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 explained, Ms. Stevens, your reputation as Jayrodale’s 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 Marvin’s mind. She turned to Shawn, genuinely grateful. “Please thank your father for me. You’ve been a huge help, and I won’t 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 Marvin’s number, let alone the ability to make such a call.  “Is everything okay? You look troubled,” Christina asked, noticing Shawn’s odd expression. Shawn forced a laugh and quickly said, “No, no, everything’s fine. It’s all going according to plan. I told you to relax, Christie. This kind of thing is child’s play 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 Shawn’s nervousness, Christina smiled. “You’ve been a great help to Stevens Corporation. I’d like to treat you to dinner tonight.”  Shawn’s face lit up. “I’d be honored to join you for dinner, Christie.”  He was thrilled, thinking, ‘Andrew, from now on I’ll be the one enjoying Christina’s company and protecting her.”  Just then, Christina’s phone rang: She answered, “Mom, what’s wrong?”  On the other end, Irene was sobbing uncontrollably. “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 we’d been a minute later, I might have lost my precious son.”  Leroy’s injuries were not nearly as severe as she claimed, but Irene exaggerated wildly to Christina, painting Andrew as the devil incarnate Sure enough, Christina was instantly enraged.  “Alright, I’m coming right over. If Andrew really did this, I’ll make him pay.  Later that evening, Andrew arrived at the Jayrodale Grand Hotel at Lauren’s 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 it’s 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: Lauren’s best friend, Francesca, and her secretary, Eunice.  “How long has this been going on between them” Francesca asked coldly.  Eunice looked puzzled. “Ms. Aicker, I’m not sure what you mean by ‘this‘.”  Francesca clarified through gritted teeth, “You know, their close intimacy. How long has it been?”  Eunice finally understood, explaining 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, she’s been completely 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. Nonetheless, she had’to 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 jerk’s true nature.  With Lauren on his arm, Andrew entered the hotel’s luxurious private room. He was immediately met with Francesca’s 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. “It’s just the four of us today, no outsiders.”  “Dr. Lloyd, let me introduce you. This is my best friend, Francesca Aicker. She has what you’re looking for,” Lauren introduced.  Just as Lauren turned to Francesca, Francesca snorted and said coldly, “Lauren, there’s no need for introductions. We already know each other.”  Lauren was surprised. “Fran, you know Andrew?”  Francesca straightened up, her tone icy. “Of course. He’s just a junior doctor at my hospital, struggling to survive under my supervision.”  Lauren smacked her forehead. “I’m so forgetful! Of course, Dr. Lloyd works at your hospital! I can’t believe that slipped thy mind!”  Francesca asked, “Lauren, didn’t you say a skilled doctor was coming today? Someone who could treat my condition? Where’s that person?”  Lauren smiled mysteriously, pointing at Andrew. “Ta–da! Fran, Dr. Lloyd is the expert I wanted to introduce you to. I’ve 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? I’m the chief of Medicine at Jayrodale General Hospital and can’t cure this illness. Who does he think he is?”  Lauren frowned. “Fran, Dr. Lloyd is my friend. Please don’t speak about him like that.”  Francesca spoke contemptuously. “Lauren, since we’re all here, I’ll lay 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 hadn’t caught on in time, you’d have fallen right into his dirty trap.”  She continued, “Oh, and you don’t 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 I’ve said is true. Ask him if you don’t 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 Francesca’s nonsense. At  +25 BONUS  Chapter 16  first, he did not want to explain, but fearing Lauren’s misunderstanding, he thought he should say something.  To everyone’s surprise, Lauren burst out laughing. “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, you’re a real charmer”  She grabbed Andrew’s hand affectionately and added, “Dr. Lloyd, look at me. I’ve got the curves, the family background, and the looks. If you’re 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.