Chapter 13

Andrew replied calmly, “Oh well, it’s not like they were much use to him anyway.”

Nyla looked puzzled, not quite understanding. Andrew didn't elaborate. His medical expertise had long ago diagnosed Philip's impotence and premature ejaculation; his penis was, practically speaking, useless.

Suddenly, the office door burst open. Bernard stormed in with several hospital staff, his face ashen at the sight of Philip writhing on the floor, clutching his crotch.

“Dr. Lloyd, as a medical professional, you’ve violated medical ethics by assaulting a colleague. Do you understand the consequences?” Bernard growled.

A doctor examining Philip exclaimed, “This is bad, really bad!”

Bernard’s face paled. “What is it? Did this bastard kill my son?”

The doctor shook his head. “No, Dr. Philip’s unconscious. But I’m afraid… his ability to father children may be permanently compromised.”

The room fell silent, shocked gazes filled with pity directed at Philip. The loss of such a prized possession was unimaginable; most men would rather die than endure it.

Bernard’s eyes flashed with murderous intent. “Dr. Lloyd, you’re dead. Philip is my only son. I’ll make you wish you were never born!”

Andrew smirked. “Your son sexually harassed a nurse in the office? Aren't you going to address that?”

Nyla stepped forward, tear stains still visible. “Dr. Hackett, Dr. Lloyd isn’t lying. Dr. Philip… tried to force himself on me. If Dr. Lloyd hadn’t intervened, I would have been… violated!”

The other staff exchanged uncomfortable glances. Philip’s disheveled state and exposed underwear spoke volumes.

Bernard’s expression hardened. He raised his hand and slapped Nyla, exclaiming, “Nonsense! You’re nothing but a lowly nurse. How dare you conspire with Dr. Lloyd to slander my son? I’ll make you both pay!”

Nyla cowered, covering her head and sobbing. “Dr. Hackett, I’m not lying! Everything I said is true!”

Bernard’s sudden aggression stunned the staff.

“Dr. Hackett, you can’t do this!”

“Dr. Hackett, let’s talk this out. Violence isn’t the answer!”

Despite the protests, no one dared intervene. The hospital’s chief was rarely seen, leaving Bernard, as deputy chief, to rule with an iron fist. His vindictive nature meant anyone hoping to keep their job had to tread carefully.

Suddenly, a hand shot out and gripped Bernard’s wrist.

Bernard howled in pain and rage. “Andrew, you bastard! How dare you lay your hands on me! I’ll have you torn to shreds!”

The staff watched in disbelief as the usually mild-mannered Andrew displayed such ferocity. He’d incapacitated the son; now he was manhandling the father. They wondered if he was attempting to take down the entire Hackett duo.

“Andy, let go of Dr. Hackett!”

“Andy, you’ve lost your mind! You can’t assault your superior like this!”

“Bernard, Andy’s young and impulsive. Please don’t hold it against him.”

Staff who liked Andrew pleaded on his behalf.

Andrew remained cold. “Bernard, your son’s trash, and you’re just as much of a bully. Do you seriously think no one in this hospital can touch you?”

Bernard sneered, through his pain. “You’re damn right. In this hospital, I’m invincible. You and that little tramp are both finished.”

Andrew’s eyes flashed dangerously.

“Everyone, disperse immediately. Dr. Aicker is back. Dr. Hackett and Dr. Lloyd, please report to her office immediately,” the female doctor said coldly, and left.

Bernard sneered, “Not so tough now, are you, Andrew? Now that Dr. Aicker’s back, I’ll make sure you’re out of this hospital faster than you can blink.”

With a grunt, he ordered someone to take Philip away and left. The remaining doctors looked at Andrew with pity and resignation.

“Andy, he runs things here. Why can’t you just keep your head down?”

“Dr. Aicker is strict, a zero-tolerance policy. You’ve just ruined your career.”

“The Hacketts have connections everywhere. Even Dr. Aicker has to show them respect. You’re just an attending physician. How could you possibly go up against them?”

They shook their heads and dispersed, certain Andrew would face retaliation, likely dismissal.

Nyla’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Dr. Lloyd, this is all my fault. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t…”

Andrew gently cut her off. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

Chapter 31

In Francesca Aicker’s office, tension hung heavy.

“The entire hospital is in an uproar. Dr. Hackett, Dr. Lloyd, I need an explanation,” she said, her piercing gaze moving between Andrew and Bernard.

While Jayrodale was full of beautiful women, Francesca was in a league of her own. Coming from a prestigious medical family, she’d earned numerous honors, leading to her appointment as the hospital’s director. Most importantly, she possessed extraordinary beauty. If Christina were the Ice Queen, and Lauren a fiery seductress, Francesca was youthful innocence. She lacked Christina’s height or Lauren’s curves, but possessed a naive face and generous figure, making an impressive sight in her white coat. In short, she was a “petite busty beauty.”

“Dr. Aicker,” Bernard began, seizing the opportunity, “Dr. Lloyd assaulted Dr. Philip and then attacked me. I demand he be fired immediately!”