Chapter 87

Cedric seethed with rage. As a renowned medical expert, having his granddaughter seek treatment from an outsider felt like a profound insult, a blatant implication of his own inadequacy.

“Fine then, Grandpa!” Francesca snapped, her cheeks flaring with anger. “Go ahead and cure me right now. I don’t want to live with this condition any longer!”

Cedric immediately deflated, forcing an awkward laugh. “Fran, you know I’ve been researching your condition to find a cure. Just give me a few more years, and I promise I’ll heal you.”

“That’s exactly what you said three years ago,” Francesca replied, her voice heavy with sadness. “How many more years can I wait? I’m already twenty-eight. Do you want to watch me grow old with this?”

Tears welled in Francesca’s eyes.

Cedric’s expression softened as he sighed. “You’re right, sweetheart. It’s my fault. But how can this young man accomplish what I couldn’t?”

Francesca bit her lip. “I don’t know if Andrew can cure my condition, but I want to try!”

Cedric turned to Andrew with a stern gaze. “Are you truly capable of this?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Andrew replied calmly.

Before Cedric could respond, Simon intervened. “Mr. Aicker, you can’t trust this fraud!”

Cedric was confused. “Fraud?”

“He clearly has ulterior motives regarding Francesca,” Simon protested. “Treating her condition would require intimate examinations. We can’t allow that!”

“Simon’s right,” Cedric stated, shaking his head. “Absolutely not, Fran. This is out of the question.”

Francesca’s voice turned cold. “Fine, Grandpa. If you won’t let Andrew treat me, then you do it, right now.”

Cedric was speechless, realizing his granddaughter possessed his own stubbornness.

“Fran, you don’t need this nobody,” Simon declared. “Give me a year to study at the Advanced Medical Institute, and I’ll return with a cure.”

Francesca looked surprised. “Simon, that’s one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country. Would they even accept you?”

Simon gazed at Francesca with deep affection. “You know how I feel about you, Fran. I don’t know if they’ll accept me, but I’d risk everything for you.”

Francesca blushed and remained silent as Simon moved closer. “We’ve grown up together, studied medicine together. I might as well be honest—I love you, and I won’t marry anyone else.”

Turning to Andrew with a cold smirk, Simon added, “Whatever your intentions are with Fran, I suggest you leave. We’re perfectly matched, both medically and socially. You might fool Fran with your schemes, but you can’t fool me. If you insist on pursuing her, you’re asking for trouble!”