Chapter 1843
The headquarters was massive, and Andrew headed straight for the highest level. Everyone knew that was where Jerome’s private quarters were located.
Alex and his men were stationed outside the main hall at the very top. When he saw Andrew approaching, he sneered with a cold smile. “I thought you might be all bark and no bite. I figured you wouldn’t have the guts to show up!”
Andrew’s expression remained stone-cold. “Where’s Zachary? Let him go, and I might spare your life!”
Alex burst into angry laughter. “You arrogant little punk! You’ve got some serious nerve talking like that. If we actually fought, I could kill you in seconds! Go on in. Zachary’s fine; I’m just having a nice chat with Mr. Thornton.”
Andrew walked into the side hall and saw three people inside.
One of them was Zachary, seated quietly below. The second was Jerome, a square-faced man with a scholarly appearance.
The third person was a strangely beautiful young man with two long strands of hair falling beside his ears, giving him an incredibly feminine appearance. However, this was not the kind of femininity that made you cringe.
The young man’s delicate nature seemed to radiate from his very core. The moment Andrew saw him, he was reminded of those legendary figures from old TV shows who were clearly male yet possessing a grace more ethereal and captivating than that of most women.
When Andrew entered, Zachary stood up and was about to speak. However, Andrew raised a hand to stop him.
From the top seat, Jerome chuckled and studied Andrew. “Dr. Lloyd, please, have a seat. I know it wasn’t the most polite way to invite you, but believe me, I had no other choice.”
Andrew did not sit. Instead, he asked, “Mr. Thornton, just say what you want. What is this really about?”
Jerome grinned. “I like your style. Direct and no nonsense. I prefer dealing with people like you. Here’s the truth… I’ve been poisoned. I need your help to save my life.”
However, his voice was strong, and he looked completely fine, smiling even.
Andrew frowned. “Mr. Thornton, you must be joking. You don’t look poisoned at all.”
Jerome’s smile slowly faded.
Then, Andrew watched as thick black energy surged up from Jerome’s neck and crawled across his face. In an instant, it looked like something was slithering beneath his skin. Black veins bulged up like worms, and even his eyes turned blood-red.
It was terrifying.
Jerome’s voice grew hoarse and raw. “How about now, Dr. Lloyd? Still think I look full of life? Earlier, I used my internal energy to suppress the poison so no one would notice. But what you’re seeing now is the real me.”
Andrew’s eyes narrowed in shock.
This was no mild condition, and Jerome looked like he was on the verge of death. Moreover, Andrew recognized the black energy on his face immediately.
It was Braundville’s Frostblossom, the deadliest and most vicious poison from Eastonia’s forbidden realm.
Its beauty matched its lethality. The more stunning it looked, the more fatal it became.
“So, it’s true that someone from Eastonia tried to assassinate you?” Andrew asked seriously, his tone sharp.
Jerome’s face remained grotesque, covered in writhing black streaks. Yet, his voice stayed calm and composed, which meant his martial energy was still strong enough to hold back the Frostblossom, at least for now.
“Whether it was really someone from Eastonia, we still haven’t confirmed. So, I can’t make that claim yet. But Dr. Lloyd, I’ve heard of your name. You took first place at the Cabo Creek’s Grand Medical Summit, and they now call you the Grand Physician.
“Even those from the Advanced Medical Institute couldn’t match your medical skills. I originally thought Frostblossom was incurable. But when you and Zachary suddenly arrived in Goldridge, it gave me hope!”