Chapter 74

Dexter sneered at Andrew. "You've got some nerve. Just because you won a few races and caught Mr. Thatcher's attention, you think you can concoct stories about his health to make him dependent on you?"

Harvey added with a smirk, "That's pretty low, Andrew. Trying to climb the social ladder by tricking Mr. Thatcher is quite naive."

"I'd explain it to you, but honestly, you're not very bright," Andrew replied calmly.

"Is he insulting us?" Dexter asked Harvey, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Harvey scoffed. "Just meaningless rambling. Let's go!"

As Dexter passed Andrew, he strutted arrogantly. "Hey, freeloader, my lights are on, thank you very much! My electricity bill proves it!"

"Dexter, let's go!" Harvey called out, red-faced with embarrassment. Having such an uncouth sidekick was mortifying.

Lauren stifled a laugh. "Dr. Lloyd, you should know that while Dexter's family is wealthy, they're not exactly refined. I heard he dropped out of school after second grade!"

Francesca turned to Andrew with a stern expression. "Now that we're alone, tell me—what makes you think Mr. Thatcher has a serious illness?"

"The symptoms were obvious. Didn't you notice?" Andrew glanced at her.

Francesca sneered. "Well, excuse me for not having your supposedly brilliant insight. Bernard is his personal physician, and my grandfather often visits Mr. Thatcher. Are you suggesting they're both blind to his condition?"

"I met your grandfather at the Stevens family gathering once," Andrew replied. "He's not blind, but..."

"But what?"

"But he's past his prime, easily ruffled, and overly prideful. Let's just say his skills are rather basic for someone of his experience and renown."

Francesca's face flushed with anger. She couldn't believe Andrew dismissed her grandfather, a respected medical authority, as "basic."

"How dare you look down on our family's medical legacy!" Francesca fumed. "My grandfather's reputation as a miracle doctor is well-established in Jayrodale!"

"Jayrodale is a small pond. Being called a miracle doctor here is like being called a king in medieval times when ruling over a few villages. Does that really mean anything in the grand scheme of things?" Andrew retorted.

Francesca was speechless, but her anger simmered. She couldn't tolerate this man, whom she had always looked down upon, speaking to her so condescendingly.

"Fran, Dr. Lloyd, please stop arguing," Lauren quickly intervened. "Dr. Aicker is indeed famous in Jayrodale, but Fran, Dr. Lloyd is also very skilled. Remember, you still need his help with your condition!"

"For Lauren's sake, I'll let this go," Francesca replied icily.