Chapter 1214
Ronanโs Oak Apothecary had built a modest but respected reputation in Blumedale, so having him gather the herbs was a huge time-saver for Andrew.
However, the moment Andrew stepped into the shop, Janice Bates came running toward him in tears.
โAndrew! My grandpaโฆ he got hurt! Someone beat him up!โ she cried, sobbing uncontrollably.
Andrewโs brows furrowed. โJanice, stop crying for now. Take me to him.โ
In the back room, Ronan was lying on a bed, clearly injured. Two red handprints burned across his cheeks, and his forehead was bruised and bleeding as if someone had shoved him hard against something.
โMr. Lloydโฆ you came,โ Ronan said weakly, trying to sit up. โForgive me, Iโve failed you.โ
Andrew quickly motioned for him to stop talking. โDonโt waste your breath. Letโs get you patched up first.โ
After checking him over, Andrew was relieved to find that Ronan had only suffered surface wounds and a badly twisted waist. He worked swiftly, massaging the injured muscles and applying medicine to the cut on his forehead.
It was all done in less than ten minutes โ fast and precise.
Janice stood nearby, watching with teary eyes full of gratitude. โAndrew, thank you so much! If only I had studied medicineโฆ I couldโve helped him myself!โ
Andrew smiled lightly. โJanice, not everyoneโs meant to be a doctor. You canโt think like that. Your grandpaโs alright now. Come outside with me and tell me exactly what happened.โ
Once outside, Janice wiped her tears, clenched her fists, and said through gritted teeth, โIt was the people from Genesis Dispensary. They attacked Grandpa!โ
Andrewโs expression turned cold. โGenesis Dispensary? So this is Mosbyโs doing?โ
Janice nodded. โYeah, itโs his clinic. In Blumedale, Genesis Dispensary is where all the powerful families go. Mosby has deep connections in the cityโs medical scene, and heโs been suppressing other practitioners for years.
โHeโs been trying to monopolize the entire traditional medicine market, especially the traditional medicine sector. Grandpaโs just been holding on the best he can. Mosbyโs people have come by more than once, demanding he shut down Oak Apothecary. But Grandpa kept refusing, so Mosby made him a target.โ
Her voice cracked as the tears returned, and she wiped her eyes again.
Andrew handed her a tissue and gave her time to breathe, saying, โTake your time.โ
Janice composed herself and continued, her lips trembling. โEven with all this pressure, Grandpa kept the place open โ he didnโt want to let go of our familyโs legacy. But this time, he thought the herbs you requested might be available at Genesis Dispensary, so he went to buy them.
โBut the staff there held a grudge, and they took it all out on him. They accused him of working with you, said he was a traitor, and that Mosby would destroy both of you sooner or later.
โGrandpaโs oldโฆ he didnโt want to start a fight, so he stayed quiet and tried to leave. But as soon as he walked out the door, they surrounded him and beat him up!โ
Andrewโs jaw tightened as a cold fury welled up inside him. โDid you call the cops?โ
Janice gave a bitter smile and shook her head. โWeโve reported them so many timesโฆ but Andrew, itโs absolutely useless. Sure, weโve got some loyal customers, but compared to Mosbyโs wealth and influence, no oneโs going to take our side.
โPlus, Mosbyโs got people in the Blumedale Police Department. Every time we report it, they sweep it under the rug.โ
A sharp gleam flashed in Andrewโs eyes as he said coolly, โGood. If the cops wonโt do anything, then Iโll make sure your grandpa and Oak Apothecary get some justice.โ
Janiceโs eyes widened. โAndrew, no! Please donโt act impulsively! If Grandpa finds out that I said something and it got you in danger, heโd never forgive me!โ
Andrew let out a cold laugh. โDangerous for me? No, Janice โ the ones in danger are Mosby and the scum running Genesis Dispensary.โ
Without another word, Andrew walked out of Oak Apothecary, slammed the car door, and floored the gas pedal toward Genesis Dispensary.
Janice tried to run after him, but she was panicked and flustered, unsure of what to do. After all, charging straight into Genesis Dispensary alone was like having a death wish.