Andrew waved his hand with a smile and said, "Mr. Bates, I'm not worthy of being compared to those so-called prodigies you mentioned. I just don't like being pushed around, that's all." Ronan gave a bitter smile and said, "In times like these, not being pushed around has practically become a luxury. A lot of folks just want some basic fairness and justice, but even that feels impossible to get. "And someone like you, Mr. Lloyd, who dares to fight back against the big, powerful families—well, people like that are few and far between." Andrew caught a deeper meaning behind Ronan's words. "Mr. Bates, did something happen to you and Janice? Something you can't face alone?" "If so, don't hold back—I'm just one man, but I'm not afraid to speak up for what's right," Andrew said, his voice steady and firm. Ronan hesitated, clearly torn, and after a long pause, let out a tired smile. "We are facing something we can't survive on our own. But I've been struggling with whether or not to
Naturally, Andrew refused and said, "Mr. Bates, this treasure map has been tied to your family's legacy for generations. You can't just hand over something this important to me. I can't accept it." However, Ronan shook his head. "Mr. Lloyd, don't think of this as something you're unworthy of or need to feel guilty about taking. This partial map—rather than calling it a gift, it's more like we're transferring a curse. Only by passing it on can we hope to survive." Still, Andrew did not take it. Instead, he asked, "So someone's already after the map, aren't they?" Ronan's eyes filled with seething hatred as he gritted his teeth. "You're right. And the one after this partial map isn't just anyone—it's Mosby himself. People thought he kept attacking Oak Apothecary because he wanted to take over my practice. "But that was just smoke and mirrors to distract the other big families. Mosby's real goal has always been to get his hands on our family's treasure map." Andrew's expression
"I'd rather hand it to you for free than let that scumbag Mosby get his hands on it!" Ronan said firmly. Andrew finally took the partial map and tucked it away carefully. He promised, "Don't worry, Mr. Bates. I'm just holding onto it for now. Even if this treasure is real and ever uncovered, it still belongs to you and Janice." Ronan gave a weary smile. "That treasure isn't so easy to find. To be honest, I've spent years secretly investigating it myself. But I haven't found much. This is only a piece of the map. "In other words, we'd need to gather the rest of the fragments before we could even begin to figure out where the treasure's actually hidden." Andrew chuckled. "So this was passed down through your family and dates back to the fall of the Crimson Dynasty, right? That means it's been over a century. Finding the rest of the pieces seems like a lost cause." Surprisingly, Ronan shook his head. "That's where you're wrong, Mr. Lloyd. From what I know, this treasure is tied
Mosby's second apprentice, Old Hayface, had bandages wrapped around his swollen face and a freshly splinted arm. He screamed through gritted teeth, "Yeah, it was that little bastard! Mr. Lake, you've ruled Blumedale for years—when have we ever been humiliated like this? We've got to kill Andrew. Not just kill—wipe him off the face of the earth!" Mosby's face was dark as thunder, his fists clenching so tight that his knuckles cracked. "Andrew, you arrogant little runt… you've gone too far. Way too far." With rage in his eyes like flames ready to erupt, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. He called Richard, patriarch of the Golding family. "Mr. Golding Senior, I want to increase the payment—add another 500 million!" Mosby growled. I want that punk Andrew dead by tomorrow. No—tonight. I want his body in pieces!" His furious roar was so loud it nearly burst Richard's eardrum on the other end. "Dr. Lake, calm down! Lower your damn voice!" Richard snapped. "You alr
"I'm sorry, Andrew, but I can't marry you!" Christina Stevens declared coldly in the CEO's office of Stevens Corporation. She sat behind her desk, looking elegant in a black lace dress, her demeanor icy and aloof. Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire. Andrew Lloyd could not believe what he was hearing and asked, "Christie, what do you mean? What happened to the promise between us?" They had agreed to tie the knot on the day Stevens Corporation went public, marking the end of their three-year courtship. "Since we've been dating each other, I'll be frank," Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her stunning features exuded grace and beauty with every movement. "Andrew, don't you think the gap between us has grown too wide? It's like we're from different worlds now. Forcing this relationship won't do you any good. For me, it would be… a burden." A burden? Andrew was stunned, never expecting Christina to say such a thing. If it had not
In the elevator, Andrew opened the modest ring box. A dazzling pink diamond immediately caught the light, its brilliance filling the small space. This 7.5-million-dollar luxury ring was once known as the "King of Diamonds" of Jayrodale, truly one of a kind. Andrew did not know exactly how much money was on the bank card, but he was sure it was enough to buy Stevens Corporations ten times over. Moments ago, Christina and Irene had not even bothered to look at these treasures, with Irene dismissing them as junk. As the elevator doors opened, Andrew stepped out. "Well, well, if it isn't Andrew! You don't look so good," a mocking voice greeted him. Andrew calmly looked up to see a man in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back, holding a bouquet of blue roses. It was Shawn Fields, Jayrodale's infamous trust fund baby and one of Christina's most persistent admirers. Not wanting to talk to him, Andrew tried to sidestep him, but Shawn moved to block his path again. Andrew's eyes turn
Meanwhile, Andrew had already settled into a Rolls-Royce, heading toward Jayrodale General Hospital. His phone rang, and to his surprise, it was Christina calling. Since their relationship was over, Andrew saw no reason to answer. Yet, the phone kept ringing, seemingly urgent. Frowning, Andrew finally decided to pick up. "Andrew, listen to me. Turn yourself in immediately!" Christina's voice blared through the speaker, catching Andrew off guard. "That King of Diamonds is worth 7.5 million dollars, Andrew. Have you lost your mind? I know you did this to make me happy, but have you considered the legal consequences? Turn yourself in now, while there's still time. Don't worry, with Stevens Corporation's influence in Jayrodale, I'll do my best to keep you out of jail!" Christina's voice was filled with righteous indignation, feeling disappointed in Andrew. Andrew finally understood—she thought he had stolen the King of Diamonds. "You've got it wrong. I didn't steal it," he said sim
Amidst the flurry of bodyguards, a young girl was rushed into the hospital on a stretcher. By her side, a tall, stunning woman with long flowing hair and legs clad in black stockings clutched the girl's hand desperately. Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, "Cece, please be okay. I'm right here, and I promise I'll save you, no matter what." Despite the urgency of the situation, many onlookers immediately recognized the woman. She was Lauren Rhodes, the heiress of the prestigious Rhodes family and widely regarded as the most beautiful woman in Jayrodale. In the city's fashion industry, Lauren was often described as a femme fatale. "Ms. Rhodes, please don't worry. Our hospital will do everything in our power to save your sister," Bernard Hackett, the hospital's deputy chief, rushed to assure her. Lauren's status and the Rhodes family's influence in Jayrodale were unparalleled. Hence, their presence demanded nothing but the utmost dedication and respect from the hospita