Chapter 17 Alright , Ms.
Rhodes , lets get down to business , Andrew said , slightly overwhelmed by Laurens antics .
Her every move was irresistible , and he could not handle it anymore .
Laurens flirtatious smile faded as she nodded , Yes , lets talk business .
Fran , I believe Dr.
Lloyd can treat your condition , Lauren stated confidently .
Francesca red at Andrew , scoffing , Him ? Ive consulted top specialists nationwide and even visited renowned experts in Braundville .
They all said it wasplicated .
What makes this small time doctor think hes capable ? Andrew frowned , If Im not mistaken , the condition youre seeking treatment for is vaginal atresia , correct ? Francesca felt embarrassed at the mention of her condition .
She turned to Lauren and asked , Lauren , this was our secret .
Why did you tell this jerk ? Lauren quickly defended herself , Fran , I swear I never told him anything about your condition .
Francesca was skeptical .
Then how does he know about my … condition ? Andrew calmly replied , Not only do I know about your vaginal atresia , but Im also aware that youve been experiencing insomnia , hormonal imbnces , frequent chest tightness , and shortness of breath .
These are dangerous symptoms that could lead to asphyxiation .
Francesca was truly puzzled .
Even if Lauren had revealed her personal medical condition , he had never told anyone about her other symptoms .
So , how did Andrew know about them ? Fine , lets say youre right .
How would you solve my chest tightness and shortness of breath ? Francesca challenged , feeling like a novice despite her impressive medical background .
Andrew exined , Your chest difort is unique .
Its primarily due to your well endowed chest causing excessive pressure , especially with your quick temper .
The solution is to control your anger and focus on rxation techniques or undergo a breast reduction surgery to slightly decrease the … size .
Francesca fell silent , looking at Andrew with a hint of shock .
His diagnosis was identical to her grandfathers a renowned medical expert in Jayrodale and the founder of the Aicker familys medical legacy .
Lauren chuckled and chimed in , Frans assets are a treasure ! We cant reduce them .
Dr.
Lloyd , you dont know howfy they are to sleep on .
Francesca was flustered and scolded her , Lauren , shut up ! She red at Andrew and continued , Fine , Ill trust you this once .
Now , how would you treat my condition ? Andrew replied calmly , It might be challenging for others , but for me , its just a bit moreplicated than usual .
+2 BONUS Francesca was already caught up in Andrews rhym and eagerly asked , And then ? Andrew shook his head , And then ? Thats it .
I could treat you , but given your poor attitude toward ine , youll need to show some genuine appreciation If you want my help .
Francesca was taken aback , then sneered , I knew It .
You had ulterior motives all along .
If you can really cure me , I suppose we could part with the Alcker familys rare Morlic Root .
Andrew shook his head , Im sorry , but I no longer need it .
And I wont be treating your condition .
Francesca was furious .
This guy was unbelievable suddenly changing his tune just like that .
Andrew spoke coldly , You should remember that youre the one asking for my help , not the other way around .
Does your attitude reflect someone seeking assistance ? With his reputation , many influential figures in Jayrodale would beg him to treat their illness if he spread the word that he was epting patients .
Besides , Francesca was getting on his nerves .
Francescas chest heaved with anger , but she softened her tone .
Alright , I apologize for my earlier behavior .
Please dont hold it against me , Dr.
Lloyd .
Andrew nodded , Very well , Bring me the Morlic Root , and then Ill treat you .
Francesca red up again .
Thats not how it works ! Shouldnt you treat me first , then receive payment ? Andrew nced at her dismissively .
Im afraid my rules are the only rules that matter here .
Francesca fell silent , afraid of angering this petty jerk further .
On the other hand, Laurens eyes sparkled as she gazed at Andrew , a smile ying on her lips .
As expected of the man she hadid eyes on , he was indeed impressive .
Alright , now that thats settled , lets eat , Lauren chirped .
Dr.
Lloyd , try these dishes I personally ordered for you butter poached lobster , truffle risotto , and a prime dry aged ribeye … After dinner , Andrew politely declined Laurens offer to see him off and left the Jayrodale Grand Hotel alone .
However , as he reached the lobby , he encountered a group of people he had rather not met .
Well , if it isnt Laurens new boy toy , Shawn mocked .
Moving up in the world , arent you ? Even dining at fancy ces like the Jayrodale Grand Hotel now .
Leroy was there too .
His head was bandaged , and he red at Andrew with bloodshot eyes .
Christie , this is the bastard who beat me up .
Youve got to make him pay ! With her hands on her hips , Irene adopted a smug attitude .
What a coincidence , Andrew , you little punk .
I was just wondering how to get my hands on you , and here you are .
Chapter 17 Christinas face was expressionless as she stepped away from the group and walked toward Andrew , She asked , Andrew , dont you think you owe me an exnation for attacking someone for no reason ? Andrew replied coldly , Perhaps you should ask what he did first .
Whatever Leroy did doesnt justify you attacking him .
Look at the state youve left him in ! Andrew , I never thought you could be such a vile person .
Leroy is my brother .
How could you hurt him so badly ? Christinas voice rose with each word , bing Increasingly aggressive .
Andrew let out a mockingugh .
Youe at me , pointing your fingers , without even knowing the full story , as if Id actually killed him .
How exactly was I so brutal ? If hes really badly injured , how is he sitting here , eating and drinking ? Christina was at a loss for words .
Indeed , Leroy did not look as severely injured as she had been led to believe .
Moreover , with his head wrapped in bandages , she could not assess the extent of his injuries .
Both Irene and Leroy had insisted that Andrew had been ruthless , showing no regard for their past rtionship , and had nearly beaten Leroy to death .
Christina wondered if Irene and Leroy were lying , and her icy re wavered slightly .
At that moment , Irene gave Leroy a subtle nod .
Leroy immediately stepped forward , seething with anger .
Christie , why are you even talking to this ungrateful jerk ? Look at my head he almost cracked my skull open ! And thats not all .
He was about to attack Mom too .
I stepped in to stop the animal , and he let loose on me .
Christina could not believe her ears .
Mom , did Andrew really try to hurt you too ? Irene immediately put on a sorrowful face .
I didnt want to tell you this to spare you the pain , but since Leroy mentioned it , I might as welle clean .
Its true .
Ever since your engagement to this monster fell through , hes been holding a grudge .
He not only attacked Leroy but was ready toe after me too .
Leroy nearly lost his life trying to protect me .
The doctor said he even has a concussion … As she spoke , Irene broke into tears , appearing utterly heartbroken .
Shawn quickly offered her a tissue , consoling her Mrs.
Stevens , please calm down .
Dont cry .
I cant believe this ungrateful bastard would dare to disrespect you like this .
Mark my words : even if Christies too soft hearted to deal with him , I wont stand for it .
One way or another , hes going to learn his lesson today .
The three of them continued , each adding fuel to the fire , igniting Christinas anger once again .
Indeed , even if Irene and Leroy had done something wrong , Andrew should not haveid a hand on Irene .
That was her mom , after all .
3/4 Chatter 17 If Andrew could do that to her , what was to stop him from hitting Christina herself one day ? With this thought , Christina could no longer contain her fury .
She grabbed a ss of water from the table and threw it in Andrews face .
Youre a real bastard .
If anything serious happens to my mom or Leroy , I swear , youll pay for it in blood .