Marvin's tone was cold as he replied, "You must be Kane's son. Just get to the point." Harvey noticed the distant tone but pressed on with a friendly laugh. "Mr. Yates, I'd like to purchase the King of Diamonds from you. Please name your price." "King of Diamonds? What King of Diamonds?" Marvin's response left Harvey stunned. "The multi-million-dollar diamond ring in Jayrodale," Harvey explained. "From what I know, it's currently with Andrew, your staff. I wouldn't bother you with such a small matter, but Andrew refuses to sell it to me." Harvey continued smoothly, "I thought it was best to let you handle your subordinate. However, I must warn you—Andrew might be trying to steal this valuable piece for himself." A cold smile spread across Harvey's face after finishing his speech. Not only would he get the ring, but he would also expose that loser's true nature to Marvin, who was known for his harsh treatment of subordinates. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Marv
One of Tony's closest men handed him a phone. "Mr. Madden Senior, here you go." After some hesitation, Tony dialed Dylan's number. "What's so important at this hour?" Dylan's voice came through the phone. "Dylan, I need an explanation," Tony said darkly. "I have nothing to say," Dylan replied. Tony barely contained his rage. "If that's your attitude, then know this, Dylan—I'm not afraid of South City. You're not usually this reckless, but don't you think you've gone too far when you ignored Juan getting beaten and then surrounding Rocco's men?"Dylan chuckled. "Honestly, Tony, I don't think I have." Tony's patience snapped. "Fine, if you want it that way, we'll go to war! I've been in this game for so long that even the mayor respects me. South City barely made a name for itself, and you think you're untouchable now?" Dylan replied steadily, "Tony, you can be angry, and you can even declare war on South City. However, you might want to investigate what your brat actua
At the Aicker residence in Jayrodale, Andrew accompanied Francesca through the entrance. He asked, "Why aren't we doing the treatment at the hospital?" Francesca's face flushed as she replied, "The hospital is too crowded, and there are too many prying eyes. Also, I'd rather keep my condition private." Andrew nodded understandingly at Francesca's troubled expression and did not press the matter any further. He had come to the Aicker residence to help treat Francesca's condition—a rare disorder she had lived with since birth. At 28, Francesca should have been thinking about marriage and romance like her peers. However, her condition made those dreams seem impossible. While she was accomplished and carried herself with pride, this issue remained her deepest insecurity. Even Cedric, one of Jayrodale's most renowned medical experts, had been stumped by her unusual condition and had not yet found a solution. "Fran, who's this?" Simon Gaal, Cedric's senior apprentice, asked as he
Cedric was seething with rage. As a renowned medical expert, having his granddaughter seek treatment from an outsider felt like a direct insult to his abilities, implying he was useless. "Fine then, Grandpa!" Francesca snapped, her cheeks puffing with anger. "Go ahead and cure me right now. I don't want to live with this condition anymore!" Cedric immediately deflated, forcing an awkward laugh. "Fran, you know I've been researching your condition to find a cure. Just give me a few more years, and I promise I'll heal you." "That's exactly what you said three years ago," Francesca replied, her voice heavy with sadness. "How many more years can I wait? I'm already 28. Do you want to watch me grow old with this condition?" Tears welled up in Francesca's eyes as her emotions got the better of her. Cedric's expression softened as he sighed. "You're right, sweetheart. It's my fault. But how can this young man accomplish what I couldn't?" Francesca bit her lip and admitted, "I don
Andrew was completely exasperated. He had simply come to the Aicker residence to treat Francesca's condition, but somehow, he was mistaken for a romantic rival and had to deal with Simon's hostility. Andrew explained patiently, "Listen, dude—your feelings for Francesca are your business. I'm just here to provide the medical treatment she's paying me for, and once that's done, whatever romantic plans you two have are completely your own. I couldn't care less!" Even though Simon had been rude, Andrew understood he was acting out of misplaced jealousy, so he decided to let it slide. Simon's expression softened slightly as he scoffed. "At least you know your place. But remember—only I have the right to treat Francesca's condition." Andrew shrugged. "Fine. The Aickers clearly have it all figured out." As Andrew turned to leave, Francesca quickly called out, "Wait, Andrew!" Simon's face darkened. "Fran, let him go. Don't you trust me?" "Simon, I'm grateful for your devotion, bu
"All you do is study medicine, and you're completely out of touch with everything else," Francesca explained. "We're just not compatible." Cedric finally spoke up. "Simon, I agree that you and Fran aren't a good match. However, as my senior apprentice, you'll inherit my medical legacy, and then you can have any woman you desire." Simon's face turned red with anger as he pointed at both Cedric and Francesca. He stuttered, "B-But… Y-You…" He tried to speak, but the words would not come. Suddenly, he passed out from the emotional shock. Cedric immediately ordered his staff to carry Simon to a guest room to rest. Then, he turned to Andrew and sneered. "Well, now you've seen us making a fool out of ourselves. It's time to prove yourself by treating Fran. If you fail, you won't be leaving here in one piece." Andrew could not help but laugh, which earned him a glare from Francesca. "What's so funny?" "I'm laughing at how Simon was completely blind to your feelings, and now his l
