"Andrew, if you turn around right now and leave Chetvine for good, then I can spare Belle from having to fight you," Mikayla said.

Andrew chuckled. "Mikayla, it's been ten years since we've seen each other, and the first thing out of your mouth is telling me what to do. I still remember that little girl who used to run after me everywhere; that wasn't you speaking like this."

"I was just one year older than you, and you were always so eager and friendly. Now you call me so coldly. I guess I’m not the only one who’s changed. You’ve changed too, Mikayla."

For once, Mikayla looked unsettled under his gaze. But within a heartbeat, her face hardened again, her composure restored. "Yes, I've changed a lot over these years. Once upon a time, I could call you with admiration because you were truly worth learning from."

"Your strength made me look up to you, even worship you! But Andrew, ten years is a long time, and I've transformed. It's not just a simple change. Do you understand? I'm just one step away, one small step from becoming a martial emperor. I remember when you were at your strongest, you were a martial emperor too."

"And now, I'm just that one step away from catching up to you, and then surpassing you! But what about you? You've become even weaker than you were back then, and we all know about your sealed core. So even if you want me to admire you again, even if you want to feel that old sense of superiority… if I actually did, would you say you were worthy of it?”

Andrew smiled wryly and said, “Now you’re questioning me? Since that’s how it is, let me share my thoughts too. Actually, how you see me doesn’t really matter to me. The Mikayla of the past was a delicate young lady, quite endearing."

"The Mikayla of now is a stunner. You’ve grown up, and people’s hearts change, naturally. I admit you’ve changed dramatically and become quite formidable, and I truly admire that.”

Mikayla waited for him to continue, yet there was nothing more. Andrew simply fell silent.

This left her feeling an inexplicable emptiness inside. It was a bunch of empty compliments, and then nothing.

However, what she wanted was not just praise. She wanted to hear Andrew submit to her, to bow his head before her current strength.

She wanted him to admit that she had surpassed him. What they once shared was all in the past, and it should be his turn to look up to her.

Deep in her heart, this was what Mikayla truly craved. She did not even realize that her vanity was swelling at that very moment.

Meanwhile, Andrew had not satisfied her pride. Or rather, he simply did not care to. Whether it was the old Mikayla or the current one, his heart had already shifted along with her changes.

If she was not the girl she used to be, then he was not the same person he once was either. She might think she had become strong enough to stand alone, but so what?

What did that have to do with him?

He did not say it out loud because there was no need.

Then again, Mikayla was brilliant, and from the look in his eyes, she could read every word he left unsaid.

What followed was intense anger and frustration. "Fine, if you won't listen to me, then I can't help you with the Robertson family matter either!"

Taking a step back, Mikayla made her position clear.

Isabelle grinned widely and said, “Mikayla, you’re finally not thinking with your heart instead of your head. Andrew, I’m coming for you!”

With those words, she was already in front of him, throwing a devastating punch. Her speed was absolutely incredible, and the stone tiles where she had been standing were completely shattered.

This was exactly how terrifyingly powerful the Robertson family’s little monster was!