Dylan was caught off guard by Francesca's question. Then, he chuckled. "Ms. Aicker, I think you've got it wrong. While Mr. Yates has something to do with my respect for Mr. Lloyd, it's not the main reason." "So, you're not doing this just to please Mr. Yates?" Francesca pressed, still doubtful. Dylan scoffed. "I respect Mr. Yates, but I wouldn't grovel before somebody for his sake. Anyway, it's not just me who respects Mr. Lloyd. Even Mr. Yates himself holds him in the highest regard. I can't say much more. All I'll say is, Ms. Aicker, it's best not to dig too deeply into Mr. Lloyd's business." The cautious look on Dylan's face sent Francesca's mind reeling. The fact that even Marvin, the wealthiest man in Jayrodale, someone with enough influence to command the city, respected Andrew was unbelievable. If she had heard this from anyone else, she would have dismissed it as pure exaggeration. Yet, the person who said this was the crime lord of South City, an existence that e

Marvin's tone was cold as he replied, "You must be Kane's son. Just get to the point." Harvey noticed the distant tone but pressed on with a friendly laugh. "Mr. Yates, I'd like to purchase the King of Diamonds from you. Please name your price." "King of Diamonds? What King of Diamonds?" Marvin's response left Harvey stunned. "The multi-million-dollar diamond ring in Jayrodale," Harvey explained. "From what I know, it's currently with Andrew, your staff. I wouldn't bother you with such a small matter, but Andrew refuses to sell it to me." Harvey continued smoothly, "I thought it was best to let you handle your subordinate. However, I must warn you—Andrew might be trying to steal this valuable piece for himself." A cold smile spread across Harvey's face after finishing his speech. Not only would he get the ring, but he would also expose that loser's true nature to Marvin, who was known for his harsh treatment of subordinates. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Marv

At the Aicker residence in Jayrodale, Andrew accompanied Francesca through the entrance. He asked, "Why aren't we doing the treatment at the hospital?" Francesca's face flushed as she replied, "The hospital is too crowded, and there are too many prying eyes. Also, I'd rather keep my condition private." Andrew nodded understandingly at Francesca's troubled expression and did not press the matter any further. He had come to the Aicker residence to help treat Francesca's condition—a rare disorder she had lived with since birth. At 28, Francesca should have been thinking about marriage and romance like her peers. However, her condition made those dreams seem impossible. While she was accomplished and carried herself with pride, this issue remained her deepest insecurity. Even Cedric, one of Jayrodale's most renowned medical experts, had been stumped by her unusual condition and had not yet found a solution. "Fran, who's this?" Simon Gaal, Cedric's senior apprentice, asked as he

Andrew was completely exasperated. He had simply come to the Aicker residence to treat Francesca's condition, but somehow, he was mistaken for a romantic rival and had to deal with Simon's hostility. Andrew explained patiently, "Listen, dude—your feelings for Francesca are your business. I'm just here to provide the medical treatment she's paying me for, and once that's done, whatever romantic plans you two have are completely your own. I couldn't care less!" Even though Simon had been rude, Andrew understood he was acting out of misplaced jealousy, so he decided to let it slide. Simon's expression softened slightly as he scoffed. "At least you know your place. But remember—only I have the right to treat Francesca's condition." Andrew shrugged. "Fine. The Aickers clearly have it all figured out." As Andrew turned to leave, Francesca quickly called out, "Wait, Andrew!" Simon's face darkened. "Fran, let him go. Don't you trust me?" "Simon, I'm grateful for your devotion, bu

In the Aicker residence's living room, Cedric ordered his finest tea to be served to 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 with a glance. "Just call me by my name." "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 there. I should've recognized your exceptional talent immediately." Cedric mentally kicked himself as he recalled it, feeling genuinely foolish for having been so blind to Andrew's talents. Francesca sat on the nearby couch, still recovering from the procedure and needing assistance to move, but her spirits we