Andrew's smile was cold and menacing. "Mrs. Rhodes has given me full authority, so you'd all better do exactly as I say, or would one of you rather take Michael's place and wear the lingerie yourselves?" The lackeys turned pale, their lips trembling in fear. Andrew was currently in charge of all operations at Rhodes Corporation, and even Tiana had to tread carefully around him. If they defied him, they would not just be out of a job—they would be as good as blacklisted. Under Andrew's increasingly icy stare, the men exchanged looks, their gazes filled with silent agreement. It was every man for himself. Gritting their teeth, they reluctantly began stripping Michael down. They removed his jacket, his shirt, then his shoes and socks. Soon, he was left in nothing but a pair of bright red boxers. Andrew raised an eyebrow and turned to Lauren. "Does he always have a peculiar taste in underwear?" Lauren wrinkled her nose in disgust. "I wouldn't be surprised." Andrew looked back a
"Michael caused this whole mess, so it's only fair that he makes up for it. Consider it balancing out his sins," Lauren said with a laugh. She added, "Hell, once his horrifyingly ridiculous drag performance hits the internet, it's going to break the internet! People will be so busy gawking at his lingerie fiasco that they'll completely forget about the Wellers warehouse fire. Dr. Lloyd, you're an absolute genius!" Andrew also felt pretty satisfied with his own creativity. However, the usually quiet Shiloh suddenly glanced at him and said, "Mr. Lloyd, it seems to me that you're just as wicked as he is." Andrew's mouth twitched. "Shiloh, I'm literally punishing evil. How does that make me the bad guy?" Shiloh looked at him seriously. "There are many ways to punish someone, but coming up with something this twisted? That's rare. So, I have my doubts about whether you're really a good person." Andrew just chuckled. "Maybe I'm not a good person, but I'm definitely not a bad one
Andrew sprawled out on the couch, phone in hand, eagerly waiting to enjoy the show. Shiloh sat beside him and nudged his arm. "Mr. Lloyd, move over. I want to watch too!" Andrew shifted to make space but gave her a curious look. "Shiloh, aren't nuns supposed to be above worldly distractions? Besides, this kind of video isn't good for your pure and innocent heart." Shiloh was unfazed. "I might sin, but the teaching of the religion remains in my heart. I can watch anything without being affected. Unlike some people, who clearly have demons in their hearts." Andrew chuckled. "Well said. My heart is as pure as freshly fallen snow!" Before long, Eunice arrived with her phone, excitement written all over her face. Lauren grinned. "Dr. Lloyd, I need to see this too!" Andrew thought for a moment before making a suggestion. "Everyone seems interested, so why don't we cast it on the big screen?" Lauren burst out laughing. "Now that's a brilliant idea! Watching it on a big screen will
Tiana watched the video, her face first twisting in jealousy and disgust before she suddenly fell into deep thought. Jerry hesitated before asking, "Mrs. Rhodes, this video could seriously impact the Rhodes family's reputation. Should we have someone take it down?" Tiana immediately waved her hand. "No need! Send out a company-wide notice under my name—every single one of Rhodes Corporation's 500 employees is required to share and repost this video at least once." Jerry looked at her in shock. "What?" Tiana smirked. "Don't you see? This video couldn't have come at a better time. It's the perfect distraction to bury all the bad press the company was getting before. Now, this is all the public will talk about." … Meanwhile, at Bane's mansion, Michael was undergoing treatment to detox his system. Bane said, "Mr. Rhodes, your body is fine. You just have some lingering effects from a strong aphrodisiac, which left you overheated and exhausted. You'll be back to normal in a co
Andrew was having the time of his life, scrolling through the internet to see just how many people were tearing into Michael. At first, he tried counting the insults, but after a while, he gave up. There was no point because the entire comment section was a flood of mockery—so many that it was downright impossible to keep track. Turning his head, he caught a glimpse of Shiloh quietly sharing Michael's viral video. She even added a caption. [Everyone, please do me a favor and mock him!] Shiloh had a million followers online. With just that one post, Michael's humiliation skyrocketed to another level. Andrew could already picture it—Michael would not dare step outside without covering his head with a hoodie, or better yet, wrapping his whole face in a scarf. Well, if he ever did, there were bound to be people who would not just stop at verbal insults. Some might even beat the crap out of him on sight. … Meanwhile, at the Stevens mansion. The entire Stevens family's forces
Zephyr said, "Aspen, you've barely been in Jayrodale for any time at all, and you've already become this cowardly? So scared to take action? You've truly disappointed me. And worse, you've disgraced the entire Stevens family!" Tears streamed down Aspen's face. Her father's words cut her deeply, filling her with shame and despair. As someone who had always been proud and arrogant, her greatest fear was disappointing her family. Yet, more than that, she was terrified—terrified that Zephyr, blinded by anger and unaware of Jayrodale's true power dynamics, would lead the entire Stevens family to ruin. If that happened, she would not just be a failure. She would be the greatest disgrace in the family's history. "Dad, please, you have to listen to me!" Aspen pleaded, her voice breaking. "Andrew is the underground king of Jayrodale now. If we fight him head-on, we will lose!" She gazed at Zephyr through her tear-filled eyes, desperate to make him understand. She had finally let go of
