Bane silently crouched down and examined Tracia's body. After a moment, he stood up with a grim expression and said, "She must've encountered a skilled martial artist." "What kind of master could kill a Rhodes family security chief?" Michael demanded angrily. Bane remained silent for a moment, his face unusually grave. "At the very least, someone on the level of a junior grandmaster—or maybe even a full grandmaster." He continued, "The ability to kill Tracia with a single punch is leagues beyond those amateurs who had just learned the basics." "Come on, Bane, you can't be serious," Michael said in horror. "How could there be a grandmaster hiding in this place?" To Michael, a grandmaster was practically a living legend—someone even the Rhodes family would show respect. In his mind, those figures were untouchable, being able to kill others without breaking a sweat. Bane snapped, "I never joke about such a matter. She died at the hands of at least a junior grandmaster." "Ba
Michael nodded nervously. "Thank goodness we weren't there when Tracia died. Running into that grandmaster would've been bad news. Still, it's unfortunate Lauren escaped, but at least we have the herbs. When she returns to Rhodes Corporation empty-handed, she'll have to answer for this failure!" At this thought, a hint of a smile returned to Michael's gloomy face. However, Bane suddenly tensed and shouted, "Who's there? Show yourself, or you'll regret it!" Michael spun around in terror, stuttering, "B-Bane, you don't think it's that grandmaster coming for us?" A broad-shouldered man emerged from the shadows, and Michael immediately relaxed. "Oh, it's just you, Jerry. You scared me half to death!" Jerry scoffed. "Mr. Rhodes, if you want to take over Rhodes Corporation, you need to show more backbone. Being spooked by every little noise makes you look like a coward." Michael laughed. "Relax, Jerry, it's just us three here. Even if I'm scared out of my wits, no one else will kno
Jerry immediately refused, "I'm sorry, but I won't do something that risky. Andrew is obviously very close to Ms. Rhodes. If I harm him, she'll never forgive me. I work for the Rhodes family to secure my future, not to be your hitman." Then, Jerry disappeared into the woods, ignoring Michael's furious expression. "Bane, since Jerry is too scared, why don't you take care of that guy yourself? Eliminate him before he causes more problems!" Michael suggested. Bane's face darkened with uncertainty as he replied, "We can't rush this… One wrong move, and we lose everything. We now know Tracia was killed by at least a junior grandmaster-level fighter, and that person might be backing Andrew. If that's the case, moving against him carelessly would only bring us trouble." Michael was frustrated by how his sure victory had turned into a complete defeat, and he shouted, "Bane, are you afraid of that worthless pretty boy too?" Bane scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous! I've dominated Gabo Cree
Lauren was shocked and exclaimed, "Even Mr. Weller Senior is here? Well then, let's see what they're really up to." Upon entering the main hall, Andrew noticed not only the Weller family members but also Christina. When she caught Andrew's glance, Christina remained expressionless and turned away. Harvey smirked, looking down at Andrew with contempt. Lauren greeted Kane respectfully, acknowledging his status as one of Jayrodale's most influential family patriarchs. His local influence sometimes exceeded even the mayor's, particularly in matters concerning traditional martial arts circles. "Lauren, it's been years since I've seen you!" Kane chuckled before breaking into a cough, quickly covering his mouth with a white handkerchief. Though Kane tried to be discreet, Andrew's keen eye caught sight of blood on the cloth, and noting Kane's pale complexion and dim eyes, he could tell the man was gravely ill. "Mr. Weller Senior, if you're unwell, we can discuss this another time
Lauren maintained her composure and replied, "My relationship with Dr. Lloyd isn't your concern, Mr. Weller Senior. Perhaps we should focus on business matters now." Kane's brows furrowed at her bluntness. As the head of a prestigious family, he was not accustomed to being dismissed, especially by a junior. His intentions were genuine—Harvey had mentioned Andrew's abilities, but from Kane's perspective, Andrew was clearly not in the same league as Lauren. However, unlike Harvey, Kane maintained his grace and smiled. "Very well, let me be direct. My price for the Oakridge Club is 150 million." The number shocked both Lauren and Andrew. "I'm sorry, Mr. Weller Senior, but at 150 million, I'll have to pass on this deal," Lauren replied, disappointed that Kane would try to take such a blatant advantage of her. Harvey chimed in with a smirk, "Lauren, we're giving you first priority here. If you're not interested, there are plenty of others lined up to buy Jayrodale's premier cl
The situation was frustratingly complex since Kane technically had the upper hand. As a family patriarch and Lauren's elder, Kane had made what appeared to be a concession by lowering the price by 30 million, making it difficult for Lauren to refuse without seeming disrespectful. If Harvey had been the only one present, Lauren could have continued negotiating. However, with the cunning Kane there, it was awkward for her, as a younger person, to keep bargaining. Nonetheless, she was not foolish enough to accept such an astronomical sum of 120 million dollars. Meanwhile, Harvey was secretly delighted that bringing his father along worked out so well. Kane's negotiating skills far surpassed his own, and the Weller family was past caring about their reputation—they just wanted to rip off the Rhodes family while they could. "Lauren, if there's no issue, let's sign the contract!" Kane said with a seemingly friendly smile. Lauren silently cursed the crafty old man while outwardly
"Alright, we'll follow Dr. Lloyd's suggestion and proceed with the 120 million," Lauren decided. Even though she was unsure why Andrew agreed to such a price, she trusted that he had his reasons and was willing to spend that amount on him. Just as Kane and Harvey's faces lit up with triumph, Andrew dropped a bombshell. "I think there might be a small misunderstanding. When I mentioned 120 million, I wasn't just talking about the Oakridge Club." He continued, "What I meant was that 120 million should buy the entire Weller family holdings. Everything the Weller family owns in Jayrodale would become Rhodes family property, and Ms. Rhodes can transfer the money right now. Now, that's what I call a win-win situation!" The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone reeled from Andrew's words. His suggestion was not about meeting the Weller family's greedy demands—it was about buying out their entire family enterprise. "What the hell are you talking about?" Harvey snarled. "The W
With those words, the Weller family was immediately silenced, holding back their protest. Harvey stared in disbelief and said, "Lauren, the Oakridge Club is such a precious asset. Surely you wouldn't give away something so valuable just for a man, would you?" Lauren smiled and simply stated, "Because I want to!" Kane, speaking as an elder, felt compelled to step in with a warning. He cautioned sternly, "A casual fling is one thing, but your father would be furious if he found out you're purchasing the Oakridge Club just to gift it to some young man." Lauren remained unfazed and replied, "Mr. Weller Senior, just focus on the sales. How I spend my money and what I do with my purchases is my business alone." After repeatedly hitting a wall with Lauren, Kane let out a cold snort and said, "Since you won't listen to reason, fine—the price remains at 120 million, not a dollar less." Andrew quickly interjected, "Ms. Rhodes, since they're not budging, let's leave. There are better