Chapter 471
Lauren exclaimed urgently, “Dr. Lloyd, you can’t do this! Mr. Chapman is emotionally unstable—we should wait for the rescue team.”
She did not need to elaborate further, as Andrew already understood her meaning. She feared that if he tried to save Marcus and was not careful enough, Marcus might actually jump, and Andrew would have to bear that devastating consequence.
Andrew smiled reassuringly and said, “Ms. Rhodes, trust me. I will bring Mr. Chapman back safely.”
“Andrew, are you trying to be the hero again? Are you looking for more trouble?” Eunice snapped angrily. “Do you understand what will happen if you fail to save Mr. Chapman?”
“If I can’t bring him back, I’ll take full responsibility,” Andrew replied coldly, which silenced everyone as they watched him slowly approach Marcus.
Breaking out in a cold sweat, Eunice turned to Lauren and said, “Miss, how can you just stand there and let him act so recklessly? In this situation, whoever tries to save Mr. Chapman takes on the risk of failure.
“Think about it—if they fail to save Mr. Chapman, won’t that person face the hatred of all employees? They might even face criminal charges!”
Lauren responded with a cold laugh, “Are you finished? If so, let me explain something to you.”
“What’s that?” Eunice asked, bewildered.
Lauren’s face showed contempt as she spoke calmly, “In the face of saving a human life, Dr. Lloyd has put aside his personal reputation and is moving forward despite enormous risks. Yet you call this reckless behavior. So, Eunice, you think being a coward, being fearful, lacking empathy, and compassion is the right way to go?”
She added, “And you think Dr. Lloyd, who’s facing potential public criticism and bearing the pressure of becoming a target of blame while trying to save someone alone, is a fool?”
Eunice was at a loss for words, “Miss, I…”
Lauren smirked and declared, “A man who does what must be done despite resistance—that’s the kind of partner I’ve been searching for my whole life! If Mr. Chapman does jump and we can’t save him, Dr. Lloyd and I will bear all responsibility together.”
As Andrew carefully approached Marcus, the latter’s eyes showed wild desperation as he shouted, “Mr. Lloyd, don’t come any closer, or I’ll jump right now!”
Andrew immediately stopped and raised both hands in a peaceful gesture, saying with a smile, “Mr. Chapman, come down first. Whatever’s troubling you, let’s talk it out, man to man. If we can’t work it out, you can hold me accountable however you want.”
Marcus shook his head and said, “It’s useless. Nothing can help. I’ve lost everything—all I have left is this worthless life. Since everyone’s pushing me, I’ll prove my point with death!”
Andrew kept his voice steady. “Mr. Chapman, as your friend, I can’t agree with that. Life isn’t meant to be easy. As men, we’re supposed to face challenges head-on and keep moving forward.”
He asked, “If one obstacle can bring us down, how are we supposed to handle the countless hurdles ahead?”
For a moment, Marcus seemed dazed, his expression softening. He muttered, “I used to be someone who believed that too. I once vowed to stand tall, pursue greatness, and make my life meaningful. But in the end, fate played a cruel joke on me. Perhaps death is my only destination!”
Andrew frowned slightly, realizing Marcus’ emotional wounds were deeper than anticipated. He said, “Mr. Chapman, with your wisdom and perspective, surely you understand that life is a cycle of ups and downs. We all have moments of triumph, just as we all face times of despair. But true heroes are those who recognize life’s cruelty yet still choose to embrace and love it—don’t you think so?”