"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
Shortly after leaving the Aicker residence, Andrew received a call from Lauren. She asked, "Dr. Lloyd, have you heard about Mr. Thatcher's critical condition?" Andrew was not surprised and replied, "I warned before that his condition was serious, but no one listened, so there wasn't much I could do." Lauren let out a bitter laugh. "Dr. Lloyd, Mr. Thatcher is Jayrodale's mayor. Would you consider helping him?" "I'm not in the mood right now," Andrew declined. "Besides, as the mayor, he'll have plenty of capable doctors willing to treat him." Lauren responded, "Alright. I'll head over to check on the situation. But if no one else can help, I'll have to beg for your assistance, Dr. Lloyd. Of course, I understand your terms. I'll make sure you're satisfied—even if it means offering myself for your pleasure." Hearing Lauren's alluring laughter, Andrew smiled wryly. Her flirtation with him had certainly become more intense lately. Just as he ended the call, his phone rang aga
"I wonder if this executive is a man or woman," Leroy mused dreamily. "If it's a woman, I wouldn't mind being with her, even if she's older." Christina frowned. "As a Stevens, is that all you aspire to be? Besides, do you really think a Wealthroller Investments executive would be interested in you?" Leroy looked hurt. "Mom, look! Christie doesn't respect my goals. These days, getting by on charm alone is a skill! Look at that freeloader Andrew—he's now living off that rich girl from the Rhodes family. Honestly, I'm jealous!" Irene nodded in agreement. "Christie, Leroy isn't wrong. Money and status are hard to come by these days. If a female executive from Wealthroller Investments takes a liking to him, I'd fully support it." Christina gave up arguing, tired of her mother and brother's mindset. However, she was determined not to let her brother become like Andrew. She believed that a man living off women's wealth was simply unacceptable. Just then, Andrew arrived at the orphan
Leroy nursed his stinging cheek in angry silence, looking daggers at Andrew. Meanwhile, Christina's face turned pale at the mention of canceling the partnership. She quickly said, "Mr. Maloney, I'm very sorry for Leroy's behavior and disrespect." Owen just sneered. "Your apology means nothing to me. Mr. Lloyd has the final say." Christina was torn at the thought of apologizing to Andre. However, Owen's furious expression made her realize the orphanage deal could slip through their fingers if she did not. After a moment of internal struggle, she forced out the words, "I'm sorry, M-Mr. Lloyd." Andrew smirked. "Ms. Stevens, I'd never thought you'd actually bow to someone." Christina hissed, "Does it feel good to use Mr. Yates' influence to humiliate me?" Andrew's expression remained cold, thinking how stupid she was being. If he really wanted to deal with the Stevens family, he could do it with a snap of his fingers—he did not need anyone's help. Only then did Andrew re
"This doesn't make sense. Mr. Thatcher is in his prime, and my team monitors his health constantly. How could he fall ill so suddenly?" Bernard muttered. As Mark's personal physician, the incident weighed heavily on his shoulders. Harvey confidently announced, "I've already called Dr. Aicker, and he can surely help with Mr. Thatcher's illness." Someone remarked, "Smart move, Mr. Weller. If Dr. Aicker saves Mr. Thatcher, the Wellers will certainly gain his favor." Another person nodded. "Exactly. If Mr. Thatcher recovers, the credit will surely go to Mr. Weller and his family." Even though he was secretly pleased with himself, Harvey maintained a serious expression. "Mr. Thatcher is our mayor, and it's only natural for me to help. I wouldn't dare have any ulterior motives." The mayor's family expressed their sincere thanks to Harvey, while Bernard watched with a cynical smile. He could see right through the young Weller's scheme—everyone wanted to earn the mayor's gratitude b
Harvey scoffed, annoyed by Lauren's naivety. She was once a brilliant, captivating woman, but she lost her sense ever since she started seeing Andrew. Not only that, but she even dared to challenge him. As Cedric finished his examination, Harvey rushed forward with a smile. "Dr. Aicker, while Mr. Thatcher's condition might stump others, surely it's no challenge for someone of your expertise?" Cedric remained silent, his brows deeply furrowed, which made Harvey's heart skip a beat. "Dr. Aicker, please say something. How is Mr. Thatcher's condition?" Cedric shook his head, sighing. "I've identified the illness, but I'm afraid it's beyond my skills to treat him." The room fell into shocked silence. Harvey refused to accept this. "Dr. Aicker, don't say that about yourself. Mr. Thatcher's life is on the line. Please, do whatever you can!" Cedric replied sharply, "If I could treat him, I would have done so already. Mr. Thatcher's condition affects his entire system, and it's term
