“Ha! Did this pretty boy just tell me, Scarface, to get lost?”

“Idiot, you’ve been watching too many superhero movies. Trying to play knight in shining armor, huh?”

“Boss, why waste time talking? Let’s just take him out!” Another thug viciously swung a steel pipe at Andrew’s head. Lauren sighed inwardly, knowing she would have to intervene to protect this brave but foolish man. Suddenly, a piercing scream erupted. The thug who had attacked first was on the ground, clutching his stomach. Andrew had somehow disarmed him, then, in a blur of motion, swung the pipe, a series of thuds marking the attackers’ falls. His movements were too fast to follow.

Scarface roared, leaping at Andrew with a vicious kick. Andrew tossed aside the bent pipe and, without looking, countered with a kick of his own. Scarface’s cry echoed as his body flew backward, slamming into an SUV with a sickening thud. Blood spewed from his mouth. He looked up at Andrew in terror, stuttering, “Y-You…”

Andrew ignored him, turning to Lauren as if nothing had happened. “Let’s go, Ms. Rhodes.”

Lauren’s eyes were wide with shock. Andrew, seemingly gentle and refined, was incredibly fierce in a fight. She dismissed the notion of him being merely a “boy toy.” His medical skills and fighting prowess made him a hidden gem. A thrill surged through her; she had stumbled upon a real find. She smiled seductively, starting the car and driving toward South City.

“Dr. Lloyd, first you saved Cece, and now me. I don’t know how to thank you,” Lauren said, her interest growing.

Andrew replied politely, “I really didn’t do much. But Ms. Rhodes, be careful. These men might be connected to Cece’s attackers.”

Lauren’s expression hardened. “I have a good idea who’s behind this. They’ll learn the Rhodes family isn’t to be trifled with, and they’ll pay tenfold!”

From the back seat, Cecelia chimed in sweetly, “Lauren, Dr. Lloyd has helped us so much. Shouldn’t we reward him?”

Lauren nodded. “You’re right. We should thank Dr. Lloyd properly.”

Cecelia’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Lauren, I have a suggestion.”

“What’s that?”

“Well, since he didn’t want our family’s Black Gold Card, why don’t you reward him… personally?”

“Oh, you little brat! I ought to wash your mouth out with soap…”

Andrew felt uncomfortable. Lauren’s face flushed, but she maintained her composure, turning to Andrew. “Dr. Lloyd, please don’t mind my sister. She doesn’t think before she speaks.”

Andrew smiled awkwardly. However, Lauren added, “Though I wouldn’t mind Cece’s suggestion if that’s what you want.”

Andrew was speechless. Lauren was undeniably alluring. Born into privilege, she possessed grace, striking beauty, and a captivating figure. Unlike Christina’s cold beauty, Lauren was passionate and fiery, with full lips and curves that were undeniably attractive.

Andrew had seen many beautiful women, but Lauren’s charm was overwhelming. Catching a glimpse of his slightly embarrassed expression in the rearview mirror, Lauren giggled. She hadn’t expected his shyness, and it amused her. Countless men had pursued her, but Andrew was intriguing. Perhaps, she thought, he was worth pursuing.

South City Orphanage was located on the southern outskirts of Jayrodale, on a large, undeveloped plot of land coveted by Jayrodale’s business community. That night’s fundraising gala, aimed at facilitating the orphanage’s relocation, attracted Jayrodale’s most influential families and businesses.

As night fell, the courtyard transformed. A red carpet welcomed Jayrodale’s elite and their glamorous dates.

“Ms. Rhodes, welcome!” The orphanage director greeted Lauren. His eyes lit up upon seeing her companion. “Dr. Lloyd, you’re here too? Oh my, the children and I have been eagerly awaiting you!”

Orphans swarmed around Andrew, calling, “Andy!” Lauren was surprised; this humble doctor’s popularity eclipsed her status as the Rhodes Corporation heiress.

VIP guests approached Lauren. She smiled, thinking she’d regained the spotlight. “Dr. Lloyd, let me introduce you to some CEOs,” she said.

To her astonishment, the guests recognized Andrew first.

“Oh, isn’t this Dr. Lloyd from Jayrodale General Hospital? Hello, hello! I’m James Campbell. It’s thanks to your miraculous treatment that I can walk again!”

“Dr. Lloyd, what an honor! Remember me? I had pregnancy problems. Thanks to you, we now have a one-year-old. Our family line is secured!”

“Hey, Dr. Lloyd! I owe you a drink tonight. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve been out of the game at 60. Now I’m still going strong!”

Lauren was dumbfounded. These VIPs eagerly greeted Andrew. His connections were extraordinary—far beyond a simple doctor’s.

Bidding farewell to the guests, Andrew apologetically shrugged at Lauren. “Sorry about that, Ms. Rhodes. They were all former patients. To be honest, I can barely remember them.”

Lauren smirked. “Dr. Lloyd, you’re quite the dark horse, aren’t you?”

Little did she know, Andrew truly couldn't recall these Jayrodale bigwigs.