Andrew chuckled. "This is nothing to me!" Then, he pressed his palm against Mark's main pressure points while his right hand swiftly inserted three silver needles with a skillful flick. Instantly, two distinct energies surged from Mark's body. He winced in pain but soon let out a deep breath, feeling an incredible lightness. "Is it over already?" Mark asked Andrew in disbelief. "Yes, it's done," Andrew replied with a smile. Mark stared at Andrew intently and stated, "What remained in my body was energy left by a grandmaster. An ordinary person would be completely destroyed just by touching it, yet you handled it without breaking a sweat. If I'm not mistaken, you must be a martial arts master yourself?" Instead of answering directly, Andrew simply smiled and said, "Mr. Thatcher, you should rest now. I'll write two prescriptions, and with two months of recovery, you'll be completely healed." After leaving the prescriptions, Andrew walked out of the room. Immediately, Laure
The invited guests would undoubtedly receive Mark's favor and shower of gratitude. Even after all his scheming, Harvey had absolutely nothing to show for it, which left him seething with frustration. What angered him most was Andrew, that loser, somehow managed to steal his spotlight. He was supposed to be Jayrodale's golden boy, the rising star of the younger generation destined for greatness. Harvey growled through gritted teeth, "Andrew, you've stolen my thunder one too many times. Just wait—I'll find a way to take you down!" Burning with anger and resentment, he stormed out of the Thatcher residence. Just then, Christina called and asked, "Harvey, how's Mr. Thatcher doing?" Harvey forced a laugh, trying to keep his voice steady as he replied, "Everything's fine now. He's cured." Christina exclaimed in surprise, "That's wonderful news! But who managed to heal him? Was it Dr. Aicker, the one you invited?" "Of course," Harvey lied smoothly, not showing an ounce of sh
Mark was a man of his word and immediately ordered someone to fetch the Seventh-Heaven Quince for Andrew. Puzzled, Cedric could not help but ask, "Dr. Lloyd, Seventh-Heaven Quince is known to be highly toxic. What do you plan to do with it?" Andrew replied casually, "Alchemy." Cedric's eyes widened in shock. "Dr. Lloyd, you practice alchemy?" Andrew smiled modestly. "I know a thing or two." "What's so special about this alchemy you're discussing?" Mark asked, his curiosity piqued. Cedric explained with reverence, "Mr. Thatcher, alchemy is an ancient sacred art passed down through generations of master healers. In certain traditions, it's known as the art of creating elixirs. By combining various rare ingredients and following secret formulas, one can create miraculous medicine. Take the medicinal pills from Mistveil Peak, for instance. They're legendary throughout Etharia for their powerful effects and are worth a fortune!" Mark stared at Andrew in amazement. "Mr. Lloyd,
After leaving the mayor's mansion, Cedric rushed home with obvious excitement. Lauren turned to Andrew with a knowing smile and explained, "The Aicker family's business isn't huge, and their reputation mainly comes from Mr. Aicker's medical expertise." "It seems Mr. Aicker is ready to make his big move and capitalize on this opportunity," she added thoughtfully. Andrew nodded in understanding. "It's definitely a golden opportunity." Mark had essentially handed both the Rhodes and Aicker families a silver platter of opportunities, and even a fool could see what a precious chance this was. Lauren gazed at Andrew intently. "Dr. Lloyd, Mr. Aicker and I both benefited because of you. While Mr. Thatcher has good relationships with our families, he wouldn't normally hand out opportunities like this so freely. I really need to thank you properly." Andrew recognized that Mark had shared this privileged information solely out of respect for him. Nonetheless, he simply smiled and sai
Lauren pouted as she glared at Andrew and whispered shyly, "Dr. Lloyd, we haven't even established a relationship yet, so touching is definitely… inappropriate," She thought momentarily and added, "However, if you really want to, we could… maybe share a kiss?" It was Andrew's turn to be flustered. He never expected Lauren to say something so bold, especially with that soft, bashful expression. Andrew had always regarded Lauren as a confident and outspoken woman. Hence, her delicate demeanor and shy, alluring gaze completely stunned him. She looked like a gentle, elegant beauty straight out of a painting. For a moment, Andrew felt his heart skip a beat. Just as the atmosphere grew thick with tension, Andrew's phone rang, abruptly breaking the moment. Lauren covered her mouth, giggling softly. "Go ahead and take your call, Dr. Lloyd. I'm in no hurry!" When Andrew answered, Christina's cold voice came through. "Mr. Lloyd, do you remember what we discussed before? Please com
