Chapter 131

Those in the know understood Andrew could easily fill the deputy chief position at Jayrodale General Hospital. His exceptional medical skills would even allow him to handle the chief doctor's role without difficulty.

Standing in his newly renovated office, Andrew sighed. "Ms. Rhodes, Dr. Aicker, I honestly have no interest in the deputy chief position."

Lauren beamed. "Dr. Lloyd, we know you don't care for titles. However, Jayrodale General Hospital is privately owned, and leadership positions are based on ability, not seniority. The deputy chief position suits you perfectly."

Francesca smiled. "If you wish, I'll even relinquish my position. I could step down as chief doctor and assist you."

"Please, I'm already overwhelmed with the deputy chief role, let alone being chief," Andrew replied with a wry smile.

Lauren flashed a mischievous grin. "Fran, why are you being so nice to Dr. Lloyd? Ulterior motives?"

"What nonsense?" Francesca protested. "I simply believe his medical skills surpass mine; he'd make a better chief."

Lauren snickered. "Is that all?"

Francesca rolled her eyes. "What else could it be?"

"Well, since Dr. Lloyd cured your condition, I thought you might have developed feelings for him and wanted him as your superior," Lauren stated playfully. "But let me remind you, Fran—we may be childhood best friends, but Dr. Lloyd is mine, and I won't let anyone else have him."

Francesca, embarrassed, stamped her foot. "L-Lauren, not everyone thinks like you! You're such a shameless flirt!"

Lauren's dimples showed. "It depends on who we're talking about. When it comes to Dr. Lloyd, I'm happy to be shameless."

"You should stop talking. Someone's coming," Andrew interrupted, breaking into a cold sweat.

The office door burst open. Bernard stormed in, fuming. "Dr. Aicker, I demand an explanation!"

"About what?" Francesca asked calmly.

Bernard pointed at Andrew, enraged. "Why is he being promoted to deputy chief when he's just an attending physician? And why wasn't I consulted?"

"Oh? Dr. Hackett, what's your opinion on the matter?" Francesca inquired.

"My opinion is that he'll never be qualified to be deputy chief—never!" Bernard declared firmly.

Francesca responded coldly. "I'm sorry, Dr. Hackett, but your opinion on Dr. Lloyd's qualifications is irrelevant. This decision was made jointly by our two major shareholders—the Rhodes and Aicker families."

"So, the hospital completely disregards the feelings of a veteran staff member like myself?" Bernard gritted his teeth.

Lauren raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Hackett, Jayrodale General Hospital exists to treat patients and generate returns for our investors, not to cater to your sense of entitlement. You call yourself a veteran? To the board of directors, you're nothing special."

Bernard snapped. "Ms. Rhodes, while the Rhodes family may be major shareholders, don't assume I don't have my own supporters on the board. We'll see how this plays out."