In the Aicker residence's living room, Cedric ordered his finest tea to be served to Andrew. "Dr. Lloyd, you're truly a miracle doctor! Please, enjoy the tea," he said with newfound respect. "Mr. Aicker, I don't deserve such praise," Andrew replied with a glance. "Just call me by my name." "That won't do!" Cedric insisted. "Though you're young, your medical expertise is extraordinary. My praise is well-deserved." "Funny, considering you wanted me as your apprentice at the Stevens family residence," Andrew remarked with a smile. "When I refused, you said I was blind to opportunity." Cedric laughed nervously. "That was my own poor judgment, influenced by those fools there. I should've recognized your exceptional talent immediately." Cedric mentally kicked himself as he recalled it, feeling genuinely foolish for having been so blind to Andrew's talents. Francesca sat on the nearby couch, still recovering from the procedure and needing assistance to move, but her spirits we
Cedric called out anxiously, "But Dr. Lloyd, you haven't accepted me as your apprentice yet! Don't worry, I know the protocols. I'll surely make this apprenticeship worth your while!" "It wouldn't be appropriate," Andrew replied dismissively. However, I'm open to discussing medical techniques with you in the future if the opportunity arises." As Andrew left the Aicker residence, Cedric watched him go with disappointment. However, a new spark of hope ignited in his eyes when he glanced at Francesca. "Fran, he healed you, right? Any chance there's a little spark between you two?" Cedric asked with a sly grin. "Grandpa, what are you talking about?" Francesca's face turned red, baffled by her grandfather's sudden change in demeanor. Cedric clasped his hands behind his back and mumbled, "Silly girl, it's obvious that Andrew is not an ordinary person based on the skills he possessed at such a young age. I wanted to become his apprentice to gain a powerful ally, but that won't wor
Natasha's bedroom was in complete disarray. She lay on the floor, drenched in sweat with disheveled hair and blood at the corner of her mouth, her face ghostly pale. Her half-open eyes glared at Andrew with intense hatred, while he sat casually on the couch, sipping his tea as if nothing had happened. Unlike Natasha's battered state, not a single thread on Andrew's clothing was out of place. "Wait, so you two weren't… you were actually fighting?" the bearded enforcer asked in disbelief. Another West End thug added in shock, "How is it possible that Madam is injured?" To them, Natasha had always been an invincible fighter, yet now she lay helpless on the floor, thoroughly defeated by Andrew. Conan shot an angry glare at the bearded enforcer and his companion. "Weren't you just saying how much fun she was having? Stop standing there like idiots and help her up!" The two men rushed forward to assist Natasha, but she impatiently pushed them away. "Get out! All of you get out!
Andrew's fingers struck with precision, targeting pressure points that sent waves of intense pain through Natasha's body. "Darling, no! Please, stop! I was wrong—I'm sorry! I can't take it anymore. It hurts so much!" "Ahhh! Stop it, please stop! Don't do this anymore!" Natasha cried out, her voice switching between desperate wails and hysterical laughter as the unbearable pain pushed her to the brink. The excruciating pain caused Natasha to writhe on the floor. She crashed into the couch and coffee table, making loud thudding noises that echoed through the room. … In the hallway outside, several heads peeked around the corner, intently watching Natasha's door. Conan led the group, his weathered face twisted with concern as he whispered, "Something doesn't sound right about this." One of the West End enforcers chuckled. "Come on, can't you tell? Madam is just having a good time!" Another man with a scruffy beard joined in with a knowing chuckle. "Exactly! Madam Vostoko
Andrew remained seated on the couch, his expression unchanged, as he raised his leg to intercept Natasha's attack. "You won't even stand up? Fine! If you're going to disrespect me like this, I'll have to teach you a lesson!" Natasha's chest heaved with anger. Her combat abilities surpassed Dylan's, and she was just a hair's breadth away from matching Atlas. Yet, this arrogant young man would not even bother to get up from his seat to face her attack, which felt like a direct insult to her pride. She transformed her claw-like strikes into palm strikes, alternating blows aimed at Andrew's chest. Without even looking, the latter countered with two palm strikes of his own, and their hands collided with two dull thuds. Natasha felt an overwhelming force transmitted through Andrew's hands, causing her to stumble backward. Meanwhile, Andrew remained as steady as a mountain on the couch, even taking a moment to pick up his teacup for a casual sip. He commented, "I'm surprised that a
