Andrew dismissed the idea that he held a grudge, brushing it off. "No way, that's not it at all," he said, quickly steering the conversation elsewhere. "Rowan, the weather’s really nice today. How about we take a walk outside?"

Rowan shook her head gently, her eyes filled with concern. "No, thanks. You’re still badly burned. We should just stay in and rest, okay?"

She offered him a sweet smile, her voice lowering with a hint of playfulness. "By the way, honey, do you still want to make out?"

Andrew’s gaze lingered on her lips—soft, pink, and inviting. Her whole face seemed to glow with warmth and desire. For a moment, he hesitated, caught between temptation and caution. Then he shook his head softly. "Not today. Maybe some other time."

A slight pout formed on Rowan’s lips. "Another time, huh? Fine. We’ll see if I’m in the mood then." She glanced toward the door. "Aspen and Natasha should be back by now. I’ll check if they need any help."

As she walked away, Andrew’s eyes followed the sway of her lively figure. He sighed quietly to himself. He was just pretending to be distant, but she didn’t pick up on it at all.

The aftermath of the battle with Wilder sent shockwaves through the entire region, far more intense than Andrew had anticipated. For a while, no one dared to approach the Medicine God’s Covenant looking for trouble.

Kyrie muttered under his breath after downing a strong gulp of liquor, "That bastard can even hold his own against a martial emperor… What the hell is he? Human? Monster?"

Compared to Andrew, Kyrie felt completely powerless, and the bitter sting of that realization gnawed at him deeply.

Meanwhile, after leaving the Lloyd family estate, Valerie made her way back to the Reyes residence.

Elaine greeted her with a calm smile. "Is Andrew okay?"

Valerie’s expression remained flat and unyielding. "He’s still breathing. But it’s clear he almost got himself killed."

Elaine shook her head gently. "Don’t say it like that. Wilder is one of the strongest in the North. The fact that Andrew managed to fight him to a standstill is nothing short of extraordinary. Right now, you’re not even on the same level as him."

Valerie’s eyes narrowed coldly. "I’m beginning to wonder if you’re really part of the Reyes family or just one of Andrew’s fangirls."

Elaine’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she snapped back sharply, "Watch your tongue, you brat. Of course, I’m with the Reyes family. I’m your mother. Andrew means nothing to me."

Valerie smirked with a wicked glint in her eyes. "Oh really, Mom? Then why are you blushing? We’ve been best friends for over ten years—I know you too well. You used to get that same blush whenever you saw the guy you secretly liked in college. Don’t tell me you’re fantasizing about having a little affair with Andrew and cuckolding Dad!"

Elaine’s heart skipped a beat, fury flaring inside her. "Valerie, if you keep spouting nonsense, I swear I’ll lose it!"

Valerie finally backed off, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. "Relax, I get it. You’re still young and full of energy. You married Dad for power and prestige, and now that you’ve gotten everything you wanted, your body’s starting to crave a little excitement, huh? Don’t worry, Mom. If you ever want to go out and have some fun, I won’t tell Dad. Actually, I’d totally support it."

Elaine shook her head firmly, her voice steady. "Stop trying to tempt me. I know exactly who you are. You just want to see me lose control so you can enjoy watching me fall apart, right? But I’m Finnegan’s woman now. I’ve buried everything from my past. What I have today didn’t come easy, and I know the rules. I intend to follow them for the rest of my life."