By that logic, Rodney was about as formidable as a mere ant compared to Andrew's capabilities. "Mr. Sanford, do we still need your permission to reclaim our 60 million now?" Andrew asked with a subtle smirk. Rodney's face twitched at the question. The thought of someone needing his permission would have been understandable before, but now it made his heart race. He gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Lloyd, your martial prowess is truly admirable, and the Madblade Martial Academy respects your skill. Dean, return the 60 million we owe to Rhodes Corporation." Dean was already terrified out of his mind. He could not even beat Jerry, who had nearly died at Ivan's hands, and Ivan had just been thoroughly defeated by Andrew. The comparison made Dean realize he was not even in the same league as Andrew. "J-Just a moment… I'll transfer the money right away!" Dean stammered, offering no resistance this time. The hundreds of martial arts students had lost their fighting spirit, too

Lauren bit her lip playfully, her voice turning husky as she said, "Really? Then why don't you prove it to me? It's simple—help me take off these stockings. Remember, you won, so they're yours now." Andrew was left speechless, his eyes widening in surprise. … Meanwhile, in another office on the same floor of Rhodes Corporation, Michael violently slapped Cindy's bottom as she rose from his lap. Cindy's face showed a mix of pain and resentment as she complained, "Mr. Rhodes, what's making you so angry? You've been different ever since Ms. Rhodes returned." Michael snarled, "Shut up! Haven't you seen how many people are sucking up to that little bitch since she came back? I'm the CEO and spokesperson of Rhodes Corporation, not Lauren, yet these idiots still flock to her!" Cindy tried to calm him down, saying, "Sir, try to look at the bright side. Ms. Rhodes did manage to recover that 60 million for the company. To be honest, that was quite an achievement—nobody else could hav

The news spread like wildfire through Jayrodale. Many unfortunate creditors with outstanding debts with the Northern District rushed to Madblade Martial Academy's doors, demanding their money back. "Dean, pay up!" "Dean, you're Atlas's senior and the Northern District's second-in-command. If you don't pay, you can join him six feet under!" "Give us our money back, you crook!" Large red banners were unfurled at the academy's entrance as angry crowds gathered, hurling insults. The academy remained unfazed as students came and went, completely ignoring the protesters while luxury cars continued pulling up to the entrance. The academy's response was simple. "Want your money? Ask Northern District or the dead Atlas. Madblade Martial Academy never defaults on payments, and we won't tolerate these circus acts." Soon, a Volkswagen Beetle pulled up to the academy's entrance, and two striking figures stepped out—Christina and Aspen. The creditors immediately swarmed around them.

Dean explained, "In all my years in Gabo Creek, I've never seen anyone as extraordinary as Andrew. What's even more terrifying is that he clearly wasn't using his full strength against Mr. Lincoln. Watching his spine-chilling moves, I can't help but wonder if he might have had something to do with Atlas' death." Before Dean could continue, Rodney cut him off with an angry roar, "Shut up! No wonder you're a lost dog—you're completely useless, building up others while tearing down our own reputation!" Depending on Rodney's hospitality, Dean could not protest the insults, but a venomous glint flashed in his eyes. Rodney seethed. "I've never been humiliated like this in my life. And it's obvious Lauren has a thing for Andrew. I've pursued her for years without getting so much as a glance, while she probably can't wait to jump into his bed." While Rodney stewed in anger, a student hurried in and said, "Mr. Sanford, the debt collectors have arrived." Rodney's face twisted with rage

Rodney smirked shamelessly. "Ms. Aspen, as long as you surrender yourself to me, I wouldn't mind letting these people go. How about that?" Aspen's calm and composed demeanor finally cracked. She exploded, shouting, "Screw you, Rodney! If this were Bridgefields, someone would've dumped your corpse in the wilderness by now for speaking to me like this!" Rodney's face darkened as he waved a hand, barking, "Close the doors!" The sound of the heavy doors slamming shut echoed through the hall. He sneered, "Damn it! Two bitches daring to stir up trouble in my academy? Tonight, you're leaving here soaked, one way or another!" Knowing Rodney's ruthless reputation, the debt collectors accompanying them began to panic. They feared he might truly lock them in and unleash violence. Christina's face turned pale. "Aspen, we need to call the police immediately." Aspen gritted her teeth. "No need. I want to see what this little scumbag thinks he can do to me." She fixed Rodney with an i