Chapter 14

Francesca glared at Andrew from behind her desk, irritation simmering at his apparent indifference. “Dr. Lloyd, do you have anything to say for yourself? Do you admit to Dr. Hackett’s accusations and the violation of hospital policy? If so, you can pack your things and leave. I do not tolerate unruly behavior.”

Andrew frowned. “Dr. Aicker, since you summoned us, I assume you're aware of the situation. Why ask questions you already know the answers to?”

“You…” Francesca’s temper flared.

Bernard interjected, “Dr. Aicker, look at him! He shows no humility or respect. He’s a thug! I suggest we fire him immediately and blacklist him from the profession entirely!”

Andrew replied coldly, “Bernard, you and Philip are the true disgrace. How could you lie so blatantly?”

Bernard turned to Francesca, pleading, “Dr. Aicker, he’s unrepentant, insulting us! I’m the deputy chief! I can’t let a nobody like him damage my reputation. Please, do something!”

Francesca impatiently cut him off. “Enough. I’ll handle this, Dr. Hackett. You can go now.” Bernard was stunned. “Dr. Aicker, what are you—”

Francesca interrupted, “I said leave. I will investigate and handle this accordingly. If Dr. Philip is falsely accused, the culprit will face the consequences.”

Bernard, having already asked Francesca to deal with Andrew, left, believing she would act in accordance with his status.

Once he was gone, Francesca leaned back, her ample chest straining against her coat. “Well, Dr. Lloyd, you’re certainly… impressive!” she said sarcastically.

Andrew looked puzzled. “I’m not sure I understand, Dr. Aicker.” He was baffled by her sudden comment, especially given their lack of prior interaction.

Francesca smirked. “Let’s not play games. We both know what I’m talking about.”

Andrew frowned. “Dr. Aicker, I genuinely don’t know what you mean. But if you’re referring to Philip and Bernard, my position remains unchanged: they received what they deserved.”

Francesca slammed her hand on the desk. “Andrew, don’t change the subject! Lauren is my best friend; our families have been close for generations. I don’t care about your personal life, but if you’re pursuing Lauren, I won’t tolerate it.”

Andrew, finally understanding the source of her anger, was taken aback. “I think you’ve misunderstood. Ms. Rhodes and I have no relationship whatsoever.”

Francesca scoffed. “Lauren might not see through you, but I do. You’re deliberately trying to attract her attention, aren’t you?”

Andrew remained impassive. “That’s absurd.”

“Is it?” Francesca continued. “Weren’t you Christina Stevens’…companion before? You have a certain charm, and Lauren is naive enough to fall for it. But let me warn you, you’re not good enough for her. Not by a long shot.”

Andrew replied firmly, “I’ll say it again: there’s nothing between Ms. Rhodes and me.” He had previously respected Francesca’s medical skills, despite her age, but this exchange revealed her as merely a short-tempered, flamboyant woman.

Francesca sneered, “I know there isn’t, and there never will be. You’re not in her league. Lauren is the heiress of the Rhodes family, a true socialite. Do you have any idea how many people in Jayrodale would kill to be with her?”

“And you,” she continued, her voice dripping with disdain, “instead of focusing on your career, you’re chasing women and climbing the social ladder on their coattails. Why be a kept man when you’re a decent doctor?”

Andrew looked at her gravely. “Francesca, I think you’re sick.”

Francesca was stunned. “What did you just call me?”

“I said you’re sick. Seriously sick,” Andrew replied, his face impassive. “Judging by your temper, I’d say you’re experiencing some hormonal imbalances.”

Francesca’s face turned crimson. “Andrew, you bastard! Do you want me to fire you?”

Andrew shrugged, turning to leave. “Go ahead. This hospital means little to me.” As he reached the door, he added, “But as a doctor, I feel obligated to warn you. That condition… If you don’t treat it soon, you might never experience the joys of intimacy.”

He slammed the door, leaving a furious Francesca. Her chest heaved with anger and mortification. Then, a realization struck her—how did Andrew know about her deeply personal medical condition? Had Lauren betrayed her? Vaginal atresia was a rare condition affecting few women, preventing physical intimacy. She was a virgin, resigned to celibacy. How had he learned this?

Composing herself, she muttered, “Andrew… Lauren will probably beg me to keep you. Fine. You can keep your job, but stay away from her. You two are from different worlds.”

Meanwhile, Bernard sat at Philip’s bedside as he regained consciousness.

Philip, his face contorted with rage, demanded, “Dad, you must avenge me! Make Andrew pay. I want him to suffer!”

Bernard tried to calm his son. “Phil, I told you to cause a little trouble to get rid of Andrew. But you went too far. What were you thinking, harassing that nurse?”

Philip explained, livid, “I’ve had my eye on Nyla. I knew she had a crush on Andrew, so I used her to set him up. Once he intervened, I’d accuse him of assault, and you could have him fired.” He grew more agitated. “I didn’t expect him to fight back. He crossed the line by hurting my…member, and I won’t let him get away with it!”

Bernard frowned. “You let your hormones cloud your judgment. But don’t worry, that punk won’t get away with this. I’ve pressured Francesca. If she’s smart, she’ll know what to do.”

Francesca’s assistant entered. “Dr. Hackett, I’m here to relay Dr. Aicker’s decision. Effective immediately, Philip is fired for misconduct and violating hospital policies.”

The news struck Philip and Bernard like a thunderbolt. Philip screamed before passing out again.