Dominic believed there was a limit to how much someone could bluff. The Goth family might have kept a low profile, but they'd always been stable. Unless they were completely self-destructed, thinking someone could wipe them out from the outside was just a fantasy. Right then, Dominic's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and grinned before answering. "Mr. Jenner! Haha, I'm guessing the permit finally came through for our project, right? I knew it'd get approved!" The voice on the other end exploded. "Permit my ass, Dominic! Have you completely lost your damn mind? That project's main contract went through Rhodes Corporation, and you had the nerve to piss off their director, Mr. Lloyd? They already booted us off the deal! You absolute dumpster fire of a partner. I must've been blind to ever work with you!" The call ended in a furious hang-up before Dominic even had a chance to respond. He stood there frozen, still holding his expensive phone as if it had just slapped him across t
Alfred's furious outburst stunned everyone in the Goth family. "The entire city of Jayrodale is closing ranks against us right now!" he shouted, his face red with rage. "I spent over 30 years building our network—30 years of sweat, deals, and favors—and you destroyed it in a single day! You want me to stay away? Fine. But what now? You expect me to sleep on the streets like some washed-up nobody?" Alfred was shaking with rage as he slapped Dominic across the face again—and again, and again, delivering a flurry of brutal smacks. Given his seniority and power in the family, Alfred's authority was on par with Dominic's, if not stronger. In fact, Dominic's mediocrity had long been hidden behind Alfred's efforts—he was the one who kept the family's reputation intact. So, inside the Goth family, Alfred's word always carried more weight than Dominic's. After that vicious barrage of slaps, Dominic's face was covered in blood. Even one of his ears had started to bleed. Camilla shrie
"I'm sorry, Andrew, but I can't marry you!" Christina Stevens declared coldly in the CEO's office of Stevens Corporation. She sat behind her desk, looking elegant in a black lace dress, her demeanor icy and aloof. Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire. Andrew Lloyd could not believe what he was hearing and asked, "Christie, what do you mean? What happened to the promise between us?" They had agreed to tie the knot on the day Stevens Corporation went public, marking the end of their three-year courtship. "Since we've been dating each other, I'll be frank," Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her stunning features exuded grace and beauty with every movement. "Andrew, don't you think the gap between us has grown too wide? It's like we're from different worlds now. Forcing this relationship won't do you any good. For me, it would be… a burden." A burden? Andrew was stunned, never expecting Christina to say such a thing. If it had not
In the elevator, Andrew opened the modest ring box. A dazzling pink diamond immediately caught the light, its brilliance filling the small space. This 7.5-million-dollar luxury ring was once known as the "King of Diamonds" of Jayrodale, truly one of a kind. Andrew did not know exactly how much money was on the bank card, but he was sure it was enough to buy Stevens Corporations ten times over. Moments ago, Christina and Irene had not even bothered to look at these treasures, with Irene dismissing them as junk. As the elevator doors opened, Andrew stepped out. "Well, well, if it isn't Andrew! You don't look so good," a mocking voice greeted him. Andrew calmly looked up to see a man in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back, holding a bouquet of blue roses. It was Shawn Fields, Jayrodale's infamous trust fund baby and one of Christina's most persistent admirers. Not wanting to talk to him, Andrew tried to sidestep him, but Shawn moved to block his path again. Andrew's eyes turn
Meanwhile, Andrew had already settled into a Rolls-Royce, heading toward Jayrodale General Hospital. His phone rang, and to his surprise, it was Christina calling. Since their relationship was over, Andrew saw no reason to answer. Yet, the phone kept ringing, seemingly urgent. Frowning, Andrew finally decided to pick up. "Andrew, listen to me. Turn yourself in immediately!" Christina's voice blared through the speaker, catching Andrew off guard. "That King of Diamonds is worth 7.5 million dollars, Andrew. Have you lost your mind? I know you did this to make me happy, but have you considered the legal consequences? Turn yourself in now, while there's still time. Don't worry, with Stevens Corporation's influence in Jayrodale, I'll do my best to keep you out of jail!" Christina's voice was filled with righteous indignation, feeling disappointed in Andrew. Andrew finally understood—she thought he had stolen the King of Diamonds. "You've got it wrong. I didn't steal it," he said sim
Amidst the flurry of bodyguards, a young girl was rushed into the hospital on a stretcher. By her side, a tall, stunning woman with long flowing hair and legs clad in black stockings clutched the girl's hand desperately. Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, "Cece, please be okay. I'm right here, and I promise I'll save you, no matter what." Despite the urgency of the situation, many onlookers immediately recognized the woman. She was Lauren Rhodes, the heiress of the prestigious Rhodes family and widely regarded as the most beautiful woman in Jayrodale. In the city's fashion industry, Lauren was often described as a femme fatale. "Ms. Rhodes, please don't worry. Our hospital will do everything in our power to save your sister," Bernard Hackett, the hospital's deputy chief, rushed to assure her. Lauren's status and the Rhodes family's influence in Jayrodale were unparalleled. Hence, their presence demanded nothing but the utmost dedication and respect from the hospita