With frustration written across her face, Natasha gritted her teeth. She had decided it was better not to show off her strategies in front of Andrew anymore, wanting to avoid further embarrassment. Andrew ignored her visible discomfort and said calmly, "I want you to understand that anything gained through deception and betrayal will eventually become too hot to handle and turn to dust. That's the lesson history has taught us time and time again." Natasha scoffed. "Fine, I can't argue with you. But you have to admit that two-thirds or more of Jayrodale's underworld is now under my control. Either you and Dylan submit to my authority, or you'll face death!" Andrew shook his head and replied, "You're seeing things through rose-colored glasses. While Dylan might not be able to handle you, I can take you down with a single move. That's another lesson I want to teach you today—that in the face of absolute power, no amount of schemes or clever tricks will work." Natasha paused, then
After her initial shock, Natasha's face flushed with embarrassment and anger, refusing to back down as she questioned him. "Alright, you call yourself a master physician. Then let me ask you this—why did I still get injured in my fight with Atlas after taking the Blood Surge Pill? And now you're accusing me of faking it?" Andrew's lips curled into a mocking smile as he replied, "Is that so hard to figure out? The moment you got back, you took a high-quality healing pill. Judging by your complexion, it must've been a top-tier Vitality Pill. These pills can quickly replenish energy and restore blood, bringing you back from weakness in no time." "Well, am I wrong?" Andrew's tone was dripping with sarcasm as he stared at Natasha. Natasha fell silent for a long moment before clapping her hands, a rosy blush spreading across her face—there was not a hint of weakness left in her demeanor. "No wonder Dylan swears unwavering loyalty to you. Even I have to admit defeat before you, darlin
"At this point, West End can't even send out a proper representative," Andrew stated emotionlessly. "Since you're treating me like I don't exist, I'll kill you first, then have a chat with Natasha." "Mr. Lloyd, please don't go too far!" a voice suddenly thundered from behind. "Conan, done watching the show from your hiding spot?" Andrew smirked as he released his grip and kicked the tattooed giant toward Conan. Conan's face twitched. He knew the tattooed giant was one of Natasha's most fearless fighters, young and skilled in hand-to-hand combat, yet Andrew had broken him so effortlessly. "Please follow me, Mr. Lloyd. Madam Vostokoff will see you now," Conan said coldly. Andrew sneered. "Oh, now she's willing to meet after this show of force?" "Mr. Lloyd, West End has already absorbed Atlas's territory," Conan stated angrily. "If you were smart, you wouldn't have come here." "So, if I hadn't shown up, Natasha would just take everything herself?" Andrew's face remained expr
Andrew's patience had run out as he spoke in a cold tone. "One last time—tell Natasha to come out and talk now." The tattooed giant mocked, "Or what? What can you do? Andrew, you might have some history with West End, but if you think that gives you the right to make demands, you're in the wrong place." As he moved to push Andrew away again, the other guards snickered. With Atlas' fall, Natasha had become Jayrodale's most powerful underground leader, and they could not believe this man's audacity in challenging West End. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the air—the sound of a wrist being broken. The tattooed giant let out an agonizing scream. "My hand! You broke my hand! Get him! Attack!" The fifty-over guards stood shocked for a moment before charging forward with angry shouts. Andrew's face turned cold as his leg swept out. Screams filled the air as the first wave of guards went flying, their faces meeting Andrew's foot. The tattooed giant, his wrist still in Andrew
Aspen had invested ten million dollars in Atlas's operation, and if it were all gone, there would be serious consequences. They immediately got into the car with Irene and Leroy, heading toward Jayrodale's Northern District. … Meanwhile, Andrew's G-Wagon drifted to a smooth stop in front of the West End headquarters. Unlike usual, the building was surrounded by guards in black suits, dark ties, and sunglasses, creating an intimidating atmosphere. One of Natasha's top enforcers blocked Andrew's path. "Sorry, Mr. Lloyd, but you can't enter right now!" "I'm here to see Madam Vostokoff. Is there a problem?" Andrew asked with a smile as he sized up the man. The enforcer was a muscular giant with a crew cut and tattoos covering his neck, chest, and arms. His bulging muscles and fists the size of melons marked him as someone not to be messed with. "Mr. Lloyd, please understand that Madam Vostokoff isn't available right now," the man chuckled, pushing Andrew back. "You're an honore
Leroy's soup dripped onto the table as he anxiously asked, "Aspen, now that Atlas is dead, what about our money?" "Shut up!" Christina kicked him under the table. "How can you think about money at a time like this?" With a grave expression, Christina turned to Aspen. "We need to act fast. Contact someone in the Northern District and get your investment back immediately." Aspen snapped out of her daze and quickly dialed Atlas' office number. A raspy voice answered, "Who are you looking for?" "This is Aspen from the Bridgefields' Stevens family. I need to speak with Mr. Atlas Giordano," she said urgently. "Are you stupid? Mr. Giordano is as dead as he can be. If you want to find him, try looking in hell," the voice sneered. Aspen snapped, "Watch your tone! Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?" "I'll speak however I want, lady. Like I said, Mr. Giordano's dead, and he's finished," the voice replied coldly. Aspen gritted her teeth. "Atlas may be dead, but the