Chapter 16 At that moment , Andrew received a call from Marvin .
Mr.
Lloyd , Christina wants that orphanage property , Should we give it to her ? Marvin asked .
Andrew thought for a moment before replying , Handle it as you see fit .
But given our history , If Stevens Corporation makes a decent offer , let them have it .
Marvin sighed , I knew you still had a soft spot for that woman .
Alright , I guess Stevens Corporation is getting a good deal .
Soon after , Christina received news that Wealthroller Investments had agreed to let Stevens Corporation develop the property .
She was overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events and could hardly believe it .
Mr.
Yates finally changed his mind ? The staff who delivered the message exined , Ms.
Stevens , your reputation as Jayrodales rising business star precedes you .
To be frank , Mr.
Yates received a phone call and immediately agreed to give it to you .
Christina was stunned when he heard that one phone call had changed Marvins mind .
She turned to Shawn , genuinely grateful .
Please thank your father for me .
Youve been a huge help , and I wont forget this ? Shawn froze , his face contorted as if he had eaten something sour .
He knew the truth his family had no pull with Wealthroller Investments .
Moreover , Tony did not even have Marvins number , let alone the ability to make such a call .
Is everything okay ? You look troubled , Christina asked , noticing Shawns odd expression .
Shawn forced augh and quickly said , No , no , everythings fine .
Its all going ording to n .
I told you to rx , Christie .
This kind of thing is childs y for the Fields family .
While he bragged , he secretly wondered who the big shot was that could sway Marvin with just one call .
Oblivious to Shawns nervousness , Christina smiled .
Youve been a great help to Stevens Corporation .
Id like to treat you to dinner tonight .
Shawns face lit up .
Id be honored to join you for dinner , Christie .
He was thrilled , thinking , Andrew , from now on Ill be the one enjoying Christinaspany and protecting her .
Just then , Christinas phone rang : She answered , Mom , whats wrong ? On the other end , Irene was sobbing uncontrobly .
Christie , Leroy and I were attacked .
He was nearly beaten to death .
You have to avenge us ! Christine was shocked .
You were attacked , and eroy was beaten ? Who did this ? Her face Iminediately darkened with anger .
Irene burst into dramatic sobs , Who else could be ut that monster Andrew ? He put Leroy In the hospital .
The doctor said if wed been a minuteter , I might have lost my precious son .
Leroys injuries were not nearly as severe as she imed , but Irene exaggerated wildly to Christina , painting Andrew as the devil incarnate Sure enough , Christina was instantly enraged .
Alright , Iming right over .
If Andrew really did this , Ill make him pay .
Later that evening , Andrew arrived at the Jayrodale Grand Hotel at Laurens invitation .
Dr.
Lloyd , you made it ! This way , please , Lauren greeted him , looking gorgeous in a floral sundress that was both alluring and youthful .
As soon as Andrew arrived , she took his arm , seeming perfectly at ease and unashamed about the gesture .
Andrew felt a bit awkward .
Ms.
Rhodes , is this really appropriate ? Lauren replied matter of factly , Is it not ? I think its just fine .
Andrew resigned himself to the situation , allowing her to press her ample curves against his arm .
At the hotel entrance stood two other women : Laurens best friend , Francesca , and her secretary , Eunice .
How long has this been going on between them Francesca asked coldly .
Eunice looked puzzled .
Ms.
Aicker , Im not sure what you mean by this .
Francesca rified through gritted teeth , You know , their close intimacy .
How long has it been ? Eunice finally understood , exining awkwardly Ms.
Rhodes seemed to take a liking to him from their first meeting .
After he saved Ms.
Cecelia and fought off those thugs , rescuing them both , shes beenpletely smitten with him .
Francesca turned and walked into the hotel , her youthful face turning icy immediately .
She thought Andrew was even more despicable than she had imagined .
Nheless , she hadto admit , his ability to charm his way into a cushy lifestyle was impressively swift .
After all , he had clearly bewitched Lauren to this extent .
Francesca could no longer stand by and watch , and she was determined to expose this jerks true nature .
With Lauren on his arm , Andrew entered the hotels luxurious private room .
He was immediately met with Francescas hostile gaze as she sat at the table .
Francesca had shed her work attire and was dressed like a noble heiress .
She only had light makeup , exuding an air of Innocent sensuality .
Andrew initially considered greeting her , given that she was technically his superior .
However , her unfriendly demeanor made him think better of it .
Pretending not to know her , Andrew found an empty seat and plopped himself down .
However , his actions only angered Francesca , and she silently cursed at him for ignoring her .
Lauren sat down right next to Andrew and smiled .
Its just the four of us today , no outsiders .
Dr.
Lloyd , let me introduce you .
This is my best friend , Francesca Aicker .
She has what youre looking for , Lauren introduced .
Just as Lauren turned to Francesca , Francesca snorted and said coldly , Lauren , theres no need for introductions .
We already know each other.
Lauren was surprised .
Fran , you know Andrew ? Francesca straightened up , her tone icy .
Of course .
Hes just a junior doctor at my hospital , struggling to survive under my supervision .
Lauren smacked her forehead .
Im so forgetful ! Of course , Dr.
Lloyd works at your hospital ! I cant believe that slipped thy mind ! Francesca asked , Lauren , didnt you say a skilled doctor wasing today ? Someone who could treat my condition ? Wheres that person ? Lauren smiled mysteriously , pointing at Andrew .
Ta da ! Fran , Dr.
Lloyd is the expert I wanted to introduce you to .
Ive seen his skills firsthand .
I believe he can solve your tricky situation .
Francesca froze , then scoffed .
I thought it was a real expert , not this con artist .
Him ? Im the chief of Medicine at Jayrodale General Hospital and cant cure this illness .
Who does he think he is ? Lauren frowned .
Fran , Dr.
Lloyd is my friend .
Please dont speak about him like that .
Francesca spoke contemptuously .
Lauren , since were all here , Illy it out for you : Andrew is nothing but a fraud and a gold digger .
Christina kicked him out , so he set his sights on you .
If I hadnt caught on in time , youd have fallen right into his dirty trap .
She continued , Oh , and you dont know this , but today at the hospital, I caught this scumbag getting cozy with a young nurse .
It was disgusting , the two of them going at it in broad .
daylight ! How can a man like that be worthy of your attention ? Lauren was shocked , looking at Andrew in disbelief .
Francesca smiled triumphantly .
Every word Ive said is true .
Ask him if you dont believe me .
Eunice looked at Andrew with pity .
His true colors were so ugly , Surely Lauren would kick him to the curb .
Meanwhile , Andrew felt his temples throb , annoyed at Francescas nonsense .
At Chapter 16 first , he did not want to exin , but fearing Laurens misunderstanding , he thought he should say something .
To everyones surprise , Lauren burst outughing .
Oh my , Dr.
Lloyd , is it true ? Did you really get intimate with a young nurse ? I knew it ! You look all prim and proper , like some celibate heartthrob , but deep down , youre a real charmer She grabbed Andrews hand affectionately and added , Dr.
Lloyd , look at me .
Ive got the curves , the family background , and the looks .
If youre willing to give it to that little nurse , you have to give it to me too , okay ? Pretty please ? This bizarre turn of events left Francesca dumbfounded as if she were struck by lightning .
Was this her best friend , the same elegant , unapproachable Lauren Rhodes ? She had just called Andrew a disgusting scumbag , yet Lauren was still throwing herself at him .