Bernard and Philip approached, looking apologetic. “We’re sorry, Ms. Rhodes,” Bernard began. “Ms. Cecelia’s condition is critical. We’ve done all we can.”

Philip added, his voice laced with frustration, “The initial treatment seemed promising, but suddenly, her breathing weakened dramatically. It’s not a lack of skill, Ms. Rhodes. We’re facing an impossible situation.”

Before Philip finished, Lauren slapped him.

“Ms. Rhodes, what was that…?” Bernard began, but Lauren cut him off.

“You idiot!” she seethed, trembling with rage. “Didn’t you boast about saving Cece?”

Philip stood speechless and humiliated, his cheek stinging. Lauren turned to Bernard, her voice dripping venom. “Dr. Hackett, I’ll ask you one last time. Is there anyone else who can help? If anything happens to her, you and your incompetent son will face severe consequences.”

Bernard, visibly shaken, stammered, “There is… one person we could try… Dr. Andrew Lloyd.”

“Who?”

“Dr. Andrew Lloyd.”

Lauren’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Dr. Lloyd! Quick, get him!”

Consumed by jealousy, Philip mocked, “Andrew’s in my department. He’s not up to this task.”

Lauren’s eyes flashed. “Shut your mouth! If you dare speak again, I’ll remove your tongue!”

Philip’s face paled, knowing he’d ruined his reputation. Yet, he couldn’t bear Andrew’s favor.

Andrew arrived. He glanced at Lauren and said sternly, “There’s no need to summon me. Saving lives is my job. As the patient’s sister, you should focus on helping, not venting. Come with me.”

Lauren’s cheeks flushed at his unexpected rebuke. She was stunned. Eunice intervened, “Dr. Lloyd, please show more respect to Ms. Rhodes.”

Andrew, already striding toward the emergency room, replied without turning, “I prioritize what’s right over who’s important. If that offends you, find another doctor.”

As Eunice sputtered, Lauren raised a hand to stop her. Watching Andrew, she realized his blunt words hadn’t angered her.

In the emergency room, Andrew donned gloves and began. The little girl on the operating table was deathly pale, bluish, and barely breathing.

Philip and Bernard watched, internally scoffing. They thought the case hopeless and were eager to see Andrew fail. If Cecelia died, they could shift the blame.

“Andrew, we’ve tried everything,” Philip said coldly. “What else can you do?”

Ignoring him, Andrew requested a scalpel from a nearby nurse and made an incision on Cecelia’s wrist. Blood flowed, alarming everyone.

Bernard exclaimed, “Dr. Lloyd, what are you doing? How can you justify bloodletting?”

Lauren watched, equally frightened. Andrew replied calmly, “I’m draining toxins. Initially, the poison was superficial, treatable with medication. But due to the delay, it’s in her bloodstream. Bloodletting is our only option.”

Philip retorted angrily, “That’s nonsense! I would’ve noticed poison immediately.”

Just then, another doctor gasped, “It is poison! Her blood is turning black!”

Cecelia’s blood had turned murky black. Philip’s face reddened with embarrassment.

Bernard frowned. “Dr. Lloyd, she’s a child. Even if you remove the toxins, she might not survive the blood loss.”

Andrew remained composed. “We’ll give her a blood transfusion during detoxification.”

Bernard shook his head. “That’s impossible.”

Andrew turned to Lauren, gesturing to her wrist. “You’re sisters, and your blood types match. You’ll donate blood.”

Bernard immediately objected, “Dr. Lloyd, this is madness! You’ll cause her blood pressure to skyrocket. No one could save her then.”

Another senior doctor added, “Andrew, this method won’t work. At the very least, draw Ms. Rhodes’ blood first and transfuse it properly.”

Andrew had already connected Lauren and Cecelia with an IV line. “Under normal circumstances, you’d be correct. But we can’t afford delays.”

Philip seized the opportunity. “You talk a good game, but you’ll cause harm. Cecelia and Ms. Rhodes will be at risk.”

Andrew’s tone grew cold. “You’ve been interfering. If you’re so knowledgeable, why don’t you take over?”

Philip bit his lip. “Fine, let’s see how you save her.”

With lightning speed, Andrew pressed several points on Cecelia’s body. Blood from Lauren flowed smoothly into Cecelia, while poisoned blood drained from the other wrist. The process seemed perfectly balanced. Color returned to Cecelia’s face.

The medical staff were stunned. Bernard looked at Andrew, unable to hide his shock.

“Dr. Lloyd, w-was that… some sort of pressure-point technique… from an ancient medical practice?”