Chapter 86

At the Aicker residence in Jayrodale, Andrew accompanied Francesca through the entrance. He asked, "Why aren't we treating this at the hospital?"

Francesca's face flushed. "The hospital is too crowded, and there's too much scrutiny," she replied. "I'd prefer to keep my condition private."

Andrew nodded understandingly at her troubled expression and let the matter drop. He had come to the Aicker residence to help treat Francesca's rare disorder, a condition she'd lived with since birth.

At twenty-eight, Francesca should have been contemplating marriage and romance like her peers. However, her condition made those dreams seem impossible. While accomplished and carrying herself with pride, this remained her deepest insecurity. Even Cedric, one of Jayrodale's most renowned medical experts, had been baffled by her unusual condition and hadn't yet found a solution.

"Fran, who's this?" Simon Gaal, Cedric's senior apprentice, asked, noticing Andrew entering with Francesca.

"Simon, this is Andrew Lloyd, a doctor from Jayrodale General Hospital," Francesca explained. Turning to Andrew, she added, "Andrew, this is my grandfather's senior apprentice. His medical expertise surpasses even mine."

Andrew offered a polite greeting. "Nice to meet you."

Simon responded with an arrogant scoff. "I bet you're here to become an apprentice, right? Since Fran brought you, I might teach you a few techniques, but don't get your hopes up about Mr. Aicker—his standards are extremely high, and you don't seem to fit the bill."

"I'm not here to be an apprentice," Andrew replied, shaking his head. "I'm here to treat Francesca's condition."

Simon froze, then broke into a cold laugh. "You must be joking. The Aickers' medical expertise is unparalleled, and Fran herself is highly skilled. Why would she need treatment from you?"

"Simon, you've misunderstood," Francesca interjected. "Andrew is here to treat me, not to become an apprentice."

Simon was stunned. "Fran, as the chief doctor of Jayrodale General Hospital, is there anything you can't handle yourself? And if you couldn't, there's still me. What's this guy supposed to offer, showing up and flaunting himself in our home?"

Before Simon could continue, Cedric emerged, his tall, lean frame clad in a black doctor's coat. He demanded irritably, "What's all this commotion?"

His eyes landed on Andrew, and a smirk crossed his face. "Aren't you that young man from the Stevens family residence the other day? Had a change of heart and decided to learn from me after all?"

Andrew had previously insulted Cedric by refusing his apprenticeship offer, a blow to Cedric's pride. He assumed Andrew had come to swallow his pride, recognizing Cedric's reputation.

Andrew felt a headache coming on. "I'll say it again—I'm not here to be an apprentice." He couldn't help thinking the Aickers all seemed to share the same delusional tendencies.

Francesca said with a gentle smile, "Grandpa, Andrew is here to treat my condition."

Cedric's face darkened with anger. "Nonsense! My skills are unmatched! Besides, you're my granddaughter. Why would you need treatment from an outsider?"