The Cunningham family in Chetvine was one of the ten great aristocratic houses in the city. The line between a powerhouse and a wealthy family was simple: if the family had a martial emperor-level figure sitting at the top, then it was considered a powerhouse. Meanwhile, the Cunningham family was rumored to have two martial emperors, giving them influence across Holtrien and even the world. "Special Ops' director, Barnaby Hale, here to pay respects to the Cunningham family!" A convoy pulled up, and the notorious director of Special Ops, often called the mad dog, stepped out with a smile. The Cunninghams remained calm and polite. "Mr. Hale! Please, come inside." Barnaby held real power and influence in Chetvine. However, when he came to the Cunningham residence, he was just another visitor. This was because the Cunninghams not only had people with higher positions than him, but also those who could outfight him. Soon, Barnaby was escorted to the Cunningham residence's r

Terror Town was the biggest metropolis in the east of Holtrien. At the international airport, Andrew and the two women stepped off the plane, where Chantelle's family was already waiting. "Elle, you're finally back! I missed you so much!" A stylish and well-dressed woman was the first to rush forward. Chantelle hugged her tightly and laughed. "Mom, I'm home." Beside her stood more than a dozen members of the Garcia family. Among them were Chantelle's father, Patrick Garcia, her sister, Cassandra, and her brother-in-law, Carlos Watts. Andrew could clearly feel all their eyes sizing him up, though he did not care and waited for Chantelle to make introductions. Natasha had already left ahead of them, as she was familiar with Terror Town. She told Andrew not to worry about her. She would handle her business with the Langley family first, then return to find him. Andrew was not concerned about her safety since the Langley family was Natasha's family. Since she obviously did no

Carlos stepped forward with a mocking smile. "Whether or not you're really from Chetvine doesn't matter. If you want to marry into the Garcia family, you'd better prove yourself like I did." Sofia took a small sip of tea and casually said, "Carlos is the CEO of a public company, Andrew. You might not realize it yet since you're new here, but Carlos is considered outstanding, a true leader among men." Andrew chuckled. "Mrs. Garcia, if 'leaders among men' are this common, the world must be overflowing with them. If any small-time player is suddenly a leader among men just because they're called out, then wouldn't the whole world be overrun with nobodies?" Sofia's face darkened. She had not expected Andrew to be this sharp-tongued, especially under her roof. She wanted to argue but held back, wanting to maintain her poise. Hence, she relied instead on Carlos to handle it. Carlos sneered. "Sounds like you're not too convinced, huh? Don't say I'm bullying you, but as a guest, let me

Sofia cleared her throat, smiling as she turned to Andrew. "It's not that we're looking down on you, but you just have to face reality. This is our family's standard of living. That must feel like a heavy burden for you, doesn't it?" She went on warmly. "We know your relationship with Elle wasn't easy. But Chantelle is our daughter, born and raised in Terror Town, and our family is well-off. That's undeniable. "On top of that, she's building a career in politics, so her future is very bright. Honestly, as an elder, I sympathize with you two. But as her mother, I don't approve of this relationship." Andrew nodded. "Mrs. Garcia, you're right, being well-matched in status is very important." Sofia blinked, surprised at how cooperative he sounded. He added with the same calm smile, "If we look at family background, wealth, and other aspects, you're right: we really don't match. After all, compared to me, your family's conditions are far too low. We're simply not compatible."

Cassandra was the first to notice something wrong. "Carlos, what's going on with you? Why does your face look so pale all of a sudden?" Sofia, still confused, asked with concern. "Carlos, are you feeling unwell? If you're not feeling good, get some rest. Don't get yourself worked up just because of good news, my boy." She still thought he was just too excited about the supposed five-billion-dollar acquisition. However, Carlos ignored everyone. He walked straight up to Andrew and suddenly dropped to his knees with a loud thud. "Mr. Lloyd, I-I'm sorry! I was blind and failed to recognize who you really are. I'm sorry, so sorry!" He slapped his own face hard, again and again, while begging forgiveness. The entire Garcia family froze in shock. Sofia frowned in disbelief. "Carlos, get up right now! What are you doing? You shouldn't be kneeling like this!" Cassandra cried out, "Honey, what's wrong with you? Why are you kneeling to him?" Carlos snapped. "Stay out of this! Don