One of Finley's attendants sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "Do you know how many women would kill for Mr. Moore's attention? You better not act like you're too good for him!" Lauren took a deep breath and replied coldly, "You're bold to act so arrogant on our turf here in Jayrodale. Fine—the Rhodes family isn't afraid to take on the Hidden Dragons." She reached for her phone to call for backup. Francesca also took out her phone, ready to call Cedric. Finley smirked as he leaned back, clearly amused. "Oh, calling for backup? Go ahead, call whoever you want. Just remember—I haven't laid a single finger on either of you. Even if your families send their forces, do you really think they can touch me? Go ahead, try it!" Andrew slowly stood up at this point. "Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Aickers, there's no need to make those calls." Lauren responded firmly, "Dr. Lloyd, we don't need to be afraid. The Hidden Dragons may be powerful, but the Rhodes family has never bowed to anyone in J
Andrew's slap sent Finley flying, causing the latter to howl in pain. Finley clutched his face as blood mixed with shattered teeth sprayed across the floor. Yet, it was not the searing pain in his mouth that stung the most—it was the sheer audacity of this nobody daring to strike him, fully aware of his connections. Did this guy have a death wish? "If you were a reasonable man, then even if you were just some street vendor, I wouldn't stoop to hurting you," Andrew said calmly, watching Finley wail in pain as blood seeped through his fingers. "But since you won't listen to reason, I couldn't care less if you're from the mighty Hidden Dragons or their leader is your granduncle—I'll do whatever I want." His words weren't particularly loud, but they carried an undeniable power that left Lauren and Francesca momentarily stunned. They had not expected Andrew to resort to violence so quickly, leaving Finley crumpled on the ground, likely with a broken jaw. "How dare you hurt Mr
Atlas snorted, "You already know Mr. Moore's status, yet your pretty boy here had the audacity to attack him." He continued, "While I'm willing to overlook this for the sake of the Rhodes and Aickers families, the Hidden Dragons aren't known for taking insults lightly. If I hadn't arrived in time, they would have torn him to pieces!" Francesca protested angrily, "Mr. Giordano, Finley was the one who was crude and offensive first. He was bullying Andrew!" Atlas retorted arrogantly, "Right or wrong doesn't matter here. What matters is that Mr. Moore's granduncle is the leader of the Hidden Dragons. And what is this boy toy of yours? If it weren't for you ladies, he'd already be dead." Lauren stood firm. "I'd like to see anyone try to touch Dr. Lloyd." Atlas spoke gravely. "Ms. Rhodes, you come from a prestigious family with a bright future. Don't waste your reputation on some pretty face." He then turned to Andrew with contempt. "And you, Andrew Lloyd—I've heard of you. You'
The demolition and reconstruction of the Oakridge Club would take some time. Andre handed all the responsibilities to Lauren, leaving him free to enjoy a rare moment of leisure. By the time he returned to Moonlit Sanctuary, evening had fallen. Under the warm glow of the fading sunset, Andrew removed his shirt and began practicing his punches in the courtyard. An elderly man sat at a stone table under an old tree, sipping tea with a smile. "Prince Andrew, your technique has become more fluid and natural. I've only seen such mastery in His Majesty himself!" Andrew continued his practice without turning. "Marvin, when did you get here?" Marvin chuckled. "I just arrived a short while ago. I made myself some tea since you weren't around. I must say, everything here is of the finest quality!" Andrew faced the setting sun as his movements became more controlled yet powerful. "Marvin, I'm no longer a prince, so drop that title. Here in Jayrodale, we should just live our own lives qui
Among the items Andrew needed to regain his strength and break the seals were the Seventh-Heaven Quince from Mark and the Morlic Root from Cedric. "The Radiant Group is holding an auction soon, and this Celestial Nymphaea is one of the featured items," Marvin explained. He continued, "With my connections as the wealthiest man in Jayrodale, I could have purchased the Celestial Nymphaea directly, but apparently, someone else has already shown interest in it. "The Radiant Group is in a difficult position and doesn't dare to sell it privately, which is why I came to you." Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. Give me the time and location of the auction, and I'll handle it personally." Marvin replied, "It's the day after tomorrow at 8 pm sharp in Radiant Group's underground hall." In Jayrodale, Radiant Group was a heavyweight in the jewelry, antiques, and luxury goods industry. For them to offer something as rare as the Celestial Nymphaea did not surprise Andrew. After all, he
Leroy shrugged dismissively and said, "Christie, how much is the Stevens family's reputation really worth?" "You won't buy me a luxury car, and when I try to get one from someone who can afford it, you say I'm embarrassing you—I don't understand what you want." Christina's chest heaved with anger. Her pride could not bear watching her brother behave like a bootlicker in front of Andrew. Her voice trembled with anger and hurt as she growled, "You must be really enjoying this, aren't you, Andrew? Watching Leroy debase himself and making our family look like fools." "So you're saying it's wrong for me to drive a luxury car?" Andrew asked calmly. "Aren't you just showing off to provoke Leroy and get under my skin?" Christina accused. Andrew chuckled. "Christina, you're overestimating your importance and underestimating me at the same time. It's just a car— what's there to show off about?" Irene smirked. "Who knows what tricks you're trying to pull now? But it doesn't matter b
Christina was clearly affected by Andrew's words, but she said nothing. Over the past few days, she had felt increasingly uneasy as Harvey's true nature began to emerge. After all, it was vastly different from the gentleman and promising young man she thought she knew. Even so, her pride would not allow her to admit to Andrew that she had misjudged someone so completely. Finally, the night of the auction arrived. By 8 p.m., luxury cars filled the parking lot of the Radiant Group building as Jayrodale's elite gathered for the event. Among them were Michael and Harvey, both dressed in impeccable suits and projecting an air of elegance, with stunning women in their arms. "Harvey, long time no see! You look like you're living the high life—definitely more comfortable than I am!" Michael spoke first, casually glancing at Christina, who was standing next to Harvey. He had long admired Jayrodale's "Ice Queen CEO" himself, and though she was truly flawless in every way, he could on
Michael smirked, fanning the flames. "Mr. Moore, you're asking for trouble now. Everyone in Jayrodale knows that Christina is Harvey's true love." Finley opened his fan with a proud look. "They aren't married yet, so I still have a shot!" His two attendants glanced at Christina and smirked. "Pretty lady, catching Mr. Moore's eye is the luck of a lifetime. Be his, and you'll live a life of luxury and power—everything you desire will be within reach," one of them said. Christina remained silent, her face cold as ice. "Mr. Moore, I respect you as a guest from Hidden Dragons, so I'm showing restraint," Harvey said through gritted teeth. "But if you continue to be so disrespectful, I might have to teach you a lesson." Finley sneered. "Harvey, the Weller family has fallen so low they're selling off assets. Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous to act tough with me? Besides, why are you making such a fuss? I'm not interested in you—it's Ms. Stevens who's caught my eye." Finley'