Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Back at Oak Apothecary, Andrew turned to Janice and said calmly, "If anyone from Genesis Dispensary dares show up here again, you call me immediately."noveldrama

The cold edge in his voice made Janice's heart skip. She nodded quickly and murmured, "Got it, Andrew."

Even now, standing back in familiar surroundings, her nerves had not fully settled. There was only one word she could use to describe him: unstoppable.

Just then, Ronan, supported by an assistant, walked slowly from the back room. "Mr. Lloyd, Janice... you two went to Genesis Dispensary, didn't you?"

Janice hesitated, then glanced at Andrew, unsure whether to speak.

However, Andrew did not make a big deal of it. He waved her on. "It's fine. Go ahead."

Janice did not hold back. "Grandpa, Andrew took me to Genesis Dispensary... and completely wrecked the place!"

Ronan nearly dropped his reading glasses. "What? Mr. Lloyd, you—"

Janice interrupted quickly, "Don't worry, Grandpa! We're fine. The ones who aren't are Genesis Dispensary—and that thug Ellis. Andrew practically beat him half to death!"

Ronan was caught off guard. Eventually, he said, "Janice, step outside for a moment. I'd like to speak to Mr. Lloyd alone."

Andrew remained silent, waiting for what the old man had to say.

Once the others had stepped out, Ronan made his way to a chair and gestured politely. "Mr. Lloyd, please, sit."

Andrew did not take the offer. His tone remained level. "Mr. Bates, if you think I overstepped today and brought unnecessary trouble to Oak Apothecary, don't worry. I won't bother you again."

Ronan shook his head and let out a long sigh. "No, Mr. Lloyd, you misunderstand. I asked her to leave not to scold you, but because I wanted to thank you. For those of us in medicine, integrity is everything. And you, Mr. Lloyd, have helped me reclaim the dignity I thought I'd lost forever."

Tears welled in the old man's eyes. He struggled to his feet, clearly trying to kneel in gratitude.

Andrew immediately stepped

forward to stop him. "Mr. Bates,

please don't. I had my own reasons

for acting today. The truth is, and I already had unresolved conflicts. And your injuries

happened because you were helping me gather the herbs I requested. So really, stepping in was the least I could do."

Ronan wiped away his tears and slowly sat back down. "Mr. Lloyd, you're not just courageous-you're fearless. To take on Mosby like that... I'm truly impressed."

He paused, then asked cautiously, "There's something I've been meaning to ask. I'm not sure if I should..."

Andrew offered a faint smile. "Go ahead, Mr. Bates. If I know the answer, I'll tell you."

Ronan hesitated for a moment, staring deep into Andrew's eyes. "Mr. Lloyd... the person shaking up all of Blumedale right now-the one openly clashing with the city's most powerful families... is that you?"

Andrew gave a small nod and smiled. "That's right. That's me."

Ronan had expected that answer, but hearing it out loud still left him reeling. Meeting Andrew had seemed like pure chance.

Up until now, he had believed the young man, despite his unmatched medical skills, was still relatively unknown. Definitely not someone from Blumedale's elite circle. But now, he realized he had been wrong.

This was not just some rising genius-this was a force of nature. Someone who struck first, asked nothing, and feared no one.

Ronan exhaled slowly, almost in

awe. "In Gabo Creek, I've met countless prodigies over the years The Three Titans need no

introduction. Joe from the Drive). Ne

Luna from the Phelans-bothare prodigies in every sense. Luna is nearly one of a kind."

He paused again and sighed deeply. "But someone like you, Mr. Lloyd-someone who's so direct, so fearless, so utterly dominant—I can't say I've ever met another like you in all my years."