Chapter 317
The next morning, Andrew arrived at Jayrodale General Hospital bright and early. As deputy chief, his workload was typically light; he often joked that his role was more symbolic than hands-on. The hospital, the largest in Jayrodale, was privately owned, granting Andrew considerable freedom. Unless a particularly complex case or challenging surgery arose, he rarely needed to intervene, thanks to Francesca and Lauren's capable management.
“Good morning, Dr. Lloyd!” The nurses greeted him warmly as he walked through the corridors.
Andrew smiled and replied, “Good morning, everyone!” Nyla, considered the hospital's most beautiful nurse and the department's belle, blushed deeply at his approach, quickly lowering her gaze. Andrew offered a polite smile before entering the elevator to his office.
Hospital gossip was rampant at Jayrodale General, and Andrew, though not one to engage in rumors, couldn't avoid whispers about Nyla's apparent infatuation. The Goths, Nyla's family, held some prominence in Jayrodale, making her a respectable match. However, Andrew viewed her only as a younger sister. He recalled an incident where Bernard's son, Phillip, had bullied Nyla, prompting Andrew to deliver a well-placed, corrective kick. Nyla had been immensely grateful ever since, going out of her way to assist him. Francesca had even teased him, suggesting Nyla would undoubtedly accept a date, and joked that half the hospital's nurses had their eyes on him, urging him to settle down with Lauren before someone else "swooped in."
Upon opening his office door, Andrew found Francesca and an elderly man already inside.
“Dr. Aicker, what brings you here today?” Andrew greeted with a smile.
The older man was Cedric Aicker, a renowned physician from the prominent Aicker family.
“Dr. Lloyd,” Cedric said with a grin, “I’m here for you specifically.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Do you have good news for me?”
Cedric chuckled mischievously. “Of course! I came to ask when you’ll accept me as your apprentice.”
He continued, “To show our sincerity, the Aicker family is prepared to offer a grand apprentice ceremony, complete with gifts—including my precious granddaughter. We’d even throw a three-day banquet and invite the entire medical community of Jayrodale to witness it!”
Andrew was speechless. Francesca, however, flushed crimson and snapped, “Grandpa! What nonsense are you spouting? You’re getting more ridiculous with age!”
Cedric laughed heartily. “Fran, I’m your grandfather. Do you really think I don’t know what’s on your mind?” He smirked. “Tell me, if Dr. Lloyd agrees to take me as his apprentice, would you be willing to be with him?”
Francesca's cheeks burned, her wide, teary eyes filled with embarrassment and anger. “Cedric Aicker, I’m warning you—if you keep talking nonsense, I’ll stop acknowledging you as my grandfather!” Her use of his full name further annoyed him, but Cedric, clearly adoring his granddaughter, merely huffed.
Turning to Andrew, Cedric said, “Dr. Lloyd, I apologize if I’ve embarrassed you.” He added with a sly grin, “That being said, my earlier offer still stands. If you agree to take me as your apprentice, Fran would make an excellent wife.”