Chapter 103

After leaving the mayor's mansion, Cedric rushed home, visibly excited. Lauren turned to Andrew with a knowing smile. "The Aicker family's business isn't enormous, and their reputation primarily stems from Mr. Aicker's medical expertise," she explained. "It seems Mr. Aicker is ready to make a significant move and capitalize on this opportunity," she added thoughtfully.

Andrew nodded in agreement. "It's certainly a golden opportunity." Mark had essentially presented both the Rhodes and Aicker families with a wealth of opportunities; even a fool could recognize the advantageous situation.

Lauren gazed intently at Andrew. "Dr. Lloyd, Mr. Aicker and I benefited greatly from this. While Mr. Thatcher maintains good relationships with our families, he wouldn't normally offer opportunities so freely. I truly need to thank you properly."

Andrew understood that Mark had shared this privileged information out of respect for him. He simply smiled and replied, "There's no need, Ms. Rhodes. Just keep me informed if you encounter any rare medicinal ingredients."

However, Lauren insisted firmly, "Such a significant favor deserves proper acknowledgment. I've arranged for you to have a board position at Rhodes Corporation, with a share of the group's profits moving forward."

Andrew was taken aback and quickly protested, "Ms. Rhodes, that's entirely unnecessary. You know I have no interest in money or status."

Lauren's voice took on a playful tone. "I don't care! I'm going to repay you anyway. And that's not the only way I plan to show my gratitude." Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Dr. Lloyd, did you notice my stockings today?"

Andrew's throat tightened. "Uh… they look… nice?"

"Would you like to touch them?"

"Touch them? Ms. Rhodes, that wouldn't be appropriate. We're in public!"

Lauren leaned closer, whispering teasingly, "We could go to the car. Dr. Lloyd, these stockings are not only stylish and soft, but they're also very easily torn. Why don't we test that theory, eh?"

Lauren's seductive tone made Andrew's heart skip a beat. He had to admit, this stunning woman knew precisely how to provoke his primal desires.

"Well… if you insist, we should test that theory in the car."

To Lauren's surprise, Andrew agreed after only a moment's hesitation. Flustered, she stammered, "D-Dr. Lloyd, you… you're not actually serious, are you?"

Andrew winked. "Of course I am. You suggested it, didn't you? Besides, I've been single for quite a while. Ms. Rhodes, you're a stunner, and those legs of yours in those sexy stockings are a sight to behold. I'm sure we'll have a good time."

"Dr. Lloyd, please… calm down! I was just teasing you!" Lauren laughed nervously. Andrew's burning gaze made her heart race. She hadn't expected him to call her bluff so boldly.

For a moment, Lauren genuinely worried he might accept her offer. While not opposed to the idea, she certainly hadn't anticipated things escalating so rapidly. Meanwhile, Andrew could barely contain his amusement at the seductive troublemaker's flustered reaction. It served her right for always teasing him.