Chapter 441
Rodney’s lips curled into a mocking smile. He sneered, “Mr. Keoghan, you’ve got quite the attitude, showing off in front of my Madblade Martial Academy. What do you think this is, some kindergarten playground?”
Jerry, a renowned senior grandmaster for many years, carried himself with natural authority. “Mr. Sanford, if it were your father, Vice Sanford, I would show him proper respect. But you’re still too young and inexperienced, so I advise you not to make any foolish decisions.”
Jerry continued, “Just hand over Dean and let Ms. Rhodes deal with him. If you do that, we can put this whole incident behind us.”
Lauren gave a cold smile and turned to Andrew. “Don’t worry, Dr. Lloyd. Jerry is one of the top fighters in the Rhodes family. If Rodney wants to play rough, we’re more than happy to oblige!”
Andrew’s expression showed traces of doubt. Jerry’s power as a senior grandmaster was undeniable. Even if he had only recently reached that level, it was still enough to dominate most fighters. However, the Madblade Martial Academy was not filled with ordinary practitioners. Andrew previously knew little about this martial arts school, but its claim as Jayrodale’s premier institution suggested substantial backing and power. From what Andrew could see, both Rodney and Dean possessed junior grandmaster fighting capabilities. Behind Rodney stood several other experts, all at the junior grandmaster level.
What caught Andrew’s attention most was the tower-like man who had spoken only once. This man, who kept a low profile, was clearly a senior grandmaster. His protruding temples, calloused hands, and unconsciously flexing muscle lines indicated his fighting style must be incredibly fierce. The Madblade Martial Academy was renowned for its mastery of Southern Fist internal martial arts, and it was clear that the towering brute before them had fully grasped its essence.
Rodney smirked, his face full of contempt as his eyes flickered with violence. “Since Dad stepped back and handed the school to me, no one has ever dared to push us around.”
Rodney looked at Lauren and added, “Lauren, if it weren’t for showing you some courtesy, I would have already ordered my men to take down your Rhodes family people right here.”
Jerry stepped sideways, showing his disdain. “You’re welcome to try. The moment your people make a move, I’ll tear this martial arts school apart.”
Andrew was getting a headache. While Jerry definitely had the skills to back up his words, he wondered if this show of arrogance at someone else’s doorstep was really necessary.
Lauren maintained her composure. “Jerry, let’s avoid fighting if we can.” Then, she turned to Rodney. “Tell me, what will it take for you to hand over Dean?”
Rodney grinned maliciously. “Hand him over? Lauren, aren’t you being too naive? Not only will I not hand him over today, but I’m also going to teach the Rhodes family a good lesson.” Dean gloated from the side. “Mr. Sanford usually keeps his cool, but once he gets angry, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Rhodes—you’re finished.”
The tower-like man glanced at Jerry, his eyes showing a hint of contempt.
Rodney stared at Lauren’s long legs with a lecherous smile. “Lauren, since I can’t have you, I should at least get something out of this. If Rhodes Corporation wants Dean to pay up, fine—but first, you’ll have to win against my Madblade Martial Academy in the ring.”
Lauren frowned. “What exactly do you want?”
Rodney replied playfully, “It’s simple—following martial arts tradition, we’ll settle this with a best-of-three match.”