Aaron took a deep breath, his face full of resentment. "Well, since you've already made up your mind, why bother asking for my opinion? Just let me know the time and place. Meeting you has been nothing but bad luck!"

Andrew nodded with satisfaction. "Don't worry, I won't shortchange you. Taking down Marcelo will only benefit you. No downside to that at all."

…

Later, Andrew brought Rachel along as they made the rounds to a few other families.

"Don't even think about it, Andrew! We're not your lackeys and won't do your dirty work!"

"Seriously, you think you can give orders to us? Who the hell do you think you are? Andrew, you're nothing but a joke!"

"Get lost! You're not worthy of ordering us around, and you sure as hell don't deserve our cooperation."

Despite facing one harsh rejection after another, Andrew maintained his cheerful smile. Then, he dropped his bombshell.

"I think it's necessary to remind everyone that Mrs. Peck, the matriarch of the Peck family, is my dea