Minute by minute, time continued to pass. Zephyr sat alone in the grand hall of the Stevens Mansion, his impatience growing by the second. He could not understand how the once-proud daughter he had raised had become so spineless. Aspen, who had always been confident and strong-willed, now sat there crying like a weak, helpless fool. It was humiliating. The Stevens family's entire force was now in Jayrodale—a military presence strong enough to flatten anyone in their way. Taking down some nobody named Andrew should be an easy task. Zephyr had already made up his mind. Not only would he crush Andrew, but now that he was in Jayrodale, he would also challenge the Rhodes, the Wellers, and anyone else who dared stand in his way. Aspen had been sent to Jayrodale with a mission. Since she had failed, it was time for him, the head of the Stevens family, to take matters into his own hands. Just then, Irene and Leroy arrived with Christina, all wearing polite smiles. "Mr. Zephyr, welc
Before long, it became the talk of the town. Someone said, "Andrew Lloyd? Haha, that kid really knows how to stir the pot. He's pissed off so many people that his enemies are now storming out of Bridgefields just to hunt him down." "No doubt about it—he's a dead man walking. Zephyr brought the entire Stevens family with him, and I heard he even has two senior grandmasters by his side. Andrew has no way out this time!" "I wouldn't be so sure. Andrew's been making big moves in Jayrodale lately. He has deep ties with Rhodes Corporation; rumor has it he's Natasha's little plaything. If Zephyr tries to use brute force, he might end up provoking both powerhouses!" ... At that moment, Andrew had just received news that Zephyr, had arrived in Jayrodale, fully armed and ready to settle scores. He muttered, "Interesting… So, I beat up the daughter, and now the father shows up for revenge?" He clicked his tongue, feeling nothing but boredom. His first instinct was to march straight in
Andrew waved a hand dismissively. "I don't have time to explain everything to you, and even if I did, you wouldn't understand it anyway. You just need to know this—if you want to save your father, then do exactly what I tell you to." Logan looked uncertain and shot a quick glance at Chantelle as if to ask, "Who is this guy you brought along, and what's with the ego?" Chantelle's face darkened. "Mr. Keller, this man is Andrew Lloyd—he came at Mr. McCormick's recommendation. But honestly, you don't have to take him seriously. Just carry on with your own plans—ignore him." However, Logan shook his head and turned toward Andrew. "Dr. Lloyd, go ahead. Tell me what you need. As long as it'll help my father, I'll make it happen." His respectful tone stunned Chantelle. She wondered if Logan was out of his mind for believing Andrew just like that. Andrew smiled. "My request is actually pretty simple. If I'm going to treat your father, I expect to be compensated. So, I want access to al
Chantelle could not lash out, so she gritted her teeth and quickly followed behind. Inwardly, she made a mental note to report this arrogant clown to Derek later. To her, Andrew was reckless, so full of hot air, and completely unworthy of trust—nothing but a showboating jester. … Inside the main hall of the Keller residence, the place was packed with people coming and going. A group of specialists and renowned doctors stood gathered, their brows furrowed as they exchanged anxious whispers. One commented, "Mr. Keller Senior's condition is strange—truly bizarre!" "Exactly. His entire face is paralyzed. Even his tongue won't move. He can't swallow even a spoonful of medicine!" Another chimed in, "And the worst part? No one can get within three feet of him. The second anyone tries, they get attacked—some left with cracked skulls, others… well, some didn't make it." "Jeez! That serious? Who would dare try to treat him now? No matter how much the Keller family is offering, it's no
Chantelle was behind the wheel while Andrew rode along in the passenger seat as they headed out to treat Derek's old friend, George Keller. The atmosphere inside the car was tense, with Chantelle's resting expression as frosty and detached as ever, her face practically carved from ice. Andrew was not the kind of guy to throw warmth at a wall of cold, so he simply stayed quiet, staring out the window at the passing streets. After holding back for a while, Chantelle finally could not resist and let out a mocking laugh. "Mr. Lloyd, what a clever move—create your own mess, then try to get Mr. McCormick to step in and clean it up for you. Don't you think you're playing with fire?" Andrew smiled. "Playing with fire? Nah, I don't see it that way. At this point, I'm pretty much one of Mr. McCormick's trusted men. So if the little guy's getting targeted, doesn't it make perfect sense for the boss to step in and fix it?" Chantelle was momentarily stunned before letting out a scoff. "An
