Chapter 2007

Andrew did not waste any time and went straight to the Rhodes residence.

Tiana said weakly, “That bitch Mia lured Victoria and me into a trap. She had skilled fighters lying in ambush around her…”

She broke into violent coughing halfway through her explanation. Once she recovered enough to continue, she spoke with hatred in her voice. “Victoria and I knew she was up to no good. But she had something that Reggie left for us years ago. We had to get it back.”

She added, “It’s all my fault for being careless and overconfident. Now, Victoria has fallen into the Driscoll family’s hands.”

Andrew had completely calmed down by this point. “Mrs. Rhodes, how are you feeling? Take these two pills first. Leave the rest to me.”

He handed her two precious elixirs.

After taking them, Tiana said with deep guilt, “I’m so sorry. This is mostly my fault. You need to go save Victoria; she won’t end well in Mia’s hands. That bitch has always been at odds with Victoria and me, but especially your Victoria. Back when Franklin had a crush on her, Mia’s jealousy nearly burned her alive. If Victoria hadn’t kept her in check all these years, Mia would have come for her long ago.”

Andrew’s expression stayed cold. “At this point, there’s only one solution.”

Tiana frowned. “And what’s that?”

Andrew’s voice turned like ice. “We strike the Driscoll family’s headquarters head-on and end this grudge once and for all.”

Tiana’s eyes went wide. “Absolutely not! Maurice is stationed at their base, and the Driscoll family’s hidden strength runs deep… They’re full of masters. You’d have little chance of winning.”

Andrew gave a chilling smile. “Don’t worry. I’ve realized there’s one thing I’ve never done well enough.”

Tiana asked instinctively, “What is it? And don’t talk down to yourself. You’re a perfect man, Andrew. You’re someone both Victoria and I are proud of. We love you and would do anything for you.”

She was afraid Andrew would blame himself for what happened. But truthfully, Tiana blamed herself even more for Victoria’s capture. In her emotional state, a tear rolled down her cheek.

Andrew shook his head. “No, there’s one thing I still lack. I’ve been too merciful, giving certain people far too much respect. Ever since I escaped Chervine and left the Lloyd royal family, I’ve had a bad habit: never drawing the blade first.

“My father taught me as a boy that if someone bullies you, you bully them back. My royal instructors taught me that if someone wants to harm you, you strike first and take their head before they’re ready.

“But later, as my martial skill grew, I joined a special unit, and the veterans there taught me that true masters hide their edge. The ones who hide are the deadliest: they strike when no one expects it.”

In the hall, everyone listened quietly.

George, Jameson, Lauren, Francesca, Aspen, and Tiana were all present. Miles and Liliana, the siblings, stood nearby along with Logan, Freya, and Chantelle, who had just arrived.

Eric stood alone to one side, watching everything unfold. All their eyes were fixed on Andrew, who appeared calm on the surface.

In reality, they all felt a suffocating sense that a storm was about to break. They knew Andrew was about to unleash his fury.

“Logan, get Ronald and Aaron on the line and have them gather whatever reliable people they have left. Pass along my message word for word to those two old foxes..."