Chapter 1265
It was a classic case of “human cannonball”—all curves, no brakes. Andrew braced himself, quickly spreading his arms to catch the petite but busty Francesca.
“Fran, when did you come to Blumedale? Why didn’t you tell me?” Andrew asked gently, feeling the fullness and warmth of her body against his.
Francesca replied with a pout. “I’ve been here for three days already! Dr. Goddard wanted me to come early to prepare for the Grand Medical Summit. He said I needed complete focus and it was too urgent to allow distractions, so he wouldn’t even let me notify you!”
Andrew looked at the smiling Malcolm and began to understand the situation.
Francesca released him, her cheeks slightly flushed, and explained candidly, “Yes, Dr. Goddard has been my mentor since graduate school. He’s also an old friend of Grandpa from Blumedale.”
Malcolm walked to the sink, washed his hands thoroughly, and approached Andrew with a warm smile. “You must be our Fran’s boyfriend, Andrew Lloyd, right? Very good, very good indeed. Not only are you handsome, but you’re also exceptionally skilled in medicine—definitely worthy of this girl!”
Francesca’s face turned even redder as she protested sweetly. “Dr. Goddard, you’re getting just as annoying as Grandpa! Please stop saying such things!”
Malcolm chuckled and gestured welcomingly. “Thomas, Mr. Keller, Ms. Garcia, Andrew—please, everyone, find a place to sit! My office is messy, and I apologize for the poor environment.”
Logan, typically critical by nature, showed unusual respect toward Malcolm. He insisted politely, “Don’t worry about us, Dr. Goddard. Please, you sit first.”
Even the normally cold Chantelle displayed proper etiquette in Malcolm’s presence. However, she kept her attention primarily on Francesca, inwardly scoffing at Andrew’s apparent promiscuity.
She thought that Andrew already had Aspen, and it seemed that he also had Malcolm’s talented protégé. They were both exceptional beauties with unique qualities.
She wondered, ‘How can this bastard handle so many women? Isn’t he afraid of exhausting himself?’
Andrew, of course, remained oblivious to Chantelle’s silent cursing. Sitting next to Francesca after nearly a month apart, their eyes met with an almost electric connection.
Francesca’s innocent, chubby face conveyed both joy and subtle reproach as she occasionally glanced at Andrew. Women in love were extremely emotional by nature. If not for the presence of others in the room, Francesca would have thrown herself into Andrew’s arms right then and there.
Andrew maintained a serious expression. However, his thoughts kept returning to the soft, full bosom that had pressed against him moments ago. Though he had not touched her deliberately, that brief collision during their embrace was enough to set his mind wandering.
Just as Andrew had felt from the beginning, Lauren’s red lips made him want to taste them, while Francesca offered different charms—an angelic face with a devilishly tempting figure.
To put it bluntly, Andrew wanted to grab her ponytail and possess her completely. Nevertheless, he quickly stopped himself from letting his mind wander. Even though Francesca had become increasingly radiant and well-endowed, he needed to control himself.
Thomas maintained a perfectly rigid expression as he glanced toward Andrew, a fleeting look of disdain crossing his lips. He thought it pathetic that someone so young was already indulging in sensual pleasures and becoming entangled in romantic affairs.
He thought that Andrew might have some talent in medicine, but he was clearly destined for mediocrity. Clearing his throat, Thomas spoke up. “Malcolm, I believe you already know why I’m here.”
Malcolm smiled. “Thomas, for this Grand Medical Summit, Blumedale Hospital is counting on you to lead our team. There’s not much to discuss—you’ll have full authority.”
Thomas’s eyes betrayed a hint of eagerness, but he forced himself to appear humble. “Although we’re both directors at Blumedale Hospital, you’re still my senior, Malcolm. Naturally, I must respect your opinions.”
Malcolm chuckled. “Well, since you put it that way, I have a few suggestions. First, my student, Fran, will take one of the slots for the Grand Medical Summit—is that acceptable?”
Thomas nodded. “No problem at all! Blumedale Hospital is a key participant in the Grand Medical Summit and has four available positions. Giving one to Dr. Aicker is only appropriate.”
Malcolm shook his head. “I’m not making this decision based on personal connections or my leadership position. Fran truly has the talent and ability to meet the medical experts at the summit and compete with them…”