Andrew responded indifferently, "20% of Stevens Corporation's shares are supposed to be my reward?" "You seem to have quite an inflated opinion of yourself, Ms. Stevens," he added with a hint of sarcasm. Douglas quickly chimed in, "Take it, Andy. You helped us out, and this is what you deserve." "Sir, I don't need the money," Andrew said with a smile. "While 20% of Stevens Corporation is substantial, it makes no difference to me whether I have it or not." Christina took a deep breath and replied coldly, "If you don't want it, there's nothing more to say. I gave you an opportunity, Andrew, but you couldn't seize it." She felt uncomfortable, knowing Andrew's rejection stemmed from underestimating Stevens Corporation. Little did he know that the company had transformed significantly since its early days. To her, Andrew remained as shortsighted as ever, lacking true vision. Among the Stevens family, only Douglas had a different perspective. He realized the family had missed
Christina stated firmly, "Once I make a decision, I never regret it. And speaking of decisions, why are you single now? What about Ms. Rhodes or Ms. Aickers? These two Jayrodale beauties have been throwing themselves at you." She had not realized the jealousy that tinged her voice as she spoke. "Well, Andrew, your love life certainly blossomed after breaking up with Christie," Irene remarked with an eye roll. "You must be living the high life now, being Ms. Rhodes's kept man." "You're absolutely right," Andrew replied with a smile. "Ms. Rhodes has been very good to me. In fact, I'm planning to confess my feelings to her soon. I look forward to that sweet sugar baby lifestyle and retiring 30 years early." Irene scoffed. "That's all you'll ever amount to. No wonder Christie doesn't want you. You should really take a look at yourself." Christina interjected coldly, "Mom, that's enough. It isn't easy to win over someone like Ms. Rhodes, and we should be happy for him." Leroy ea
Inside the SUV, Dylan personally drove Andrew toward West End. "Dylan, this isn't the way to South City, is it?" Andrew asked, raising an eyebrow. Dylan explained with a wry smile, "Mr. Lloyd, we're heading to West End. Tonight is a crucial three-way meeting between us South City, Northern District's Atlas, and the last major underground power in Jayrodale—West End's Natasha Vostokoff. "I wouldn't have dared ask for your company if it wasn't important." Andrew analyzed and commented, "So the conflict between South City and Northern District has reached a critical point. That's why West End couldn't stay neutral anymore and had to step in for negotiations, right?" "You've hit the nail on the head, Mr. Lloyd," Dylan said admiringly. "Last time, you helped us take down Griffin, giving South City a chance to counter-attack. "Now, neither Norther District nor South City can gain the upper hand. With Madam Vostokoff getting involved, I'm worried about potential tricks, which is
Dylan forced an awkward laugh and ducked his head sheepishly. "I was just kidding, Mr. Lloyd. Please don't be angry." He had no doubt about Andrew's influence. With one word, this man could actually have him performing stand-up comedy for the rest of his life. … The SUV pulled up in front of a towering building in Jayrodale's West End district. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Madam Vostokoff's headquarters—the main base of West End's underground operations," Dylan explained while opening the door for Andrew. "Impressive…" Andrew nodded after taking in the sight. At that moment, an alluring woman wearing a veil and dark smoky eye makeup approached them, surrounded by several imposing bodyguards. "Mr. Garner, you've finally arrived. Please come in. Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore are getting impatient," she said with a smile, her eyes deliberately lingering on Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Natasha Vostokoff, the leader of Jayrodale's West End," Dylan introduced. Before he could introduce
Atlas and Finley were already seated in the massive conference room. When Natasha entered with her signature sultry walk, Finley's eyes lit up with desire, but Atlas quickly shot him a warning glance. Atlas was well aware of Natasha's reputation in Jayrodale's underground circles, and he worried Finley's wandering eye might compromise their position. "Thank you for your patience, Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore," Natasha said with a smile. "Mr. Garner and South City's representative have arrived, so we can begin." "What capable fighter could South City possibly have besides Dylan?" Finley scoffed. "They're all trash in my eyes." "Pretty big talk from you, Mr. Moore. Better be careful not to bite your tongue," Dylan's voice sounded from the doorway as he and Andrew entered the room. Initially, both Finley and Atlas wore looks of contempt, feeling confident in their position against Dylan. However, when they saw Andrew beside him, their expressions quickly changed. "So this is who
"Finley and Atlas can't be trusted," Dylan warned. "If you believe their lies, once they destroy South City, West End won't be spared either." "Oh? What makes you say that?" Natasha asked with a smile. "Are you suggesting Northern District plans to take over West End as well?" Before Dylan could respond, Atlas cut in, "Dylan's just a brute—don't take his words seriously. Northern District and West End have always maintained peaceful relations, and even if we wanted your territory, we wouldn't have the strength after dealing with South City. That would be suicide!" "Mr. Giordano is right," Finley added smoothly. "In fact, West End stands to gain the most from this. The only reason we're pursuing this vendetta against South City is because Dylan treacherously killed Mr. Giordano's lieutenant. Such a betrayal demands justice." Their coordinated pitch seemed to sway Natasha, while her lieutenants behind her nodded approvingly. "Madam, we should stay neutral and let them fight it
"How dare you insult Madam Vostokoff! Are you asking for death?" West End's enforcers erupted in anger. "In all these years, no one has ever dared to disrespect our leader on our turf!" Over the years, many have experienced Natasha's ruthless cunning firsthand. For this young upstart to openly mock her intelligence right to her face—he must have been tired of living. Atlas and Finley could barely contain their joy at this turn of events. "Dylan, is this your way of making South City perish faster?" Finley taunted, fanning himself with a smirk. He added, "Andrew, I know you're trying to get Madam Vostokoff's attention, but this thorny rose is far beyond your reach. Now, you'll probably leave here in pieces!" "Mr. Garner, he's your man," Natasha snapped. "For old times' sake, I'll give you one chance to explain what he means. Otherwise, none of you will leave West End's headquarters alive." "Madam Vostokoff, Mr. Lloyd can be quite direct, but let me explain—" Dylan began
He leaned forward, his voice biting as he said, "Answer me this: Atlas promised you a 50-50 split of the territory once he takes down South City. Did you seriously believe that just because he said it?" Natasha's glare intensified, but before she could respond, Andrew continued. "Second, Jayrodale has three major underground organizations, with Atlas and Northern District being the strongest. Surely, you know this much. And now, with Finley and the Hidden Dragons backing him, Atlas is more powerful than ever. After he crushes South City, do you really think he won't turn around and wipe out West End next?" Natasha scoffed, though there was hesitation in her voice. "Do you seriously think I don't understand the dynamics of Jayrodale better than you? After taking South City, Atlas will be weakened. How could he possibly come after me?" Andrew shook his head, smirking. "Calling you stupid is honestly being too kind. As I said, Atlas has the Hidden Dragons and the ambitious Finley by