Chapter 17  “Alright, Ms. Rhodes, let’s get down to business, Andrew said, slightly overwhelmed by Lauren’s antics. Her every move was irresistible, and he could not handle it anymore.  Lauren’s flirtatious smile faded as she nodded, “Yes, let’s talk business.”  “Fran, I believe Dr. Lloyd can treat your condition,” Lauren stated confidently.  Francesca glared at Andrew, scoffing, “Him? I’ve consulted top specialists nationwide and even visited renowned experts in Braundville. They all said it was complicated. What makes this small–time doctor think he’s capable?”  Andrew frowned, “If I’m not mistaken, the condition you’re 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 I’m also aware that you’ve been experiencing insomnia, hormonal imbalances, 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, let’s say you’re right. How would you solve my chest tightness and shortness of breath? “Francesca challenged, feeling like a novice despite her impressive medical background.  Andrew explained, “Your chest discomfort is unique. It’s 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 relaxation 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 grandfather’s–a renowned medical expert in Jayrodale and the founder of the Aicker family’s medical legacy.  Lauren chuckled and chimed in, “Fran’s assets are a treasure! We can’t reduce them. Dr. Lloyd, you don’t know how comfy they are to sleep on.”  Francesca was flustered and scolded her, “Lauren, shut up!” She glared at Andrew and continued, “Fine, I’ll trust you this once. Now, how would you treat my condition?”  Andrew replied calmly, “It might be challenging for others, but for me, it’s just a bit more complicated than usual.”  +2 BONUS  Francesca was already caught up in Andrew’s rhym and eagerly asked, “And then?”  Andrew shook his head, “And then? That’s it. I could treat you, but given your poor attitude toward ine, you’ll 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 family’s rare Morlic Root.”  Andrew shook his head, “I’m sorry, but I no longer need it. And I won’t 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 you’re 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 accepting patients. Besides, Francesca was getting on his  nerves.  Francesca’s chest heaved with anger, but she softened her tone. “Alright, I apologize for my earlier behavior. Please don’t hold it against me, Dr. Lloyd.”  Andrew nodded, “Very well, Bring me the Morlic Root, and then I’ll treat you.”  Francesca flared up again. “That’s not how it works! Shouldn’t you treat me first, then receive payment?”  Andrew glanced at her dismissively. “I’m afraid my rules are the only rules that matter here.”  Francesca fell silent, afraid of angering this petty jerk further. On the other hand, Lauren’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Andrew, a smile playing on her lips. As expected of the man she had laid eyes on, he was indeed impressive.  “Alright, now that that’s settled, let’s 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 Lauren’s 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 isn’t Lauren’s new boy toy,” Shawn mocked. “Moving up in the world, aren’t you? Even dining at fancy places like the Jayrodale Grand Hotel now.”  Leroy was there too. His head was bandaged, and he glared at Andrew with bloodshot eyes. Christie, this is the bastard who beat me up. You’ve 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  Christina’s face was expressionless as she stepped away from the group and walked toward Andrew, She asked, “Andrew, don’t you think you owe me an explanation for attacking someone for no reason?”  Andrew replied coldly, “Perhaps you should ask what he did first.”  “Whatever Leroy did doesn’t justify you attacking him. Look at the state you’ve 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?”  Christina’s voice rose with each word, becoming Increasingly aggressive.  Andrew let out a mocking laugh. “You come at me, pointing your fingers, without even knowing the full story, as if I’d actually killed him. How exactly was I so brutal? If he’s 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 relationship, and had nearly beaten Leroy to death. Christina wondered if Irene and Leroy were lying, and her icy glare 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 that’s 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 didn’t want to tell you this to spare you the pain, but since Leroy mentioned it, I might as well come clean. It’s true. Ever since your engagement to this monster fell through, he’s been holding a grudge. He not only attacked Leroy but was ready to come 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. Don’t cry. I can’t believe this ungrateful bastard would dare to disrespect you like this. Mark my words: even if Christie’s too soft–hearted to deal with him, I won’t stand for it. One way or another, he’s going to learn his lesson today.”  The three of them continued, each adding fuel to the fire, igniting Christina’s anger once again. Indeed, even if Irene and Leroy had done something wrong, Andrew should not have laid a hand on Irene. That was her mom, after all.  3/4  Chatter 17  +25 BONUS  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 glass of water from the table and threw it in Andrew’s face.  “You’re a real bastard. If anything serious happens to my mom or Leroy, I swear, you’ll pay for it in blood.”