Lauren's face paled instantly. "What did you say? Where's Dr. Hackett? What's going on?" Bernard and Philip approached, looking apologetic. "We're sorry, Ms. Rhodes. Ms. Cecelia's condition is critical. We've done all we can." Philip added, his voice filled with frustration, "The initial treatment seemed promising, but suddenly, Ms. Cecelia's breathing weakened dramatically. It's not our lack of skill, Ms. Rhodes. We're simply facing an impossible situation." Before Philip could finish his explanation, Lauren slapped him. "Ms. Rhodes, what was that…" "You idiot!" Lauren seethed, her body trembling with rage. "Didn't you just boast about your ability to save Cece?" Philip stood there, speechless and humiliated, his cheek stinging from the blow. Then, Lauren turned to Bernard, her voice dripping with venom. "Dr. Hackett, I'll ask you one last time. Is there anyone else in this hospital who can help? If anything happens to her, you and your incompetent son will face severe
Andrew nodded. He was surprised by Bernard's unexpected insight. Philip, behaving like an idiot, asked his father, "Dad, what's this pressure-point technique? It doesn't seem like a big deal to me." Bernard's face darkened instantly, wishing he could slap some sense into his dimwitted son. He hissed, "You fool, just shut up already! Haven't you embarrassed us enough? The pressure-point technique is a legendary skill in medicine. It's said that some reclusive ancient healers could even take or save lives instantly using this method, controlling a person's very life force with a single touch." Lauren was quite knowledgeable and had seen it all. Even so, she was genuinely amazed by Andrew's skill from the moment he began as she realized this man, rumored to be Christina's boy toy, possessed genuine medical expertise. She wondered why someone so talented was mistaken for a freeloader. The treatment did not take long. Ten minutes later, the blood transfusion was complete. Andrew b
Alfred's furious outburst stunned everyone in the Goth family. "The entire city of Jayrodale is closing ranks against us right now!" he shouted, his face red with rage. "I spent over 30 years building our network—30 years of sweat, deals, and favors—and you destroyed it in a single day! You want me to stay away? Fine. But what now? You expect me to sleep on the streets like some washed-up nobody?" Alfred was shaking with rage as he slapped Dominic across the face again—and again, and again, delivering a flurry of brutal smacks. Given his seniority and power in the family, Alfred's authority was on par with Dominic's, if not stronger. In fact, Dominic's mediocrity had long been hidden behind Alfred's efforts—he was the one who kept the family's reputation intact. So, inside the Goth family, Alfred's word always carried more weight than Dominic's. After that vicious barrage of slaps, Dominic's face was covered in blood. Even one of his ears had started to bleed. Camilla shrie
Dominic believed there was a limit to how much someone could bluff. The Goth family might have kept a low profile, but they'd always been stable. Unless they were completely self-destructed, thinking someone could wipe them out from the outside was just a fantasy. Right then, Dominic's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and grinned before answering. "Mr. Jenner! Haha, I'm guessing the permit finally came through for our project, right? I knew it'd get approved!" The voice on the other end exploded. "Permit my ass, Dominic! Have you completely lost your damn mind? That project's main contract went through Rhodes Corporation, and you had the nerve to piss off their director, Mr. Lloyd? They already booted us off the deal! You absolute dumpster fire of a partner. I must've been blind to ever work with you!" The call ended in a furious hang-up before Dominic even had a chance to respond. He stood there frozen, still holding his expensive phone as if it had just slapped him across t
Camilla glared at Nyla with eyes full of venom. "You little bitch—this is all your fault! The Goth family fed you, clothed you, gave you everything. And this is how you repay us? By betraying your own blood? You just wait. I swear, I'll make you regret it." Nyla burst into tears. "Dad… Camilla… we were the ones in the wrong. If we all apologize to Andy together, I know he'll forgive us!" However, Dominic roared and pointed toward the door. "Get out! Get out of the Goth residence right now! From this moment on, you have no place here. You are no longer one of us." Nyla turned pale and dropped to her knees, ready to beg. Francesca rushed over and pulled her into her arms. Her voice was cold. "Nyla, don't waste your tears. Instead, be thankful. Because now, you finally see them for who they really are. These people are not parents—they're monsters." Andrew casually patted Dominic's cheek, a half-smile on his face. "You think I can't touch you, don't you? Mr. Goth, maybe we haven
