarrassment, but their leader's reputation? That was sacred. "Mr. Moore, just pay something. It's not worth the fallout." "Yeah, if word gets out that Hidden Dragons can't even cover
Finley crossed his arms, sneering. "Sorry, Andrew, but if you want more, tough luck! We're out of cash. If you're that desperate, go rob a bank." He was not broke, but he had limits. He would not be bullied into emptying his wallet just for this. Andrew raised an eyebrow and replied calmly, "Mr. Moore, don't push me." Finley snapped, "Push you? You're the one pushing me!" He was in disbelief at how shameless Andrew was. Andrew simply smiled. "No worries. You can pay by card, or maybe Venmo or PayPal?" Finley's temper exploded. "Andrew, don't test me! You've got some nerve." Ignoring his outburst, Andrew continued casually, "And if you're low on funds, no problem! You can always take out a quick loan. I'll wait." Finley's hands trembled in fury, his eyes blazing red with barely restrained rage. He had never been so publicly humiliated. Meanwhile, his Hidden Dragons crew watched in stunned disbelief. "Damn… Mr. Moore wasn't exaggerating," one muttered. "This Andrew guy