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

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

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

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

Mark's commanding presence filled the air as he demanded, "What's going on here?" Nelson pointed accusingly at the Stevens family. "Mr. Thatcher, when I denied Stevens Corporation's loan request, they turned violent. Ms. Stevens even tried to blackmail me with a setup!" Mark's expression darkened as he turned his cold gaze toward the Stevens family. "Is this true?" Christina spoke up firmly, "Mr. Thatcher, that's not what happened at all. This man abused his position and tried to take advantage of me, so I defended myself." Nelson gestured at his injuries. "You're the CEO of Stevens Corporation, yet you dare lie to the mayor's face? Look at my injuries—this is what her thug did to me when I refused her advances!" Mark's eyes narrowed as he took in Nelson's visibly broken hand. Fury overtook him. "Officers, arrest the Stevens family immediately! Who gave you the right to assault someone?" The Stevens family members trembled with fear, but Christina pleaded, "Mr. Thatcher, p