Nelson's eyes gleamed with lust as he pointed to the chair beneath him. "You don't need Stevens Corporation to shoulder anything. Just spread those beautiful legs and take a seat right here, Ms. Stevens. How about it?" Christina's face darkened immediately. "Mr. O'Connor, what exactly do you mean by this?" "Isn't it obvious? You want the loan, and I want to sleep with you in return," Nelson stated bluntly, dropping all pretense of professionalism. "You're shameless!" Christina growled in anger. Nelson sneered and leaned back, patting his thighs as he mocked her. "Let's not kid ourselves, Christina. You're the one coming to me for help, not the other way around. I've wanted to see what Jayrodale's 'Ice Queen' is really like for years now." His tone turned cruder as he continued, "Let me have my fun tonight, and I'll approve the funds. You'll walk out of here with everything you came for." "You disgusting pig!" Christina cursed at him and turned to leave. How
Blood dripped from the corner of Christina's mouth, and panic gripped her heart. She was alone in Nelson's office, and no one could hear her cries for help. Tears streamed down her face as fear overwhelmed her. In that critical moment, she did not think of her fiance, Harvey. Surprisingly, it was Andrew instead. Suddenly, the office door crashed open with a thunderous bang. Both Christina and Nelson turned in shock as Andrew strode in with a cold expression. Without hesitation, Andrew delivered a powerful kick to Nelson's chest, sending his heavy frame flying backward into his desk with a loud thud. Christina stood frozen, her eyes wide as she stared at Andrew's swift and powerful move. "W-What are you doing here?" she stammered, the red mark on her face still stinging. Andrew's eyes were ice-cold. "Ms. Stevens, did you forget? You called me over." "No, I mean... h-how did you get past security?" she stuttered. "That's not important right now," Andrew snapped. "What we
The security guards and employees stood frozen, stunned by the audacity of someone who dared to storm into Nelson's office, given his position in the bank. Christina felt her blood run cold, wondering why Andrew would escalate the situation when they were so heavily outnumbered. "What are you idiots waiting for? Get them!" Nelson screamed from the floor, his rage boiling over. Since becoming the bank manager, he had never faced such humiliation. Just then, two cars suddenly screeched to a halt outside the bank. Irene and Leroy rushed in with Stevens Corporation security as backup. "Christie, are you alright?" Irene asked frantically. "Mom, I'm fine. Andrew saved me," Christina explained. Irene scoffed. "Saved you? Then why are you hurt?" "Mom, don't be unreasonable!" Christina retorted, her frustration rising. "If Andrew hadn't come, who knows what could've happened to me!" Irene snorted dismissively. "If he had gotten here sooner, you wouldn't be injured at all. An
Logan was stunned. He rushed forward in shock. "Father, you're awake?" George forced a small smile. "Not only am I awake, but I've never felt this clear-headed before. It even feels like my martial cultivation just had a breakthrough!" The crowd of expert doctors, including Chantelle and Mosby, was frozen in place, completely dumbfounded. No one could utter a single word, as they were too stunned to react. Andrew gestured for Logan to help George onto the couch, smiling as he said, "Mr. Keller Senior, the energy corruption has already been cleared from your system. Now you'll just need some medication to aid your recovery, and your body should return to normal. "However, your vitality and spiritual energy were badly depleted—it'll take a few months to fully recover." George looked at Andrew with genuine admiration. He asked Logan to help him sit up, then turned solemnly and said, "I'm already grateful just to be alive. But to come out of this without losing an ounce of my life
