Chapter 533
Troy roared, “Andrew, are you really going to watch me suffer and do nothing?!”
Despite prostrating himself repeatedly, Andrew remained indifferent, showing no intention of helping. Troy felt utterly humiliated, thinking this was beyond cruel – it was ruthless!
Andrew leaned back with a cold smile. “And what if I am? Who said I’m obligated to save you? You’re in this mess because of your own choices. Don’t blame anyone but yourself.”
Troy wailed, “Mr. Lloyd, just tell me! What will it take for you to treat me? I’ll do whatever you want – anything!”
Normally, Troy was not the type to bow his head, but this was different. His very manhood – and his reputation – were on the line. The mere thought of people discovering his condition, that he was suffering from an incurable disease with a rotting situation, was unbearable.
Troy could already imagine the disdainful looks and whispers behind his back. If he did not fix this, his career in the business world would be over. He would be forced to live in a small rented room, rotting away in both body and spirit, dying a lonely, miserable death.
Inside, Troy cursed Ruby a thousand times over, swearing she would pay for ruining his life.
Meanwhile, Lauren stood at the side, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Watching Andrew have Troy completely at his mercy was a level of entertainment she had not expected. She had to resist the urge to laugh out loud.
“Mr. MacAfee, you’ve really been careless,” Lauren said with mock pity. “Sure, sneaking around might be thrilling and fun, but did you ever stop to think about who you were with? Ruby just got out of prison, for crying out loud. Who knows what she might’ve picked up in there!”
She shook her head and added, “Honestly, it’s no surprise this happened.”
Troy’s face contorted with anger and regret. He spat, “That filthy bitch! I trusted her completely, and this is how she repays me?”
Lauren leaned against the desk, her tone sharp. “Before you start blaming her entirely, let me ask – are you sure you caught it from Ruby? Do you have any other… entanglements recently?”
Troy swore on his life. “No one else! I swear, Ms. Rhodes, I’m one hundred percent certain. It was only Ruby – just that wretched woman!”
Lauren crossed her arms, her expression unimpressed. “Mr. MacAfee, you really are a fool. Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t you married? And don’t you have a kid in middle school? Yet here you are, running around with other women.”
Troy looked like he was about to cry, his face a mix of regret and frustration. “Ms. Rhodes, you’re absolutely right. But as a man… sometimes, we have our struggles, you know?
“My wife – she’s fierce. Loud, harsh, and with no sense of romance or fun. My life’s biggest regret is marrying a woman as dull as her. But Ruby… even though she’s infected and manipulative, she knows how to play. She has ways of making a man feel alive.”
He continued, “I’m only human, not a saint! Faced with that kind of temptation, that level of ecstasy, how could I resist?”
Troy’s voice cracked as he poured out his grievances. It was clear he regretted his actions, though whether he would make a different choice given the same temptation was questionable.
Lauren sneered. “So, let me get this straight. You looked down on your wife, thinking the grass is greener on the other side, and now you’re here whining? Troy, all I can say is – you deserve this.”
Troy’s face paled as he crawled forward on his knees, pleading with Andrew. “Mr. Lloyd, I’m begging you. Please save me! If you don’t, my body, my career, my life, and even my family – they’ll all be destroyed!”
Andrew’s tone remained calm and detached. “Whether or not I save you depends on three things. First, your sincerity. Second, my mood. And third – and most importantly – it depends on Ms. Rhodes’ opinion.”