Her voice trembled. “Cece, please be okay. I’m right here, and I promise I’ll save you, no matter what.”

Many onlookers immediately recognized the woman: Lauren Rhodes, heiress to the prestigious Rhodes family and considered Jayrodale’s most beautiful woman. In the city’s fashion industry, she was known as a femme fatale.

“Ms. Rhodes, please don’t worry. Our hospital will do everything to save your sister,” Bernard Hackett, the hospital’s deputy chief, assured her. Lauren’s status and the Rhodes family’s influence commanded the utmost dedication and respect from the staff.

After watching Cecelia Rhodes wheeled into emergency, Lauren faced the assembled staff. Tears glistened on her flawless face, yet her elegance and commanding presence remained undiminished.

“Dr. Hackett, bring me your best doctor immediately. Save Cecelia. We will reward you generously.”

Bernard nodded solemnly. “For a member of the Rhodes family, we’ll assemble our top team. With our chief doctor away, I’ll personally lead the operation. I’ll also need our most skilled attending physician to assist me.”

Several doctors, particularly the men, eagerly stepped forward. This was a golden opportunity, a chance to shine in front of Lauren, potentially earning great rewards and the attention of Jayrodale’s most desirable bachelorette.

Philip rushed to the front. “Ms. Rhodes, Dr. Philip. Ms. Cecelia will be in safe hands with me.”

Lauren frowned. “Dr. Hackett, is he truly your most skilled attending physician? I insist on the best.”

Bernard hesitated, his gaze drifting toward Andrew, standing at the back.

An elderly doctor whispered, “Bernard, given the Rhodes family’s importance, Andrew would be a better choice than Philip.”

Another senior physician agreed, “Bernard, let Andrew assist you. His exceptional medical skills are well-known.”

Bernard hesitated. Andrew’s skills far surpassed Philip’s, but Philip was his son.

“Ms. Rhodes, Dr. Philip is our most skilled attending physician. You can trust him completely.”

Lauren, seeing no reason to argue, said, “Very well. Dr. Hackett and Dr. Philip, I’m counting on you.”

Encouraged, Philip confidently declared, “Rest assured, Ms. Rhodes. I won’t let you or your sister down.” He shot a smug glance at Andrew, silently gloating. Without Christina’s support, he believed Andrew’s life would only worsen.

A senior doctor patted Andrew’s shoulder. “Andy, why didn’t you speak up? This could have been a great opportunity.”

Another added, “Andrew, we’ve all witnessed your exceptional skills and ethics. It’s a shame Philip’s connections won out.”

Andrew smiled gently. “Thank you. But saving lives is a noble act, regardless of who performs it. The patient’s recovery is what matters.”

The older doctors exchanged worried glances. They knew connections often trumped skill, and feared Andrew’s lack of politicking might hinder his career.

Lauren, observing from the edge of the crowd, noticed Andrew’s quiet demeanor, unlike the other doctors eager to impress her. Her intuition told her more was amiss.

She whispered to her assistant, Eunice Brooks, “Quietly gather information about Jayrodale General’s top doctors. And find out the name of that doctor at the back.”

Eunice soon returned. “Miss, Dr. Hackett misled us,” she reported, anger clouding her face. “Philip isn’t even close to being the best attending physician. He doesn’t even rank among the top.”

Lauren’s gaze turned cold, but she remained composed. “It’s fine. As long as Cece is okay.”

Eunice continued, “The doctor you asked about is Andrew Lloyd. His medical skills are among the best, surpassing many senior doctors.”

Lauren was shocked. She’d asked about Andrew on a whim, but hadn’t expected him to be so outstanding, especially given his youth.

Eunice added, “There’s more to Dr. Lloyd’s story, Ms. Rhodes.”

Lauren smiled, intrigued. “Do tell.”

“Do you remember the stunning CEO of Stevens Corporation? Her beauty is second only to yours. Rumor has it she’s been keeping a boy toy—and guess who it is?”

Lauren’s eyes widened. “You’re not suggesting Dr. Lloyd?”

Eunice nodded. “The very same. But poor Dr. Lloyd—Christina dumped him and is engaged to Harvey Weller.”

Lauren shook her head. “He’s so young and talented. If he’d focused on his career, he might have been more appealing. Such a shame.”

Their gossip was interrupted. The emergency room doors burst open. Two nurses rushed out, panic etched on their faces.

“It’s an emergency! The patient’s vitals are dropping rapidly. She’s barely breathing!”