As evening fell, Aspen and Dylan returned to Serenity Villa. The front gate stood wide open, and Andrew sat squarely in a chair in the middle of the first-floor lobby. Aspen frowned as she stepped inside. "Why are you sitting here?" Andrew replied, "Waiting for guests." "Who?" "Assassins from the Haywoods and the Goldings." Her face darkened when she heard his words. She could not help but think Andrew had lost his damn mind for leaving the front door wide open for killers. He glanced at her and asked, "Weren't you meeting a client? How'd it go?" Aspen's voice turned icy. "Turns out, Christina was the one looking for investors." Andrew raised a brow. "So? You turned her down?" She sneered as she said, "More than that. I made sure all three of them left humiliated. That old hag Irene even got a slap from me." Andrew simply shrugged. Aspen had never been the merciful type, and none of this surprised him. He simply ordered, "Go make something to eat. I'm hungry." Asp
Dylan explained, "But you're a proud woman. You never used to bow to anyone, especially not to Mr. Lloyd. Now, you're just clinging to that same pride and defiance. "But the truth is, that pride of yours? It's already been worn down by Mr. Lloyd, completely. As for what's left… well, you know it better than anyone. You just don't want to admit it."Aspen grew frustrated. "I don't need you psychoanalyzing me. I just need someone to tell me—what do I have to do to break out of this mess? This constant confusion and misery?"Dylan shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? You're just as stunning as Ms. Aicker or Ms. Rhodes. Those two didn't mind letting Mr. Lloyd take what he wanted. So, why not follow their lead? Let's be real, Aspen—you've already fallen for Mr. Lloyd, and there's no shame in that. "Mr. Lloyd has that effect on women. I've been around him long enough to stop being surprised. You, Natasha, Francesca, Lauren… even that girl Nyla Goth from the Moonlit Apothecary in Jayrodale—if Mr
After leaving the cafe, Aspen stepped into the restroom. She splashed a few handfuls of icy water on her face, trying to calm the storm inside her. She said, "Mr. Garner, could you do me a favor and not tell Andrew about what just happened?" Dylan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and chuckled. "Ms. Aspen, you really gave her a piece of your mind. If it felt good, why not let Mr. Lloyd know?" Aspen's expression darkened with self-mockery. "Because I didn't stand up for myself—I used Andrew's name to intimidate her. Christina was right about one thing—I am pathetic. "Andrew nearly destroyed my family, and yet here I am, throwing his name around like it means something. Even worse, I shamelessly implied I'd offer myself to him!" Dylan smirked. "So you're ashamed of yourself? You think less of yourself now?" Aspen stared at her reflection. Her face was as cold as ever, but her eyes no longer held their usual arrogance. Instead, they were clouded with something unrea
Aspen said, "As long as I have the power, I'll do everything I can to block Stevens Corporation from expanding in Blumedale. Andrew may have spared the Stevens family, but I'm not Andrew—I'm Aspen Stevens. "And you, Christina, are nothing but a vicious, two-faced bitch. I'd rather be a straight-up villainess than show you an ounce of mercy." With those cold parting words, Aspen turned and walked away. Dylan followed behind her, casting a mocking glance at the Stevens family trio. He thought they really were pitiful. With Aspen backed by Andrew and holding massive influence, the amount of resources and wealth she could mobilize was practically limitless. Crushing a small-time family like the Stevens? That was nothing to her, and she could do that with a flick of her finger. Christina snapped, "Mr. Garner, how does someone like you end up as Aspen's bodyguard? Doesn't that feel beneath you?" Dylan shrugged. "What's there to feel beneath about it? Ms. Aspen is with Mr. Lloyd
