Christina could not understand how Andrew had such an effect on these exceptional women. First Lauren, then Francesca, and now someone even more remarkable—Natasha, the powerful widow who ruled West End. Returning to the lounge, she said to Aspen, "Aspen, let's just head home." Aspen shook her head. "Not yet, Christie. You need to learn to handle these situations, even if you don't like them." "I don't want to breathe the same air as Andrew," Christina replied coldly. "What's wrong? Does it bother you that this worthless gold-digger is suddenly so successful?" Aspen asked with a knowing smile. Christina responded stiffly, "If he can climb the social ladder through women, that's his talent. It doesn't bother me." Aspen said seriously. "No, Christie, you're wrong. He's not moving up his status—he simply doesn't know his place. Once powerful women like Madam Vostokoff get bored with this nobody, they'll kick him to the curb. I've seen it happen countless times." … Out o
Andrew shook his head, "I'm not sure. Although these photos alone might anger Atlas, given his calculated nature, he'll likely choose to stay calm." "True," Natasha agreed. "Atlas is too shrewd. When he sees these photos, his first instinct will be to control his anger toward Finley. We need to push further, make Atlas so furious he'll turn against Finley completely." Dylan shrugged. "Going further means catching them in the act. But where are we going to get that kind of evidence?" "Where are Finley and Yvonne now?" Andrew asked. "They went to the lounge after the gala, but we don't have cameras there," Dylan replied. Natasha sighed, "We obviously can't install surveillance in the lounges—that would offend too many important people." Just then, Antonio came in with news. "Madam, Mr. Garner, Mr. Lloyd—Yvonne has already left the estate." "So this operation wasn't perfect," Natasha said, rubbing her temples. "Without concrete evidence between Yvonne and Finley, we don't ha
Andrew set down the glasses and nodded to them both. "Both glasses contain traces of the drug. Since Finley and Yvonne used this lounge, it's safe to assume they both consumed it." "So, Finley drugged Yvonne," Natasha blurted out. "Which means he wanted to…" "He wanted to sleep with her," Dylan cut in eagerly. "Everything before was just an act. He secretly drugged Yvonne, and they might be in the middle of it right now!" Natasha's face lit up with excitement. "That's got to be it! That sly bastard Finley really knows how to play dirty." "Quick, we need to find out where Finley and Yvonne went," Andrew urged. "The drug acts fast. Based on when they left, it should be taking effect right about now." Natasha smirked coldly. "Leave it to my people to handle this. We'll track them down and catch them in the act." She turned to Andrew with an amused smile. "Impressive. Even in this mess, you still managed to uncover a lead, darling." Without Andrew's sharp observation and noti
"I can't believe a powerful woman like Madam Vostokoff would lose her head over a worthless man. How disappointing," Aspen muttered, finally suppressing her humiliation and anger. "Come on, Christie. If she doesn't recognize our value, we'll go to Mr. Giordano in the Northern District," she declared. "Aspen, there are many ways to expand our family's business into Jayrodale," Christina said worriedly. "I don't think you need to deal with underground figures like them. Their methods are often questionable, and I'm concerned—" Aspen interrupted with a dismissive laugh, "I know what you're worried about, Christie. You're afraid I'm too naïve and might get played by them, right? Don't underestimate me. Just watch—soon, the two of us will make such a name for ourselves in Jayrodale that no one will dare look down on us." Christina frowned slightly, her instincts telling her that her cousin from the main family was being too hasty. Nonetheless, given Aspen's headstrong nature, which
Members of West End were already negotiating with the hotel's security staff at the entrance. However, the hotel's security guards were clearly unfazed by West End's reputation and blocked the entrance without hesitation. Dylan's face darkened, and he stepped forward, ready to force their way in. Andrew quickly stopped him, saying, "Don't make a scene!" Dylan argued, "Mr. Lloyd, if we don't get in now, Finley might be slipping away soon!" Andrew shook his head. "Relax, the effects of cantharides last at least half a day." Natasha chimed in, "This hotel belongs to the Rhodes family, and West End has a decent relationship with them. Let me try." She approached the entrance with a cold expression. "Move aside. I'm Natasha Vostokoff from West End." The guards exchanged uneasy glances, clearly intimidated by her commanding presence. One of them finally mustered the courage to say, "Madam Vostokoff, the hotel has been reserved for the night. Mr. Rhodes has ordered that no on
"Since you're not leaving, suit yourself," Michael said with a shrug. He had his men bring over a couch and plopped down at the entrance like a stubborn bouncer. "But today, our hotel is closed to the public, so we might as well get comfortable waiting here." "You idiot," Natasha snapped, her temper flaring. "Looks like I'll need to teach you a lesson since you think I'm bluffing." However, Andrew merely chuckled. "Since Mr. Rhodes seems to enjoy playing concierge so much, let's not disturb his new career choice." Michael's face twitched as he suppressed his rage while Andrew kept taunting him with concierge jokes, making the humiliation almost unbearable. He had no choice though—Finley was currently having a steamy affair with Atlas' mistress inside. Michael had to guard the hotel well because the consequences would be devastating if this got exposed. However, if he could satisfy Finley, Michael would finally have an involvement with the Hidden Dragons organization. Andre
Aspen stood up gracefully and said, "Well then, Christie and I will take our leave. And I'd like to offer my early congratulations to you on your inevitable dominance of Jayrodale's underworld—this will create an even better foundation for our partnership." Atlas was thoroughly pleased with himself. He boasted, "Ms. Stevens, you clearly have excellent foresight, knowing that I'll soon control all of Jayrodale's underworld. Before long, you'll witness the golden age of our Northern District." Just then, one of Atlas's top lieutenants entered with a troubled expression and signaled urgently to speak with him. Atlas maintained his composure and said smoothly, "In that case, ladies, please excuse me from seeing you out." "Farewell, Mr. Giordano," Aspen replied with a polite smile. After leaving the Northern District, Christina turned to Aspen. "Aspen, investing 150 million dollars just like that makes me nervous." Aspen exuded complete confidence as if everything was already perf
Atlas' man quickly said, "Mr. Giordano, please calm down. These photos are from an unknown source and might not tell the whole story, and we should investigate first. Besides, Mr. Moore is our ally, and if we let this scandal tear us apart, wouldn't that play right into our enemies' hands?" Atlas snapped out of his rage and nodded repeatedly. "You're right! I almost lost my head there." His expression darkened as he realized these photos were likely Natasha's or Dylan's handiwork, meant to drive a wedge between him and Finley. "Dylan, Natasha, you're both quite devious," he muttered through gritted teeth. "But unfortunately for you, I'm not so easily manipulated." He silently vowed to deal with them both as soon as possible. Just then, another of Atlas's trusted men burst in, looking even more distressed than the man before. Atlas frowned. "What now? Why does everyone look like they're at a funeral?" The man's face was grim as he reported, "Mr. Giordano, I just received w