Philip, acting foolishly, asked his father, "Dad, what's this pressure-point technique? It doesn't seem significant to me."

Bernard's face darkened, wishing he could instill some sense into his son. He hissed, "You fool, be quiet! Haven't you embarrassed us enough? The pressure-point technique is a legendary medical skill. Ancient healers supposedly wielded it to instantly save or end lives, controlling a person's life force with a touch."

Lauren, though experienced, was genuinely amazed by Andrew's skill. She was surprised that this man, rumored to be Christina's boyfriend, possessed such genuine expertise, wondering why he was perceived as a freeloader.

The treatment was swift. Ten minutes later, the blood transfusion concluded. Andrew bandaged Cecelia's wound, meticulously cleaned the area, and instructed them not to disturb the child before leaving the emergency room.

Lauren hurried after him, calling, "Dr. Lloyd, please wait."

Andrew turned. "Is there something else?"

Lauren, slightly pale from the transfusion, said earnestly, "Nothing much. I wanted to properly thank Jayrodale General Hospital's staff. Without you, Cece could have been in serious trouble."

She gestured to Eunice, who presented prepared gifts. The nurses and doctors who assisted Andrew received them with surprise, aware of the Rhodes family's generosity, thanks to Andrew.

"Ms. Rhodes, you're too kind. We're just doing our jobs," Philip and Bernard interjected, approaching with self-righteous expressions. Philip's smugness was barely concealed.

Lauren's indifferent reply cut through their pretense. "I wanted to thank Dr. Lloyd and his team. It doesn't concern you two."

Ignoring their frozen smiles, Lauren presented Andrew with a gold card. "Dr. Lloyd, this is a token of appreciation from the Rhodes family, for you. Please accept it."

Before Andrew could respond, Philip, breathless, exclaimed, "Ms. Rhodes, isn't that the exclusive Rhodes Corporation Black Gold Card? How can you give it to this loser? My father's the deputy chief; any credit should begin with us…"

Unable to tolerate his shamelessness, Lauren coldly commanded, "Someone remove him."

Two bodyguards grabbed Philip, dragging him away amidst his screams. Bernard, witnessing this, didn't dare challenge Lauren. Instead, he turned to Andrew with a grim expression. "Dr. Lloyd, your skills are good, but without the hospital, you're nothing!"

Andrew didn't accept the card. He rarely accepted gifts from patients, even one representing the prestigious Rhodes Corporation, a card that would make many at Jayrodale envious.

"Miss, is Dr. Lloyd playing hard to get?" Eunice asked, frowning. She'd never seen anyone unmoved by a Rhodes Corporation Black Gold Card, especially one offered by Lauren.

Lauren shook her head thoughtfully. "I don't think so. He genuinely doesn't want it… Though, if he were playing hard to get with me, that might not be so bad…"

She finished with a coy smile. Eunice was speechless but didn't take her seriously. The Rhodes heiress was exceptionally beautiful; few in Jayrodale could attract her attention. Andrew, despite his skills and handsomeness, was still just a doctor.

As his shift ended, Andrew left Jayrodale. A pink Maserati pulled alongside him. The window lowered, revealing Lauren.

"Dr. Lloyd, what a coincidence," she smiled.

Andrew nodded politely. "Hello, Ms. Rhodes."

Lauren's smile widened. "Cece insists on thanking you personally. There's a fundraising gala at South City Orphanage tonight. Join us and keep Cece company?"

Andrew was about to refuse, but hearing it was at the orphanage, he got in. "Thank you, Ms. Rhodes. I needed to visit South City Orphanage myself."

Lauren looked surprised. "Dr. Lloyd, are you a guest?"

Andrew shook his head. "I'm just a doctor. I'm familiar with the children and staff, so I thought I'd drop by."

Lauren didn't press further, understanding the event was likely beyond Andrew's social circle.

Suddenly, two SUVs boxed in the Maserati. Lauren's expression changed. She was about to accelerate when the SUV in front braked, forcing her to stop. Eight burly men emerged. Their leader, a scarred man, leaped onto the Maserati's hood, grinning at Lauren.

"Ms. Rhodes, step out."

Lauren remained calm. "Whose men are you? Have you considered the consequences of targeting the Rhodes family?"

The scarred man shrugged. "Precisely because you're the Rhodes family's princess. We won't harm you, but you won't reach South City Orphanage tonight."

Lauren realized this was sabotage by competitors. "Dr. Lloyd, Cece, hold tight. I'm calling for help."

Seeing Lauren reach for her phone, the scarred man's face darkened. He ordered, "Break the car door."

Two men approached with sledgehammers. Lauren panicked; her family's bodyguards wouldn't arrive in time.

"Ms. Rhodes, cooperate," the scarred man sneered.

The Maserati door opened, and Andrew stepped out.

"Dr. Lloyd, don't!" Lauren cried, forgetting her phone call.

The scarred man laughed. "Ms. Rhodes, your pretty boy is useless. He's already surrendering. What a wimp!"

Lauren sighed. "Fine. The Rhodes family withdraws. Just don't harm Dr. Lloyd. He's an outsider."

Andrew spoke. "The child is my patient, and you frightened her. I'm giving you ten seconds to leave."