Christina opened her mouth but felt utterly drained. "Go beg him? Please… even if I swallowed my pride and got down on my knees, I doubt he'd show me the slightest bit of mercy." She forced a bitter smile, full of self-mockery. Aspen looked even more pleased, unable to hide the glee in her eyes. "My dear Christie, watching you regret everything like this… God, it's so satisfying! And honestly? I owe you some thanks. If you hadn't tripped me up so badly in front of Andrew, I wouldn't be where I am today, turning my humiliation into opportunity." Christina snapped, her composure unraveling. "Have you rubbed it in enough? Feeling powerful enough? Do you really think that someone like you—a servant—can hold any real place in Andrew's life? "You think you're on the same level as Francesca or Lauren? Let me tell you—Andrew never saw you as one of his own!" Aspen scoffed. "Of course not. I was his servant. Why would he? But here's what you don't get about that man, Christie. Back wh
"I'm here to meet with Supreme Capital Group, not you," Christina said sharply. "You declaring anything—don't you think that's completely pointless?" Aspen gave a sly smile. "Then you're the one who's confused. You might not have heard, but Supreme Capital Group is a new company founded by Andrew and me right here in Blumedale. "You tried borrowing money from your old rival? Christie, looks like you're not doing so well in this city after all." Christina's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. "What did you just say? Supreme Capital Group was founded by you and Andrew? "That's impossible. The company's registered capital is 50 billion! You and Andrew could afford that? Do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds?" Her composed expression crumbled, replaced by panic and disbelief. Aspen felt incredibly satisfied seeing the humiliation on Christina's face. Without saying another word, she pulled out her phone and showed her the company's registration license. Christi
"But luckily," Derek continued, "I did find out that his name was Reginald Lloyd." Chantelle sneered. "Reginald Lloyd… Andrew Lloyd—what a coincidence. They're both Lloyds. Too bad one of them earned your admiration as a once-in-a-generation strategist…" "And the other?" She gave a dry chuckle. "Let's just say… he doesn't quite measure up." Derek smiled. "Elle, seems like you've got a bit of a grudge against our Mr. Lloyd. Care to share why?" Chantelle hesitated, visibly grinding her teeth. She obviously could not tell Derek that Andrew had already seen every inch of her thanks to an earlier incident. Instead, she cleared her throat. "Mr. McCormick, stop pulling my legs. We're public servants, and since Mr. Lloyd is working with you, I have no right to dislike him." She deflected smoothly with a rehearsed tone. Derek nodded. "It's obvious Andrew has potential. The old money clans have been monopolizing power and locking up economic control for far too long. Seeing someone
Chantelle let out a cold laugh. "That's right. That's exactly what he did. Mr. McCormick, don't you think the man's out of his mind?" Derek narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. After a long pause, he finally exhaled and said, "No. On the contrary, I think you're completely wrong about him. I don't see Andrew as a lunatic—I think he's playing a long, dangerous game." Chantelle had not expected Derek to say something like that, and her expression turned tense. "Mr. McCormick, without the protection of The Sovereign Residences, do you even realize what kind of storm that madman has invited upon himself? "Two of the most powerful families in Holtrien have issued bounty kill orders at the same time. The combined reward is nearly a billion—enough to send every killer and martial artist across Gabo Creek Province, maybe even the entire country, into a blood-fueled frenzy!" Derek gave a faint sneer, his tone laced with disdain. "It's true—money can make even the dead dance. The old sayi
Richard had always tried to be considerate about his son's humiliating past. Still, every now and then, he could not help but accidentally bring it up. After all, eating literal crap was not something easily forgotten. … Meanwhile, over at the Haywoods. Roy set down his teacup and asked, "Xavier, what's the latest on eliminating that bastard?" Xavier's sharp-jawed face was full of murderous intent. "The killers we sent were either stopped outside The Sovereign Residences or killed inside, their bodies dumped in the sewage canals." Roy scowled. "500 million was too tempting. Every lowlife out there thought they could take advantage of the Haywoods. Seth's body is still lying in the ice casket, waiting for a proper burial. You need to speed this up." Xavier's tone turned ice cold as he nodded. "Don't worry, Father. The moment Andrew laid a finger on our family, his death was sealed. Those who've died so far were just trash. "This time, I've prepared something special for And