With two cold laughs, a group of people emerged. Leading them was the same drowsy old man from before. He had completely shed his previous frail appearance and now looked vigorous and alert.

Two other people stood beside the old man. One had an arrogant expression, and a silk band wrapped around his forehead had “McDaniel” written on it.

“I’m Callum McDaniel, the third son of the McDaniel family. Which one of you is Andrew Lloyd?” His nose tilted high, his tone dripping with disdain.

Andrew ignored him and looked at the person beside him instead.

It was Henry!

That bastard had not only arrived in Sunstrand ahead of them, but he had also joined forces with the McDaniel family.

“Andrew, bet you didn’t expect me to get here first and wait for you. And even though you’re in disguise, I still recognized you,” Henry said smugly.

He turned to Callum and bowed slightly. “Mr. McDaniel, this is the man I told you about, Andrew Lloyd. He’s guilty of countless crimes. He crawled out of Gabo Creek, failed to make it there, and then ran to Goldridge. Even in Goldridge, he’s hated by the McCormicks. Now look at him, fleeing again, all the way to Sunstrand.”

He lied smoothly and shamelessly, his face calm as though every word were true.

Callum raised a hand and pointed at Andrew. “Scum! Sunstrand is a place of order. We will not tolerate the likes of you here. Get on your knees and come with me to the McDaniel family estate to face judgment, or face death!”

Andrew smirked. “Judge me? And who the hell are you? Henry, what did you tell the McDaniels you were really here for?”

Henry’s face did not change. “What else could it be? I came at Mr. McDaniel’s invitation. Their new estate is about to be unveiled. I brought lavish gifts to attend the ceremony. Not like you, sneaking around like a petty thief.”

Andrew shrugged. Henry was as cunning as ever. He had obviously come for Shiloh, but managed to fabricate such a perfect cover story.

Eric spoke up. “Mr. McDaniel, I am Eric Humphrey of Goldridge. Years ago, I came here with Dad to visit the McDaniel family.”

Callum sneered. “Eric Humphrey. Yes, I know your name. You’re Mr. Thornton’s foster son. But to think you’d stoop so low as to run with this trash. Mr. Fischer said you were simply misled. Come over to our side, and together we’ll erase this disgrace.”

Eric’s face darkened. “We’re together, and Andrew is not what you call him. Step aside. If the McDaniel family won’t welcome us, we’ll leave.”

Callum stepped forward, his aura flaring. “Leave? You think it’s that easy? Andrew stays here today. You may have gotten away with evil in Gabo Creek, but in Sunstrand, the McDaniels will see to it you never leave alive.”

Andrew raised both hands as if in surrender. “Alright, you win. I give up. Mr. McDaniel, you’re too mighty for me to resist. I’m too scared to run anymore.”

Callum blinked in surprise, then burst out laughing. “Mr. Fischer, you said this man was cunning as a fox, hard to deal with. But look at him now! It’s pathetic.”

He strode toward Andrew to seize him.

Henry’s face tightened, and he shouted, “Wait! He’s tricking you! Stop!”

However, it was too late. Without warning, Andrew struck. His hand shot up along Callum’s arm, stabbing straight for his armpit.

“You’re asking for death!” Callum roared, igniting his body’s protective energy. A shimmering shield flared around him.

Andrew’s lips curved into a cold smile. His hand twisted and clamped down hard on Callum’s arm.

Power surged like a raging flood, and a crisp crack and tearing sound echoed.

Callum’s eyes went wide with shock as he watched Andrew crush his protective aura into shards with his bare hands.