Andrew immediately understood what Victoria meant. "Indeed, with my current connections and various relationships, I’ve definitely grown powerful here in Blumedale!"

On the Wright family side, Andrew controlled things remotely through Yara. The Keller family could be considered completely under his influence. As for the Goldings, while they were not exactly close, the tension from before had vanished now that his power had grown.

Most grudges in this world, truthfully, were easy to resolve. As long as you were strong enough, people would come around smiling, saying stuff like, "Let bygones be bygones."

Among the Five Apex Families, the remaining Haywoods were Andrew’s mortal enemies. However, Andrew had reached a point where he did not even take them seriously anymore.

In Gabo Creek, there were several major powers: the Three Titans and Derek.

Andrew’s relationship with Derek was out in the open. At least, Derek already knew his identity as the Dragon Prince of the Lloyds.

That left the Three Titans.

The Driscoll family and Andrew were definitely mortal enemies at this point.

Meanwhile, things were also heating up between him and the Fischer family, making them more enemies than allies at this point.

Lastly, Andrew and the Phelans were in a rather unique position. Their relationship depended entirely on Luna.

If Andrew took the initiative to show goodwill, Luna would likely become his ally.

However, Andrew disliked her arrogance, so he had always kept his distance. Moreover, she was not the type to back down either.

Hence, the two were on their own separate journey.

For Andrew, his relationship with the Phelans could only be seen as neutral for now, neither good nor bad.

If Andrew really wanted to become the King of Gabo Creek and dominate the region, he would need to face the Driscolls and Fischers head-on, not to mention some other independent powerhouses in the martial world.

Victoria let out a cold scoff. "Andrew, I want you to be a little more ambitious. I know you’re not into fame or status, and the title ‘King of Gabo Creek‘ probably means nothing to you.

"But don’t forget… Your people, the ones who follow you, they’re all based here in Gabo Creek. So, even if you don’t care about the title, claiming it would still benefit your people, and me. There’s no downside to it."

If anyone else had said that, Andrew would have laughed it off and assumed they were just trying to use him. However, Victoria was different. He knew that, whatever unspoken feelings she had, she genuinely cared about him and meant well.

"Victoria, I just think it feels… a bit too flashy. And besides, it won’t be long before I have to return to Chetvine and visit the Lloyds, to settle things with my dad and clean up the past." Andrew sighed bitterly, finally voicing what had been weighing on him.

Victoria replied, "You going back to Chetvine, to face the fallout with your dad after all these years of staying away… I completely support that. But that has nothing to do with you taking the reins here in Gabo Creek. The two aren’t in conflict at all."

Andrew sat quietly for a moment and finally nodded. "Alright, I’ll give it some serious thought."

However, Victoria was as forceful as ever. "Nothing to think about—I’ll make the decision for you. Don’t worry, both Tiana and I will have your back. I’ll be honest, I can’t stand her. But I know, just like me, she wants what’s best for you.

"And for that alone, I won’t stand in her way. Andrew, don’t let me down. Don’t let Tiana down. And don’t let down all the people who believe in you."

With that kind of emotional uppercut, there was no way Andrew could dodge it.

He sighed heavily. "Fine, alright… Victoria, I’ll listen to you. I’ll claim this King of Gabo Creek position, okay?"