Ruth shouted, "If you don't go, he'll kill Zac! Mr. Lloyd, please… You have to save him! At this point, you're the only one who can do anything!" Ruth broke down in tears after that, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. She was clearly terrified out of her mind. Andrew helped her up and said, "Tell me everything, from the beginning. Zachary already passed the selection round, wasn't he supposed to become Mr. Thornton's apprentice?" Ruth sobbed. "That's what we thought when we went there. But before we could even see Mr. Thornton, Mr. Wallace suddenly lashed out and struck Zac in the chest. He coughed up blood right on the spot and didn't even get a chance to fight back before they had him pinned!" She added, "Mr. Wallace let me go and told me to bring you this message. If you don't show up soon, Zac's as good as dead!" Andrew's eyes flashed with cold fury. "That bastard!" He told Ruth to stay put at the hotel and wait for Lauren and the others to return. Then, he went to

Andrew picked up the conversation with a cold tone. "So what you're saying is, you resorted to underhanded tactics by capturing Zachary to blackmail me, right?" Jerome looked stunned, then his expression immediately turned apologetic. Just as he was about to speak, the beautiful young man who had been sitting silently finally opened his mouth. His voice was soft and melodious, sounding exactly like a woman's. "Dad had no choice in this matter. Besides, he didn't know about this plan beforehand. I came up with it entirely on my own." He lifted his head with a pitiful expression, like a heartbroken maiden gazing sorrowfully at Andrew. "If you want to blame someone, then blame me!" Andrew's mind went blank for a split second before returning to normal as he replied calmly, "I wouldn't say I blame you. I just don't like being manipulated. By the way, I haven't gotten your name yet. Who might you be?" The feminine young man smiled, revealing perfectly aligned and crystal-white

Alex and Zachary had already stepped out, leaving only Eric seated quietly by the bedside. Andrew did not even look back. "Eric, I don't like distractions when I'm treating someone. Would you mind stepping out as well?" Eric remained seated, smiling gently. "Don't worry, Dr. Lloyd. I'll just stay here silently. I'm more concerned for Dad's safety than anyone else. I wouldn't feel at ease if I weren't nearby." Andrew frowned and was about to insist again when Jerome spoke up. "Eric, go on and step out. Don't worry. Dr. Lloyd's here. I'll be fine." Only then did Eric rise to his feet and say softly, "Alright, Dad. I'll step out now. Dr. Lloyd, I'll leave him in your care." Even while walking out, Eric did not forget to politely acknowledge Andrew, warm and courteous as ever. However, Andrew could not shake the discomfort crawling over his skin. Something about Eric always made him feel like a needle was pressed against his back. Jerome gave a soft chuckle. "Dr. Lloyd, my apol

Jerome gave a faint smile. "Of course, I went. I may be rough around the edges, but loyalty always comes first. Unfortunately, by the time I reached Chetvine, it was already too late. I never got to see him. The only thing I could do was protect his family and help hold off the enemies who were hunting them." He sighed deeply. "In the end, I couldn't do much. I heard that the whole incident turned into a bloodbath. Many people died, and all of Chetvine was shaken. Even his only son didn't survive it. "I searched the battlefield on the outskirts like a madman, over and over. If I'd managed to bring his child back that day, he would've been about Eric's age now." As he spoke, pain flickered in Jerome's eyes. He gave a self-deprecating laugh and shook his head slightly. "Forgive me, Dr. Lloyd. I've said too much. It's been a long time since I talked to anyone about that part of the past. I'm not even sure why, but something about seeing you reminded me of my friend, and the words

More than a dozen figures were sent flying across the courtyard, screaming in agony as they hit the ground. Blood spewed from their mouths as life left their bodies almost instantly. "Mr. Thornton, even Mr. Wallace has betrayed us. You need to be c-careful!" The last survivor clutched his chest and managed to get out a warning before his eyes bulged wide and he breathed his final breath. Andrew's expression grew sharp and alert. This man had clearly possessed martial king-level combat ability and was one of Jerome's trusted confidants. Yet, after just one exchange, he was already dead. Goldridge's martial world really played on another level. Not only were martial saints openly making moves, but they came in threes. Back in Blumedale, no matter how intense things got, they had never escalated to this scale. "Dr. Lloyd, stay close. Even if I die today, I won't let you get caught in the crossfire!" Jerome stood tall and fearless. He gave Andrew a nod before stepping over the