Ruby bit her lip, struggling to speak. "The truth is… I have some health issues. After I… was with Troy, he got tested and found out he caught a disease. He freaked out and turned on me completely, calling me to scream and curse, saying I was a disgusting tramp who had been with too many men. "In the end, Troy went to Andrew and begged him for treatment. Under Andrew's manipulative demands, Troy confessed everything to him." Aspen's face darkened with rage. "Andrew again? Why is it that every single one of my failures has his shadow looming over it? And you, you're just as useless! I spent so much effort and money getting you out of prison, not so you could mess everything up!" Ruby held back her anger and muttered, "I didn't want things to turn out like this. It's all because of Andrew—he's the real culprit." Aspen cut her off impatiently. "Enough! Let me ask you, this disease… is it from reckless behavior?" Ruby blushed deeply and, with great reluctance, admitted, "Yes, it'

The fact that Gordon Woods, a martial arts master from Bridgefields, had secretly infiltrated Jayrodale went unnoticed by Andrew. Even if Andrew had known, he likely wouldn't have cared. Over the years, Andrew had collected nearly 30 rare medicinal herbs, all of which he had refined into a single golden pill, glimmering like a piece of yellow crystal. The Five Convergence Pill! In the martial arts world, it also went by more illustrious names such as the Ascension Pill or Immortal Pill. As the name suggests, consuming it was said to grant one immortality. Of course, this was merely a romanticized and exaggerated notion within martial circles. While the Ascension Pill was extraordinary, it wasn't a magical elixir that could defy death or wrest control of life from the heavens. If it truly granted immortality, the world would have been overrun with immortals by now. In truth, the pill's effects, while not literally divine, were indeed transformative, cap

Lauren giggled and said, "Dr. Lloyd, you silly man, you can't even figure out something as obvious as a girl's feelings. I'm not explaining it to you—see you at the medical center later." With that, she hung up. Andrew thought for a moment. Why was Francesca upset? Could it have something to do with Simon? But that didn't seem right. Francesca had mentioned before that Simon had come to terms with her decision and had even offered his blessings. After mulling it over, Andrew decided to call Francesca. "Fran, I'd like to thank you and Lauren for taking care of everything for the medical center. After the opening ceremony, let me treat you to dinner." Francesca's tone was lackluster, almost lethargic. "There's no need, Andrew. I helped you willingly. You don't have to take me out." Andrew chuckled. "Fran, you don't sound well. Are you feeling sick?" Francesca responded softly, her voice subdued. "Yes, I'm sick—very sick." Andrew frowned. "You're a doct

Meanwhile, at Rhodes Corporation. Lauren checked the time. There were still two hours until the grand opening of the medical center. "I'll head to the Pharmaceutical Division first and hand over the two formulas Dr. Lloyd gave me to Mr. Chapman. Then I'll head to the medical center," she muttered to herself. With her plan set, Lauren made her way to the Pharmaceutical Division. Marcus greeted her with a smile. "Ms. Rhodes, what brings you here personally?" Lauren replied, "Let's talk in your office." Marcus immediately realized this must be important and promptly invited her in. Lauren wasted no time, pulling out two sheets of paper and handing them to Marcus with great care. "Mr. Chapman, these are from Dr. Lloyd. The value of these two formulas far exceeds the three we previously lost. In fact, you could say that all the research and development achieved by Rhodes Pharmaceutical over the past decades doesn't even compare to just one of these formulas."

Lauren felt indignant and wanted to say more, but Tiana's cold voice cut her off. "Enough. Mr. Eslinger is a specially appointed consultant for the Pharmaceutical Division. He is the foundation of Rhodes Corporation's efforts to regain a foothold in the medical market and strengthen our competitiveness. "From today onward, Marcus, all resources of the Pharmaceutical Division are to be fully allocated to Mr. Eslinger!" Marcus glanced at Lauren and said gravely, "But Mrs. Rhodes, Ms. Rhodes also needs the Pharmaceutical Division's resources. Dr. Lloyd is fully supporting her and will be developing new formulas. If all resources are given to Mr. Eslinger, it could impact this competition." Although Andrew had already provided formulas, Marcus wasn't foolish. He knew it was wiser to keep things understated for now. The formulas Andrew had given were too valuable—rare ancient formulas, nearly unheard of. Making them public prematurely could lead to serious consequences. Tiana