Chapter 90

In the Aicker residence's living room, Cedric ordered his finest tea for Andrew. "Dr. Lloyd, you're truly a miracle doctor! Please, enjoy the tea," he said with newfound respect.

"Mr. Aicker, I don't deserve such praise," Andrew replied, glancing at Cedric. "Just call me Andrew."

"That won't do!" Cedric insisted. "Though you're young, your medical expertise is extraordinary. My praise is well-deserved."

"Funny, considering you wanted me as your apprentice at the Stevens family residence," Andrew remarked with a smile. "When I refused, you said I was blind to opportunity."

Cedric laughed nervously. "That was my own poor judgment, influenced by those fools. I should have recognized your exceptional talent immediately." He mentally kicked himself, feeling genuinely foolish for his previous blindness to Andrew's abilities.

Francesca, seated on the nearby couch, was still recovering from the procedure and required assistance to move, but her spirits were high. "Grandpa, Andrew's pressure-point technique is even better than yours!"

Cedric's eye twitched at her words, becoming increasingly convinced he was in the presence of a true master. After some hesitation, he bowed deeply to Andrew. "Please accept me as your apprentice, Dr. Lloyd."

Francesca was stunned. Cedric was renowned in Jayrodale for his medical expertise and notorious for his pride. Yet, he was humbling himself before Andrew.

Cedric's other apprentices watched in amazement, but Simon's face darkened, his eyes occasionally flashing with cold hatred toward Andrew.

Andrew immediately declined. "I'm sorry, but I'm not qualified to be your mentor."

"Please don't be modest, Dr. Lloyd," Cedric persisted. "I may be proud, but I'm not a fool. I can recognize true talent when I see it, and you're more than worthy of being my mentor."

Simon slammed his hand on the table, his anger erupting. "Mr. Aicker, he barely looks old enough to vote! How can he possibly be worthy of teaching you? His success with Fran must have been pure luck!"

Cedric struck Simon across the face. "How dare you, you fool! Who are you to question my decisions? Kneel and apologize to him now!"

Simon held his stinging cheek, embarrassed. After thirty years of dedicated medical study, the thought of kneeling to a young doctor was unbearable. He couldn't accept Andrew as Cedric's mentor. He also suspected Andrew might have taken advantage of Francesca during the treatment, despite being blindfolded.

Jealousy and rage boiling over, he snarled, "I won't kneel. I'm better than this guy, both in skill and experience. Why should I kneel to him? He's a nobody!"

"How dare you!" Cedric fumed, trembling with anger.

Andrew stood, wanting no part of the drama. "Mr. Aicker, since Francesca is well now, I should take my leave."