Chapter 568

Tiana maintained her composure out of respect and nodded slightly. “Please, have a seat,” she said, signaling Cedric to join them.

Marvin chuckled and chimed in, “Cedric, you’re different from Mrs. Rhodes here. Your granddaughter Fran is running around just as much as Lauren, but you don’t seem to mind it one bit.”

Cedric stroked his beard with a content smile. “A little hard work never hurt anyone. Once this medical center gets going, I plan to have Fran here often to lend a hand. Working alongside Dr. Lloyd will be invaluable for improving her medical expertise.”

Marvin grinned and glanced at Tiana. “See, Mrs. Rhodes? That’s what I call vision. Sure, the girls are hustling around and probably exhausted, but they’re happy. And frankly, Mr. Lloyd seems to have that kind of charm, doesn’t he?”

Tiana’s jaw clenched as she spat through gritted teeth, “Nonsense!”

Both Cedric and Marvin shared an awkward look, knowing how touchy Tiana could be. Despite their equal standing in age and status, neither wanted to cross her volatile temper.

“Speaking of Fran,” Tiana began, shifting gears with an icy calm. “She and Lauren are close in age. Fran is a respected chief doctor in Jayrodale General Hospital and a well-bred lady from a prominent family. Have you arranged a marriage for her?”

Cedric smirked confidently. “I leave that up to the young folks. However, I have noticed that Fran seems to have an interest in Dr. Lloyd, and the two get along splendidly. So I’ll let them develop things naturally.”

Tiana’s eyes widened in shock. “You want Fran and Andrew to end up together?”

Cedric’s gaze hardened. “Why not? Is there a problem with that?”

With a firm tone, Cedric continued, “Let me make one thing clear, Mrs. Rhodes. Fran and Lauren are like sisters, and if they both have feelings for Dr. Lloyd, they’ll compete fairly. We, as their elders, should stay out of it. And for the record, Fran won’t be stepping aside just because Lauren has your backing.”

Tiana looked incredulous and said, “Cedric, have you lost your mind? Who told you Lauren is even interested in Andrew?”

She shook her head and scoffed, “That boy is lucky I’m tolerating his presence. He’s not worthy of Lauren’s attention, and I’ll never allow any relationship between them!”

Cedric, however, broke into a broad grin, clapping his hands. “Perfect! That’s excellent news! If Lauren is stepping aside, that clears the way for Fran and Dr. Lloyd! What a cause for celebration!”

He chuckled heartily. “In fact, once this grand opening is over, the Aickers will host a three-day feast to celebrate!”

Marvin laughed along. “Cedric, your shameless enthusiasm is something else! I’ve got to hand it to you.”

Tiana was fuming. Her chest rose and fell in frustration, and her eyes narrowed in disbelief. Was Cedric out of his mind? He seemed all too eager to push his granddaughter toward Andrew as if the man were some priceless treasure.

Her thoughts darkened as she observed Marvin and Cedric’s camaraderie. She thought bitterly, ‘Marvin must have sunk his claws into Cedric too. This old fox is manipulating everyone, even dragging the Aickers family into his schemes.’

Inwardly, she cursed Andrew. Not only had he enchanted her daughter Lauren, but now Francesca and even Cedric seemed captivated by him.