Chapter 619

Michael shook his head in pity. "Man, Simon really got the short end of the stick. Losing his pride and manhood and even wasting his last moment on a pig. That’s beyond tragic. I can’t even wrap my head around it.”

Bane remained calm, his tone indifferent. “At least he’s alive. That’s all that matters.”

He narrowed his eyes and added thoughtfully, “I didn’t expect Andrew to pull off a move like that. I need to meet him sooner or later to figure out his techniques. Even I couldn’t fully understand what he did.”

Michael smirked. “Don’t worry, Mr. Eslinger. Your plan for Rhodes Corporation is almost finished. Once Lauren falls, Andrew will be out of the picture there. After that, dealing with him will be a piece of cake.”

Bane hummed softly, his expression darkening. “Dealing with him isn’t what intrigues me. I want to know where he learned his medical skills and how deep his expertise runs.”

Meanwhile, at the Aicker residence, Andrew exited Francesca’s room, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Francesca’s junior apprentice had been waiting outside the door.

“Dr. Lloyd, how’s Fran doing?” the young man asked nervously.

Andrew gave him a reassuring smile. “She’s fine now. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

The apprentice discreetly glanced Andrew up and down. His clothes were neat, his shoes were on, and his zipper was closed. Contrary to the dramatic warnings Cedric had given him, it did not look like anything inappropriate had happened.

“Dr. Lloyd, Mr. Aicker is awake. He asked me to bring you to the living room,” the man said respectfully. His gaze, however, held a mix of curiosity and admiration, almost as if he were looking at a brother-in-law figure.

Andrew walked over to a nearby faucet and thoroughly washed his hands. After drying them, he chuckled softly. “Alright. Lead the way. I want to check on his condition anyway.”

As they made their way down the hall, Andrew reflected on Francesca’s condition. The Enthralling Essence in her system had finally dissipated, leaving her out of danger. Despite the tension, Andrew had managed to avoid a direct physical relationship with her. Instead, he had used an alternative method – one that was not exactly ideal but had worked nonetheless.

Earlier that same day, Andrew had already found himself in a similar situation with Lauren at Moonlit Apothecary. Now, here he was again, having to “wet his hands” to help Francesca. There was nothing enjoyable about it – if anything, the experiences had tested his willpower to its limit.

Andrew sighed inwardly. Things with Lauren had not progressed to the point where intimacy felt natural, even though he sensed she would be open to it if he made a move. However, he did not want to force anything – that would disrespect her.

On the other hand, Francesca had thrown herself at him with complete openness and vulnerability. Yet Andrew could not bring himself to take advantage of her in that state. Life had a strange way of complicating things.

He shook his head and smiled bitterly. He could not help but think, ‘Fate sure has a twisted sense of humor!’

Cedric was seated on a sofa when Andrew entered the living room. He immediately expressed his gratitude, saying, “Dr. Lloyd, I don’t know how to thank you. You saved everyone here.”

Andrew waved it off. “You’re too kind, Mr. Aicker. Fran is my friend, and you’re her family. Helping you was the right thing to do.”

Cedric coughed lightly and sighed. “I never imagined Simon would stoop to such a monstrous act. I should have seen it coming. He’s lost all traces of humanity.”

“Don’t blame yourself too much,” Andrew replied calmly. “Simon’s downfall was his own doing. It has little to do with you.”

Cedric smiled bitterly and shook his head. “Perhaps. But it has everything to do with Fran. That’s what I can’t forgive myself for.”