Chapter 439

Inside Madblade Martial Academy, hundreds of students practiced martial arts, their shouts echoing through the hall. They barely glanced at Lauren and Andrew's group, displaying obvious arrogance and dismissal. Lauren remained unfazed. “The students here are all from Jayrodale’s wealthy families,” she explained. “Most are spoiled rich kids who failed academically, so their families sent them here to learn martial arts. Over time, they’ve developed quite a superiority complex.”

Andrew didn't mind; some attitude was natural among martial artists. He could tolerate their pride, as long as it wasn't unfounded.

A young man in casual clothes, his pale complexion suggesting a life of luxury, approached them with a smile. Four clearly skilled martial artists flanked him. As he passed the practicing students, they shouted in unison, “Mr. Sanford!”

“Please, skip the formalities,” Rodney Sanford, the academy heir, said with exaggerated flair. “We wouldn’t want to frighten our guests!” He stopped before Lauren, smiling. “Lauren, what a rare honor. To what do we owe this pleasure?”

Lauren’s face turned cold. “Mr. Sanford, please show some respect.”

Rodney’s eyes roamed over Lauren, and he licked his lips. “I don’t see anything inappropriate. Everyone in Jayrodale knows I once pursued you.”

“Since you acknowledge it’s in the past, let’s keep it that way,” Lauren said coldly. “I’m here with one request. Please hand over Dean Mayer. Rhodes Corporation has business to discuss with him.”

A tall, thin man with dark complexion standing beside Rodney tensed. Andrew glanced at him, suspecting this was Dean, Atlas’ senior and the Northern District’s second-in-command.

“What do you want with Dean?” Rodney frowned.

“Rhodes Corporation has an outstanding sixty-million-dollar project payment from the Northern District,” Lauren stated bluntly. “We hope Mr. Mayer can settle this debt.”

Rodney snapped his fingers lazily. “Dean, they’re here to collect money from you.”

The tanned-faced elder stepped forward, a cold smile playing on his lips. “Mr. Sanford is my master now. Asking me for money is like asking Mr. Sanford, and everyone knows he only collects debts—he never owes them!”

Chapter 439 (continued)

“Well said!” Rodney laughed. “Lauren, dear, you heard him. Dean is under my protection now. Asking him for money is like asking me for money.” His eyes gleamed with malice. “Unless, of course, you’re here to discuss a different kind of payment. I’d empty my accounts if it meant having you as my bride. What do you say?”

Chapter 440