Andrew had no idea that Leslie's words had actually done him a huge favor. Ryder, pushed to his limits and humiliated repeatedly, had made up his mind that he would take over as head of the Ulrich family to prove his worth. When the time came, he would make sure Leslie paid for it, hard. … The late autumn wind was cold and biting as it swept across the lawn behind the Serenity Villa. Training continued as usual, but today there was a new face among them—Lauren. Since she had just recovered, Andrew did not have the heart to throw her into intense drills. Instead, he had her jog around to get her blood flowing and her energy circulating again. Tiana dropped by, clearly pleased with what she saw. "I really like your training methods. Honestly, Andy, I admire it," she said with a sly smile. Her voice dipped into that usual flirtatious tone. "You're just as capable as your dad was back in the day." Andrew's face darkened slightly, unable to tell whether this unpredictable

After Cillian's death, unrest spread throughout the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce. Many members had grown increasingly hostile and resistant toward Andrew. "He's nothing but a killer, a thug!" "Putting him in charge was a mistake from the start!" "We need to elect a new chairman. We refuse to be led by someone so ruthless!" Several members had already stepped forward, openly attacking Andrew. Left with no choice, Andrew called for another internal meeting with the Chamber of Commerce members. "Everyone suspects I'm the one who killed Cillian," Andrew said calmly from his seat at the head of the table. "So where's the evidence? Where's the proof?" An elderly member wearing reading glasses angrily replied, "Cillian is dead, and you're still alive! That's evidence enough! Mr. Lloyd, do you plan to eliminate everyone who displeases you? Are you our Chamber of Commerce chairman or a tyrant?" Duncan slammed the table. "Mr. Benson, watch your language!" The elderly Tyrell

Among the Five Apex Families, the Peck family ranked squarely in the middle. They were not the most dominant, but they were not lagging behind either. However, this would only be the case if they did not count the matriarch, Victoria Sanchez. Once they factored in the woman, even the Three Titans would tread carefully around. Then, the Peck family might as well be a power to be reckoned with in Blumedale. However, when it came to financial strength and overall influence, the Peck family was still lacking. That meant Victoria could keep the wolves at bay. But expansion? That was another story entirely. Andrew had previously crossed paths with members of the Peck family back in Jayrodale. Specifically, Ernest Peck—the guy who had a stash of rare elixirs and ended up clashing hard with Andrew. It had not ended well for him. … Andrew's Porsche 911 pulled discreetly into the Peck residence. The moment he stepped out, he was spotted. "Are you Mr. Andrew Lloyd from the Gabo Cr

Rounding the screen, Andrew stepped into a room that oozed classic elegance and femininity. Everything inside, from the painting to the curated instruments and decor, spoke of refined taste and artistry. A soft purple veil hung from the canopy over the bed, trailing to the plush carpet below, completely obscuring what lay behind it. Victoria's voice came from inside again. "Mr. Lloyd, please find yourself a place to sit!" Andrew replied, "Mrs. Peck, this is your private chamber, and I think it's best I remain standing. I only came by to pay my respects. If you're feeling unwell, I can always return another day." A melodious laugh rang out, and Victoria's voice turned teasing from behind the veil. "Aren't you being all respectful? I'm guessing that bitch Tiana taught you to do this, right? Let me guess… She not only taught you to be well-behaved and keep a low profile in front of me! "She also told you that I'm a shameless flirt, a woman who only knows violence and nothing e

Victoria gave a mocking laugh. "No wonder Tiana's into you! You really are a smooth-talking, cunning little thing. Tell me, did she give herself to you yet?" Andrew frowned. "Mrs. Peck, what exactly are you implying?" Victoria smirked. "Exactly what it sounds like. Has that bitch Tiana been keeping you as her little boy toy? All that talk about treating you like a beloved son-in-law—I don't buy it for a second. Knowing her and how shameless she is, I'd bet anything she made you her personal plaything." Andrew's face darkened. "Mrs. Peck, I suggest you watch what you say. Mrs. Rhodes is my mother-in-law—nothing more, nothing less. And let's be clear, I'm not some plaything you women can toy with on a whim. "I don't care if it's my mother-in-law or you, if either of you push me too far, I'll push right back. I don't care if you're older or a woman." Victoria froze for a second. The sudden burst of defiance and raw presence in Andrew reminded her of someone from long ago, someo