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
Lauren and her group could not help but chuckle. After all, 22.5 million dollars was somewhat unreasonable. However, Andrew spoke coldly, "What's wrong with 22.5 million? The Weller family wouldn't be selling their assets if you weren't drowning in debt, would you?" He continued with a piercing observation, "Since your family is clearly desperate enough to sell your properties, you're hardly in a position to be picky—without Ms. Rhodes, I doubt anyone would offer even 15 million for the Oakridge Club." Kane and Harvey's expressions shifted subtly, as Andrew's words had struck a nerve. During the Weller family's prime, they could have easily demanded 150 million for the Oakridge Club, and buyers would have lined up. However, with their reputation tarnished by debt, they were lucky to get any offers at all. "Fine, 30 million—it's a deal!" Kane gritted his teeth, fearing that Andrew might lower the price. At this point, he could not risk losing even the 30 million offer. Clos
In the next moment, Kane exploded with rage, "You ungrateful brat, are you threatening me? I order you to stand down right now!" Harvey did not move, instead giving his father a sinister smile. "Dad, I need money, power, the family's influence, and our best people—and I can only control these things as the head of the family." He snarled, "But I can't wait five years. If you truly love me as your son, then hand over your position quickly, and I promise the Weller family will return to its former glory under my leadership!" Kane refused to listen and shouted, "I told you to stand down! Or are you planning to rebel against me?" Harvey's fierce expression gradually softened as he knelt respectfully. He said with sudden humility, "Dad, I apologize for my impulsiveness just now. As you said, I'm still inexperienced and not ready to lead the Weller family. Five more years of training will do me good." Kane's boiling anger began to subside as he snorted. "Do you really mean that?"
Serena gasped in horror. "Harvey, don't do anything rash. He's your father and the head of the Weller family! If you rebel against him, you'll certainly die." Harvey scoffed. "I'm not stupid enough to openly commit patricide. Just keep giving him that drug I provided daily, but from today, increase the dosage. His health is failing fast, and I'm sure he won't last a month!" Serena shivered and protested, "No, if it's too obvious and he discovers it, I'll be executed. I'm already doing enough by helping you, so don't push me to take more risks." Harvey remained silent, his eyes roaming over his stepmother's curves as a lustful smile spread across his face. He whispered menacingly, "Serena, we're in this together now. We've already crossed lines we shouldn't have. If you don't help me, and Dad find out what's between us, do you think you'll survive?" Serena raised her hand in fury to slap him. "You bastard, are you threatening me?" Harvey caught her hand and roughly pulled