Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Andrew, do you even realize you're playing with fire right now?" Chantelle, just about to start the car, froze and turned to him with furious eyes.

Andrew raised a brow with a smirk. "What's wrong? Is the great Ms. Garcia-the darling of Mr. McCormick-planning to go back on her word now?"

Chantelle stiffened, her face darkened, clearly ready to argue back. Before she could, a crowd had already gathered around the vehicle.

"Dr. Lloyd, please wait-we have some medical puzzles we'd love your insight on!"

Someone said, "Your skills today were extraordinary, Dr. Lloyd. I'd be honored to call myself your student!"

"Who would've thought that someone like you would appear in Blumedale? One day, Dr. Lloyd, you'll be leading all of Gabo Creek Province's medical field!"

Even Andrew had not expected this wave of praise. These elite doctors had specifically come to celebrate his success, and he was rather amused.

"Please, everyone, make way. My medical skills really aren't anything special." Then, he glanced sideways at Mosby, whose face had turned a sickly shade, and added, "They're just slightly better than Dr. Lake's, that's all."

Mosby let out a harsh snort. "Don't get cocky, Andrew! If I'd been allowed near Mr. Keller Senior, you wouldn't have had the chance to show off!"

Andrew replied coolly, "Whatever you say, Dr. Lake. All I know is—you failed to save him and nearly got yourself killed in the process."

Mosby exploded. "You're deliberately trying to ruin my reputation! Fine! One month from now, at the Gabo Creek Grand Medical Summit, which is held every

five years-

"You and I, on stage. We'll settle this once and for all!"

Andrew scoffed. "Sorry, I'm not into childish showboating for fame."

Mosby sneered. "That's just coward talk. Say what you want!"

An older physician piped up, "Dr. Lloyd, with your skills, I'd say you have to participate in the summit! The prize for winning it is insane! They say even thousand-year medicinal herbs could be part of the reward!" noveldrama

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The moment Andrew heard the mention of thousand-year medicinal herbs, a gleam lit up in his eyes. He said, "Alright, Dr. Lake. You've got yourself a deal! Better brush up on your skills this month because I'm going to flatten you."

Mosby sneered. "We'll see who ends up flat. Before you showed up, I was the top medical figure for all the families in Blumedale. And now that you've ruined everything for me, don't blame me when I show no mercy!"

Andrew laughed dismissively. "You're going to have to try harder than that to scare me. If you want to be ruthless, I can play that game better than anyone."

Without giving Mosby another look, Andrew gestured for Chantelle to drive.

Mosby stood there fuming, an uncontrollable wave of frustration bubbling up. He glanced around at the doctors and scholars nearby and scoffed, "Bunch of amateurs. I'm ashamed to even breathe the same air as you."

That triggered a chorus of anger. Someone hissed, "Dr. Lake, you used to act high and mighty, and we had no choice but to follow your lead. But now that Andrew's here-young, brilliant, and humble-we don't have to put up with your crap anymore!"

Another chimed in, "Exactly! Dr. Lloyd just showed up and completely crushed you. Why would anyone still kiss your ass? Get lost already!"

Mosby's face flushed red, his jaw clenched so tight it twitched. These were the very people he had invited, hoping they would witness Andrew embarrass himself. Instead, he had ended up making a fool of himself.

Fuming, he turned with a huff and stormed off.

Nonetheless, the truth was clear that Andrew's reputation as a miracle doctor was bound to spread across Blumedale, and that meant only one thing: Mosby's name, position, and prestige were officially in danger.

This was exactly why Mosby must find ways to get rid of Andrew.

"Mr. Golding Senior, this is Mosby Lake. I'm calling on behalf of the bounty. I want

to personally add another 100 million to the contract on Andrew's head."

He growled into his phone, "Just make sure it stays anonymous. No one is to know this offer came from me-understood?"