Joe's face darkened for the first time, cold as ice. He said flatly, "Andrew, I never wanted to lay a hand on you. Because if I did, Lauren would think less of me. She'd think I'm a bully, that I'm using my power to crush an outsider like you." He continued, "But Andrew, you really don't know your place. In all of Gabo Creek and the southern region of Holtrien, there aren't more than people who would dare to stand up to me like this. And you? You're nowhere near that level." Andrew slowly rose to his feet, calm and unfazed. "Whether I'm qualified or not, Mr. Driscoll, why don't you enlighten me?: He was not interested in playing games anymore. The tension between the two men snapped like a rubber band. They were like two raging lions on the plains, both dominant and ready to kill for their pride and their woman. Andrew was more than ready to throw down, no tricks, no nonsense. He was eager for a clean, brutal fight. However, Liliana finally lost it. She jabbed a finger toward

Andrew had already left Nova Fight Club. He exited the same way he came, calm and unbothered. No one even dared to stop him. Liliana said angrily, "Joe, why? With your personality, there's no way you'd tolerate such an insignificant bug acting so arrogantly! You could have crushed him with a single slap!" Joe's eyes were deep and thoughtful as he shook his head. "Liliana, none of you really understand me. Everyone thinks I'm the Driscoll family heir, a peerless genius, an untouchable golden boy! "Maybe the old me enjoyed all that vanity and those titles. But my excellence and talent don't need other people's applause to validate them. My path in life doesn't need my family's background to prop me up so I can bully others and lord over them." He added, "Andrew has every right to compete with me for Lauren. So I'll defeat him fair and square, openly and honestly, and tear him apart! I won't look down on him just because he's a nobody. This is the insight my recent martial arts

Miles was a privileged heir from the Peck family, one of the Five Apex Families, and was on the same level as people like Elon from the Golding family. In Blumedale, he was naturally considered a top-tier second-generation elite. Lately, Miles had even started his own company, trying to break away from his family and build something on his own. That kind of ambition was not unusual among young heirs. After all, none of them wanted to be seen as soft trust-fund kids with no bite. Everyone wanted to prove themselves without leaning on their last name. Then again, most of the time, the smartest thing a wealthy heir could do was not start a business. Instead, they should just live comfortably off their family's wealth and assets. More often than not, once they started entrepreneurial ventures, even the most substantial family fortunes could not withstand the losses. While Miles was not reckless, his company's financial situation was dire, and he could barely make payroll anymore.

Andrew smiled. "Speaking of which, Lauren, I actually think Mr. Driscoll is a pretty decent guy! At least he's not like Elon from the Goldings or Xavier from the Haywoods, those brainless idiots who come out swinging and acting all high and mighty from the start." Lauren hesitated, seeming like she wanted to say something but held back. Francesca had a strange expression on her face and giggled. "Joe, the heir of the Driscoll family, definitely can't be compared to people like Elon and Xavier. If it weren't for you, I actually think Lauren and Joe getting together would have made a beautiful love story!" Andrew's face darkened. "Fran, are you saying that compared to Joe, I'm not good enough for Lauren?" Francesca quickly said, "Look at you, getting all jealous over nothing! If you hadn't appeared, Lauren and Joe being together would have been perfectly fine. But the problem is that you, Lauren's true prince charming, showed up. So naturally you're better than Joe!" Aspen a

Chantelle said, "Plus, I'm borrowing your kitchen and using your ingredients. So, Mr. Lloyd, just eat up. No need to thank me or anything!" Andrew smiled. "Come on, having someone of your stature cook dinner for me is truly an honor!" The dining table was loaded with about 15 dishes, all specialty cuisine. Lauren and the other two girls kept nodding as they ate, constantly praising Chantelle's cooking skills. Andrew also gave her a thumbs up, agreeing that she really knew her way around the kitchen. After dinner, it was already past 8:00 p.m. Chantelle stood up and said, "I'll wash the dishes and then head home." Lauren said in surprise, "No way, Ms. Garcia! We can't possibly let you do the dishes!" Aspen quickly added, "Ms. Garcia, don't worry about it. Just rest for a bit, I'll wash the dishes!" Francesca nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Just relax, Ms. Garcia. Aspen and I will handle the dishes!" Chantelle started clearing the plates and insisted, "No way! I've a