Derek said coldly, "These elite families and old-money clans have been feasting off Blumedale like it's their private banquet. They think they can gorge themselves for life, rule without question, and remain unchallenged. "But as long as I'm the one calling the shots in this province, they don't get to do as they please!" Chantelle was startled. She had not expected Andrew to actually ignite Derek's fury. She silently cursed, 'This idiot is already useless on his own, and now even worse, he's using Mr. McCormick as his shield? It's despicable!' Derek turned to Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, don't worry. Those arrogant bastards—I'll handle them and make sure you get justice. But the reason I brought you here today is something more urgent. There's a matter I need your help with." Andrew lifted a hand and said, "Mr. McCormick, say the word. If I can help, I will." Derek nodded. "Here's the situation—an old friend of mine suddenly found himself fighting for his life. We've brought in nearly
Andrew said indifferently, "I was just being honest. I don't see how that counts as a joke. And besides, didn't you dress up to please Mr. McCormick's eyes?" Chantelle, who usually stayed cool as ice, immediately felt her temper flare. "You…" Andrew could not be bothered to deal with her. Without waiting for any announcement, he pushed open Derek's office door and swaggered in. "Uncouth brute…" Chantelle gritted her teeth and followed behind him with a scowl. Derek's office, just like his reputation, was simple and understated. Aside from two traditional landscape paintings and a few framed family photos, Andrew did not see a single decorative item inside. "Mr. Lloyd, you're here—please, have a seat!" Derek stood up with a warm smile the moment Andrew walked in. Andrew chuckled. "Mr. McCormick, you're the top official in Gabo Creek Province. If you're personally welcoming me, I might start getting a big head. You go ahead and sit—I'll manage just fine." Derek took his sea
The red Ferrari sped down from the mountaintop of The Sovereign Residences, tires slicing through the breeze with precision. Aspen sat in the passenger seat, hesitating for a while before finally speaking. "That Xavier… turns out he's Seth's older brother, and even worse—he's a full-blown colonel. Andrew, a colonel in the military is basically a god to most people. You'd better… watch your back." Andrew hit the brakes and stopped right in front of the gated entrance of The Sovereign Residences. He turned with a grin. "Aspen, are you worried about my safety?" Aspen scoffed, gritting her teeth a little. "Worried is a stretch. I'm just giving you a heads-up. And don't act like it's nothing. We haven't even cleaned up the mess with Seth and Mr. Parks." She added, "And now you've provoked the Haywoods' golden boy too? All I can say is—way to add fuel to the fire." Andrew said flatly, "One loser or 100 losers, there's no real difference." At that moment, the two martial arts guard
Ethan refused to let it go. He pointed at Andrew, cursing under his breath. "Kid, I'm not gonna stoop to your level. But if I actually wanted to deal with you, you wouldn't even live to see the sunrise tomorrow. You better believe that." Xavier stepped forward and looked down at Andrew with a calm, superior gaze. "I can see you've got some skill. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to stand up to my younger brother, Seth. "But here's a word of advice—you've made too many enemies. And your attitude? It's practically begging for trouble. Sooner or later, it'll catch up to you." Andrew raised a brow. "So that scumbag Seth is your little brother, huh? That means you're from the Haywoods." Although Xavier tried maintaining a cool, aloof front, a hint of arrogance still slipped through his mask. "I'm the eldest son of the Haywoods. Go ask anyone on the streets of Blumedale—see if there's a soul who doesn't know the name Xavier Haywood." Andrew shook his head. "Sorry, but I'm not
Andrew replied coolly, "Alright, fine. I did do it on purpose. But the only reason I chose the room next to yours was so it'd be easier for you to wake me up in the mornings. Nothing more—so don't go overthinking it." Aspen crossed her arms and let out a cold laugh. "You think I'm buying that?" Andrew shrugged. "Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter. Even if I asked you to warm my bed at night, would you dare say no?" "You…" Aspen was instantly at a loss for words. Her cheeks turned pink as she silently fumed. She was sure that the bastard Andrew was still lusting after her body. Andrew seemed to read her mind and scoffed, "You dumb woman. Don't flatter yourself. Do you really think the only reason I went through the trouble of snatching Serenity Villa from Zachary and picked the room next to yours was just to sleep with you?" As Aspen let out a sarcastic chuckle, Andrew headed downstairs, adding, "I did it because you're weak. If you got yourself killed because of on
Aspen ran through every room and checked out the front and back of the house. By the end of it, her legs were sore. Even so, instead of feeling tired, her delicate face was lit up with excitement and wonder. "Hey, this place is hands-down the best, fanciest, and most expensive location I've ever seen in my life!" she said, rubbing her aching calves while smiling up at Andrew. Andrew replied casually, "Judging by that smile you can't wipe off your face, I'm guessing you're falling in love with it?" Aspen pouted. "Saying I'm not would just be lying to myself. Serenity Villa is clearly the kind of estate that money alone can't buy. A place like this… I'd say only the top families in Blumedale are worthy of it." Andrew let out a dismissive snort. "Don't put those so-called Blumedale elites on a pedestal. Serenity Villa isn't some heavenly paradise. Just remember—the view from the top is always the most breathtaking. And Blumedale in Gabo Creek Province? That place barely makes it t