Chapter 97

"Is the Rhodes family as desperate for Mr. Thatcher's favor as the Wellers?" someone questioned.

"It's absurd to let a random doctor experiment when even Dr. Aicker is uncertain," another voice countered.

Harvey's grin widened as the complaints escalated. If the Weller family couldn't benefit from this situation, he'd ensure the Rhodes family wouldn't either.

"Everyone, quiet down," Cedric interrupted. "Who said no one can treat Mr. Thatcher? I'll call my mentor immediately."

The room fell silent in surprise. Cedric was already Jayrodale's top medical expert; the revelation that he had a mentor stunned them all. Moreover, Cedric was quite old, implying his mentor must be even older. Could this miracle doctor still treat patients at such an advanced age?

"Dr. Aicker, who is this mentor of yours?" Harvey asked skeptically.

Cedric snorted. "That's none of your concern, but I guarantee if my mentor can't cure Mr. Thatcher, no one can."

As Cedric reached for his phone, he paused, frowning. "Oh dear, I just remembered he hasn't actually agreed to be my mentor yet. I'm not even sure if he'll come, and I don't even have his number!"

Disbelief rippled through the room. Someone had actually turned down Cedric as an apprentice? Who could be that prestigious?

Cedric quickly called Francesca. "Fran, send me Dr. Lloyd's number immediately. Yes, hurry—Mr. Thatcher's fate depends on him!"

After obtaining the number, Cedric moved to a quieter corner and called Andrew. The others couldn't hear the conversation, but his demeanor revealed unusual respect. After hanging up, he immediately dispatched Mark's driver to collect Andrew. The observers were astonished by Cedric's deference—who could command such respect from the notoriously eccentric Dr. Lloyd?

One by one, people began to scheme.

"Dr. Aicker, don't forget to introduce your mentor to us when he arrives."

"Dr. Aicker, how about this? I'll treat your mentor to a luxury dinner after he saves Mr. Thatcher. We'll spare no expense to show our gratitude."

"Dr. Aicker, I'm just curious… How old is your mentor? Is he married? My family has some wealth, and my three daughters would be honored to meet him."

Harvey approached with a hesitant smile. "Dr. Aicker, our families go way back. Please introduce me to your mentor. I'd like to get to know him."

Lauren watched their fawning with disgust. She remained silent, but wondered if this mysterious doctor could be her Andrew. The more she considered it, the more likely it seemed.