Behind Harvey stood two of the Weller family's senior enforcers. He slowly strutted forward and landed two vicious slaps across Leroy's face. Blood flew as Leroy cried out in pain, stumbling backward. Irene exploded with rage and charged at Harvey, aiming a wild kick. However, Harvey just sneered. "You nasty old hag, I've been holding back on the Stevens family for way too long! Back then, Andrew protected you. Later, Aspen showed up to play the hero. But now? Your precious Stevens family doesn't have a damn guardian left, do you?" With that, he spun and slapped Irene so hard she flew sideways. Short and heavyset as she was, the impact sent her crashing to the ground with a loud thud, followed by her pitiful groans. "Harvey, you and your Weller goons are monsters! You're all going to pay for this!" she screamed through the pain. Christina's face turned ice cold as she stormed forward. "Harvey, you sick bastard—what the hell are you trying to do?" Harvey chuckled darkly. "
Harvey thought, 'You want Quinton to be your knight in shining armor? That's a joke." From the start, the Stevens family was already caught in the trap Quinton set. At that moment, Quinton watched from a distance, calmly surveying the chaos. "Harvey's really going all in," Shawn said with a smirk. Quinton's expression did not change. "The harder he hits, the more painful it is for the Stevens family. And once I make my entrance, the impact on Christina will be that much stronger." Shawn forced a flattering smile. "Quinton, once you've played the hero and saved the day, you're taking the Stevens family to Blumedale, right? So, could you also help out my Fields family while you're at it?" Quinton replied flatly, "Don't worry. When the time's right, I'll handle it." Shawn swallowed that line with a bitter smile, thinking, 'He's been stringing me along with that same promise for days.' "Quinton, Andrew showed up at my home earlier," Shawn pleaded. "He made it clear—we're on
Harvey looked both shaken and uncertain. "Andrew, you're really not here to save the Stevens family?" Andrew replied casually, "Not in the mood. Just don't get in my way. Whatever else you people want to do—knock yourselves out." Harvey instantly relaxed. Then, he grabbed Leroy by the collar and resumed the beating with even more enthusiasm. Not satisfied, he nodded at one of the Weller family's goons, who immediately turned and slapped Irene across the face without hesitation. Irene shrieked in pain, "What the hell are you doing? Hitting a woman now? Harvey, you bastard! Are you even human?" Her screams fell on deaf ears as slap after slap rang out. Her head spun, her face swelled, and she broke into uncontrollable sobs. "Christie! Beg Andrew—ask him to help us! Please!" Irene cried out in desperation, her pride now shattered. Christina clenched her jaw, trembling with fury. Even so, she could not bring herself to lower her head and beg Andrew—not after what had just hap
Quinton's aggressive and domineering voice thundered through the air—he was practically roaring. However, the very next second, he awkwardly realized that Harvey had already stopped bullying the Stevens family before he got there. Now, Harvey was standing off to the side, looking sheepish and awkward. Irene and Leroy were in bad shape—one had passed out cold, and the other was bawling their eyes out. Only Christina was still standing. She looked up at Quinton but did not say a word. Still, the cold indifference and mockery in her eyes were impossible to miss. Quinton's heart sank. Did Christina see through him? Could she tell this was all just an act? He refused to believe it, knowing he had to do something fast to fix this. Thankfully, he was quick on his feet. He kept his face cold and serious, stormed over to Harvey, and slapped him hard across the face. Harvey was stunned, then instantly furious. They agreed this whole thing was just for show, but now Quinton had the n
Quinton did not stop after slapping Harvey. Still filled with aggression, he turned around and violently beat down the Weller family thug who had attacked the Stevens earlier. He did not let up until Christina finally shouted, "Quinton, our family appreciates what you have done. But right now, Leroy needs to get to the hospital!" Only then did Quinton stop, turning to Harvey with a fierce warning, "Remember, there better not be a next time. If there is, I promise your entire Weller family will pay!" Harvey was beyond furious. He had shown up today in good faith, just trying to help Quinton stage his little performance. He willingly played along just to make Quinton look good, but he never imagined he would end up being the victim himself. This whole act was turning into nothing but a massive loss for him. Andrew clapped sarcastically again, grinning as he said, "Bravo, Quinton, bravo! You did not hesitate to throw Harvey under the bus to look cool! "Other guys show off by
With both palms slamming forward, Andrew unleashed a terrifying force, blasting straight at Ian and Ted like a crashing tidal wave. Blood splattered, and screams pierced the air. One of the elders, who had actually reached peak grandmaster level, was sent flying with blood gushing from his mouth—completely overwhelmed. In just one move, Andrew had struck both of them down effortlessly. Harvey's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. He could hardly believe it—those two elders were the backbone of the Weller family, and they were taken down just like that. With just one strike, both were defeated. The rest of the Weller family, who had started charging forward, immediately froze. Fear took hold, and they backed away in panic, too afraid to even try another step. Even Quinton narrowed his eyes, frowning as he glanced at Andrew. He wondered if Andrew had already surpassed the grandmaster level. If so, did that mean he had reached the level of a semi-martial king? No. Tha
Tears of humiliation welled up in Shawn's eyes as he clenched his teeth and muttered, "Got it!" Andrew slapped him again, harder this time. "I didn't ask if you got it. I asked if it's okay." The weight of shame nearly crushed Shawn from the inside out. Nonetheless, he did not dare resist. He did not even flinch as he squeezed out, "Okay!" No one missed how low he had sunk. Even Quinton, the proud heir of Blumedale, had lost all his swagger, and now Shawn had no one to count on. He was completely on his own. Andrew looked down at him and said coldly, "You can fuck off now." Shawn acted like he had just been pardoned from death row. He scrambled to his feet and bolted straight back to the Fields family. From that day on, he swore he would check the stars before leaving his house, and he would make damn sure Andrew was not in the same zip code. If their paths might cross, he would rather stay home or take a two-hour detour. "Alright, Fran, let's go," Andrew said, brushing o
In Blumedale, Michael's funeral, arranged by Kenny, had already ended, yet Andrew never showed up. Kenny and Sherilyn grew furious, and Sherilyn, backed by the Goldings, boldly offered 300 million dollars to launch a vendetta against Andrew. The entire Blumedale power structure buzzed with rumors and speculation, wondering what kind of man from Jayrodale had incited the wrath of the Rhodes family elder and the Goldings. The so-called family vendetta was a killing order issued by the top-tier families, a deadly move targeting an enemy's life. Once activated, anyone allied with those families could hunt down the fugitive for the 300 million dollar reward, and if successful, the money would be theirs. With the combined might of these influential families and their alliances, the order was terrifying, as being targeted meant being hunted by a dozen or more powerful houses, a true death sentence. Tiana personally called Andrew to warn him that he either had to hide out in Jayrodale
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