Camilla stepped forward and backed him up. "That's right! Andrew, you may be the head of Moonlit Apothecary and have quite some power right now, but the Goth family is still one of Jayrodale's founding families! "And the White family still holds plenty of influence around here. If you go too far, and the two of us join forces, don't think we'll just sit back and take it!" Andrew let out a cold laugh. "I don't usually bully the weak just because I can. But Mr. Goth, you said your family never wronged me. Are you really going to stick to that story?" Dominic's eyes shifted, but he doubled down. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I? You gonna tell me when exactly we ever crossed you?" Andrew's voice turned sharp. "You're still trying to play dumb at a time like this? Really? You became Quinton's lapdog and tried to steal the formula for my miracle pills. You're not getting out of that one, are you?" Dominic's eyes blazed with fury as he shot a murderous glare at Nyla. That little tr
Camilla giggled and said, "Honestly, I think that's the best decision too. But Dominic, don't you think Nyla might resent you for it? Her mom passed away so early—right now, you're all she has left." Dominic's voice turned cold. "Her mother's been gone for years. To be honest, I barely feel anything about it anymore. Sure, Nyla's my biological daughter, but if I'm being blunt, I never felt much for her emotionally. "Now that you're carrying my heir—and it's confirmed to be a boy—once he's born, you and our son will be the most cherished members of the Goth family." Both of them wore blissful smiles, completely lost in their fantasy of a perfect future. Suddenly, two guards rushed into the garden, completely out of breath. "Mr. and Mrs. Goth, Ms. Goth 's back!" Dominic frowned with displeasure. "Back already? That was quick. Don't tell me she failed?" His tone turned vicious as he clenched his jaw. "If she screwed up, I'll make sure she pays. I won't let that ungrateful br
Nyla quickly waved her hands and shook her head. "I can't, Andy. I appreciate your kindness, but I really can't accept it. I'm too young, and honestly, I don't have what it takes to run the Goth family." Andrew chuckled. "Nyla, I know exactly what you're worried about. You have no one backing you, no powerful connections, and you're not a man—so you feel like leading a family just isn't in the cards for you. "On top of that, you're terrified of your father, Dominic, and even more afraid of Camilla. You're convinced they wouldn't approve, right?" Nyla let out a bitter smile. "It's not even about whether they'd approve or not. The moment I show the slightest interest in becoming head of the family, Camilla would probably find a way to kill me quietly. "She warned me herself, the day she married into this family. She said the Goth family would belong to her children and that I should forget about having a place in it." Francesca scoffed coldly. "Andrew, you know what? I'm on boa
Nyla lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes full of sorrow. She choked out, "Andy… my dad… he's forcing me… He wants your formulas. He's making me steal them and bring them back to him." She broke down into sobs. "Andy, Dr. Aicker, you should fire me. I don't deserve to stay at Moonlit Apothecary anymore. I don't even have the face to show up here!" The words poured out of her as the tears fell. She had finally revealed everything because her trust in Andrew and Francesca was unconditional. Her loyalty to them ran deeper than blood, and when it came to Dominic, the man who was supposed to be her father, she felt nothing but heartbreak and betrayal. She had come to see that the man who once called her his daughter had turned into someone cold, greedy, and unrecognizable. He wanted her to betray Andrew—to steal from someone who had only ever been kind to her. Nyla realized she simply could not do it. She would rather tell the truth than live with that kind of guilt. Francesca
"But the Three Titans—Driscolls, Phelans, and the most elusive of them all, the Drache family—you'd better be careful around them, Mr. Lloyd," Phantom Eye said seriously. He added, "From what I've heard, those families each have someone far beyond the martial king level hidden in their ranks." Andrew remained unfazed. "If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them. So what if they're above martial king? The world is vast—no one stays undefeated forever. There's always a higher peak beyond the last, and just because they're the Three Titans doesn't make them invincible." Phantom Eye nodded, still concerned. "Maybe so, but the Three Titans have always held the reins there. So, Mr. Lloyd, it never hurts to stay cautious when you're not on home turf." Andrew understood where Phantom Eye was coming from. Anyone who survived in Blumedale's ruthless martial world had to have a sharp eye and a wide view. Even a semi–martial king could build a reputation and live comfortably, but
A new day had begun. First thing in the morning, Andrew noticed several missed calls from Aspen. However, he did not respond to any of them. He already knew exactly why she was calling—she wanted to ask about the new 40 billion dollar transfer. However, Andrew did not feel the need to explain. As far as he was concerned, as long as Aspen managed the funds properly, that was enough. Francesca stepped out of the bathroom with flushed cheeks, looking irritated and disappointed. "Andrew, my period just started." Andrew chuckled. "It is what it is. Does your stomach hurt? Want me to give you the classic 'get some rest' line?" Francesca clenched her jaw. "Don't. Only emotionally clueless guys with zero tact say stuff like that." Andrew nodded seriously. "I agree. That's why I was going to make you a proper warm tea instead." Francesca waved it off. "No need. I may be on my period, but I'm not cramping or low on energy. Don't forget—I grew up in a traditional medicine family. My