Mosby explained, "But undoubtedly, his mind must be utterly exhausted and his spirit completely drained! Whether or not he wakes up will be the real challenge. If he doesn't regain consciousness, he'll become nothing more than a hollow shell." As he spoke, he cast a deliberately sinister glance at Andrew. If George remained in a vegetative state, then Andrew would not just be blamed—he would probably be executed on the spot by the Keller family. Yet right then, Logan turned to Andrew with genuine sincerity and said, "Andrew, all of us in the Keller family saw what you did for my father. Don't worry—even if he doesn't wake up, you'll still be honored as a benefactor of our family." Mosby could not believe what he was hearing. "Mr. Keller, how can you say that? If Mr. Keller Senior doesn't wake up, Andrew should be held accountable for a grievous crime!" Logan, however, had already seen through Mosby's jealousy and hostility toward Andrew. He responded calmly, "Mr. Lake, this is
Andrew ignored all the shouting around him without batting an eye. Once everything he requested had been brought in, he began the treatment without delay. "Mr. Keller Senior, brace yourself for some pain," he warned calmly. With that, he slowly inserted golden needles into the top of George's head. Chantelle's voice turned serious. "Andrew, the head is the most delicate part of the human body. It's where the nerves are most complex—what you're doing could have serious consequences." Andrew replied evenly, "Mr. Keller Senior's condition stems from a mental collapse, and the mind resides in the thoughts—the thoughts in the brain. So, treatment has to start there." As he explained, his hands moved with precision. Soon, the crown of George's head, right in GV20, was covered in golden needles. Then, he pressed two acupoints on George's chest with careful control. A flicker of relief finally appeared on George's agonized face. Logan asked cautiously, "Andrew, why did you target
Mosby said, "I already drained most of the old man's strength with Ms. Garcia! And now you're just waiting on the sidelines to swoop in when it's safe. Don't you think that's rather shameless?" Andrew said flatly, "Judging others by your own petty standards—that's exactly the kind of person you are, Dr. Lake. If you're so upset about it, how about I release Mr. Keller Senior and let you try your luck? Let's see how easy that 'swooping in' really is." Mosby's expression instantly changed. He fell silent, visibly shaken by the idea. He still remembered almost getting killed by George just moments ago, and there was no way he wanted to flirt with death again. Andrew sneered, "Coward." Mosby snapped, "You insolent brat! How dare you insult me?!" Andrew could not be bothered to respond. He had no personal vendetta against the man, but after being provoked repeatedly, he was not going to sit there and take it either. "Logan, get Mr. Keller Senior into the room. I'm ready to begin
Logan shouted, his voice cracking, "Dr. Lake, get out of the way!" Mosby forced himself to stay conscious, pried his eyes open, and immediately saw death rushing at him. He screamed, "Mr. Keller Senior, please—spare me!" However, George had already charged in, eyes blood-red, and a brutal hand chop was aimed straight for Mosby's skull. If that blow landed, the so-called legend of Blumedale would die right here, with his head cracked open. Chantelle gritted her teeth and moved in without hesitation. Her long leg, clad in sleek, tailored slacks, swept out in a horizontal arc. George stumbled back two steps, let out a low, guttural growl, and immediately lunged at her instead. Logan shouted from the side, trying to talk his father down, yet it was useless. George had fully descended into a killing trance. "Dr. Lake, get clear!" Chantelle barked as she spun forward. Her pale, graceful hand landed squarely on George's shoulder, and with a sharp twist, she executed a perfect shoul
Logan instinctively stepped forward, panicked, ready to intervene. However, Andrew stopped him. "No rush. Mr. Keller Senior needs to burn off some of that energy first. That way, it'll be easier for me to treat him afterward." Logan's voice trembled. "Dr. Lloyd, my father is not going to get hurt, right?" Andrew smirked. "Relax. Mr. Keller Senior will be fine. If anyone's in danger, it's probably Dr. Lake." Mosby and George had already gone head-to-head in combat. However, George looked completely possessed, growling like a wild beast, clearly stripped of rationality. His physical strength was nothing short of monstrous. Every vase, table, and piece of furniture in the room that stood in his way was shattered to dust under his fists. He held nothing back. Chantelle's eyes widened. "That strength… Has Mr. Keller Senior reached martial king level?" Logan sighed, conflicted. "That was originally a tightly guarded secret of the Keller family. No outsiders were supposed to know.
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