Andrew chuckled, finding her words utterly lame. "You always say that, but you don't even know when 'someday' will be, do you?" Aspen froze, her face flushing red. Of course, she refused to admit defeat out loud, but deep down, she was suffocating with the realization that there might never be a 'someday'. Even if there was, she could not see a single shred of hope that she would ever turn the tables on Andrew. Right now, his power was so overwhelming that it seemed impossible for her to reach the same level. Moreover, it was not just his insane combat skills—it was the way he toyed with people, the way he always had control, that truly made her shudder. Andrew's smile faded, and his tone turned serious. "You're familiar with Blumedale, right?" Aspen was caught off guard but reluctantly answered, "Bridgefields is right next to Blumedale. I basically grew up there, so yeah, I know it well." Andrew nodded. "Good. Pack up—you're heading there soon." Aspen's eyes widened. "You'
Aspen clenched her teeth, fury blazing in her eyes as her chest rose and fell with anger. She thought, 'This bastard is despicable, ruthless, and downright vile. I can't believe he actually has the audacity to talk about digging up my family's graves!' She silently cursed at Andrew for being inhuman, scolding him a thousand times in her head. Nonetheless, all that came out of her mouth was a deflated sigh. "Relax. With my skills and connections in Blumedale, I'll have your company up and running in no time." She added, "But here's a piece of advice—money doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. The Driscoll family and the Golding family aren't just some random nobodies. You're just a big shot in Jayrodale, but in Blumedale, you're nothing more than a small-time boss. "If the Driscoll family or any of those powerful clans take an interest in you... Not only will you lose your people, but your money might vanish into thin air too." Aspen smirked as she said it. It was as if she
Andrew left West End and drove straight to Rhodes Corporation. By the time he arrived, Tiana had already gathered all the company's top executives in the main conference room. As soon as Andrew stepped in, Tiana took the lead in applauding with a bright smile. "There's our hero, the savior of Rhodes Corporation—Mr. Andrew Lloyd!" Applause rang out in the room. Marcus, his people, Lauren, and Tiana's assistant, Eunice, clapped the loudest. Michael and his faction, however, only gave a few half-hearted claps, their expressions far from pleasant. Andrew took a seat and spoke casually. "Hero? Hardly, Mrs. Rhodes. After everything I've done for Rhodes Corporation, I think you already know my intentions." Tiana smiled. "Mr. Lloyd, don't be so formal. You're part of this company, and helping Rhodes Corporation is really just helping yourself, isn't it?" Andrew cut straight to the point. "Not at all. If it weren't for Lauren, I wouldn't have batted an eye even if Rhodes Corporation
Eunice smiled reassuringly and said, "Ms. Rhodes, don't worry—the CEO position is yours for sure!" Marcus nodded in agreement. "That's right, Ms. Rhodes. We all saw the effort you put in. As per our original agreement, you and Mr. Lloyd were the ones who saved the Pharmaceutical Division. So, if anyone deserves to be CEO, it's you." Despite their confidence, Lauren still felt a knot of anxiety in her chest. She did not care about the title of CEO; what mattered was that if she became the CEO, she could stay in Jayrodale and take control of Rhodes Corporation. In other words, she could escape being used as a pawn in her family's arranged marriage plans; she would not have to be shipped off to marry into the Driscoll family in Blumedale. Lauren made up her mind, thinking, 'As long as I can avoid marrying into the Driscoll family, I'll give myself to Dr. Lloyd. From now on, I'll belong to him alone.' Tiana's gaze slowly swept across the entire conference room. Finally, her eyes
"I don't think you all understand the situation yet," Michael said smugly. "Right now, our Pharmaceutical Division's products are blowing up again—this time, even bigger than before!" Tiana nodded in agreement. "That's right. The latest sales reports for Michael's three products just came in. In just one week, revenue exceeded 100 million dollars. That's why, as per our agreement, I awarded him the CEO position." She glanced at Lauren and added, "So, this isn't unfair to you. He truly outperformed your products." Several department heads gasped when they heard the amount, their faces filled with disbelief as they turned to Michael. "Mr. Rhodes, you actually pulled off a record-breaking achievement in the Pharmaceutical Division?" "With 100 million in a week… that's at least 400 million a month! Goodness, the division's success is reaching levels comparable to the most profitable companies in the world!" "Looking at these numbers, it's hard to argue. Ms. Rhodes really did lo
Michael's expression darkened as he snapped, "What's this, Andrew? Can't handle losing?" Andrew glanced at him like he was looking at a corpse. "The one who can't handle it is you, idiot." With a slight motion of his hand, Marcus immediately stepped forward and handed him a stack of documents. "This is the real financial report for the Pharmaceutical Division," Andrew declared. "Mrs. Rhodes, gentlemen—open your eyes and take a good look!" He tossed the files onto the conference table with a loud slap. Tiana let out a cold chuckle. "More theatrics?" She grabbed a report and flipped it open. The moment she read it, her expression completely changed. Michael scoffed and took a copy for himself. A second later, his smug face twisted in shock. "H-How is this possible? No! Andrew, this has to be fake! There's no way this is real!" The other executives immediately sensed that something was off. One after another, they snatched up the reports and started reading. Within sec
Andrew explained, "Michael's so-called 'miracle products' are like a homeless man under a bridge in Jayrodale—his pockets hold barely a few bucks, yet he thinks he's a billionaire. "But my two products? The revenue they generated is like Marvin's wealth—dominating, undeniable, and known across the financial world. And when you put these two together—one beggar, one tycoon—you get Michael's financial report. "It looks impressive, but in reality, his part in it is just a couple of crumpled bills. Yet here he is, strutting around like his products are a massive hit, completely unaware that he's just riding on the success of my products to put on this ridiculous show." The room erupted into laughter. Even Lauren, whose mood had been at rock bottom, could not help but giggle at Andrew's sharp wit. Michael's face darkened with rage, his eyes burning with fury. "Andrew, you always have some smartass comeback! Then tell me—how do you know that your so-called miracle drugs aren't the
Tiana's expression remained cold as she gritted her teeth, saying nothing. She was completely cornered. Michael roared, "Andrew, are you deaf? Didn't you hear Aunt Tiana already announce me as the new CEO?" Andrew let out a mocking laugh. "Michael, it's broad daylight, and you're already dreaming. Do your parents know about this delusion? Besides, what makes you think you deserve to be CEO? You lost the bet. "You pranced around in lingerie, pretending to be some kind of drag queen, and that humiliating video is still making rounds on the internet. Doesn't anyone think it would be a huge embarrassment for Rhodes Corporation to have someone like that as its CEO?" Marcus was the first to step up. "That's right. From every perspective, Ms. Rhodes is the rightful CEO." Another executive spoke up. "Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Rhodes have done too much for this company. You must handle this fairly." "Mrs. Rhodes, we fully support Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Lloyd—please do the right thi
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