Jared dismissed the news casually. "Fran had talent rivaling mine even as a student, so it makes sense for her to go. As for thisst person, they''re probably just filling a spot."


    Thomasughed coldly. "Thisst person is hardly a space-filler! He''s personally appointed by Malcolm, who has ced virtually all his hopes on this individual!"


    Jared was stunned. "Dr. Goddard values him that highly? Who is he?"


    Thomas said tly, "His name is Andrew Lloyd."


    Jared snickered. "Never heard of him. Must be a nobody."


    Bernard, unable to resist stirring trouble, smiled meaningfully. "Jared, this Andrew is far from a nobody! The object of your affection, Francesca—her beloved happens to be this very Andrew!"


    Jared''s expression instantly darkened, bing filled with gloom. "He''s Fran''s beloved? He''s not worthy! At the Grand Medical Summit, I''ll show him the gap between a nobody like him and me, Jared!"


    "Fran is brilliant—I believe she can distinguish between precious gem andmon stone..." he added confidently.


    Thomas smiled. "It''s good to have someone challenge you. It might help temper that proud nature of yours. I''ve been concerned that without worthy opponents for so long, you might be arrogant andcent."


    Jared responded proudly. "True champions have earned the right to be proud! As for opponents, to say something you won''t like hearing, Dr. Bozzelli-I don''t consider this Andrew worth my attention at all!"


    Bernard smiled sinisterly from the side. Thomas and Jared were nothing like him -when Andrew yed with these two, it would be like a chick facing eagles.


    ...


    Andrew arrived at the entrance to The Sovereign Residences by cab. Despite being a billionaire worth tens of billions, he did not have a single car to his name. It was something he would not dare mention to others out of embarrassment.


    "Hmm, it seems that little servant girl needs another lesson," he muttered. He let out a coldugh as he thought about Aspen.


    Just then, a man with a piece of grass between his teeth slowly approached from nearby. The stranger announced in a pretentious tone, "I said to let the bullet fly a while longer. Now, it''s time for the bullet tond."


    Andrew nced at him and could not help but smile. "You''ve got a death wish or something?"


    The neer was none other than Rio Atkins, Mosby''s senior apprentice. He spat out the grass from his mouth and smiled. "That''s what I should be saying to you. You reduced Ellis, my junior, to a vegetative state and stole from Mr. Lake. Now, it''s time to settle ounts!"


    Andrew looked at him expressionlessly. "How do you intend to settle this?"


    Rio''s pace quickened, eventually moving like lightning as he charged toward Andrew. He shouted, "By taking your life, of course!"


    He had been following Andrew all along but had not found an opportunity to strike with Logan and Chantelle present. Now, seeing Andrew about to enter The Sovereign Residences, this was his perfect chance to make a move.


    Andrew put down his bag and shook his head resignedly. "I really don''t want to kill anyone, but you seem determined to die!"


    His eyes turned cold as he struck out with his palm. The disturbed air caused Rio to momentarily pause his stride.


    He thought, ''This guy''s palm strike is incredibly powerful!''


    The two shed violently with a loud bang.


    Rio roared in fury, "I''m a martial arts prodigy who can go toe-to-toe with elite


    talents like Xavier! What makes you think you can challenge me, Andrew? Just die!"