Chapter 317
The next morning, Andrew arrived at Jayrodale General Hospital bright and early. As the deputy chief, his workload was typically light, and he often joked that his role was more symbolic than hands–on.
Though the hospital was the largest in Jayrodale, it was privately owned, granting Andrew significant freedom. Unless there was a particularly complex case or a challenging surgery, he rarely had to step in, thanks to Francesca and Lauren’s help managing the load.
“Good morning, Dr. Lloyd!”
The vibrant and cheerful nurses greeted him warmly as he walked through the corridors.
Andrew smiled back and replied, “Good morning, everyone!”
The most beautiful nurse in the hospital was Nyla, widely regarded as the belle of the department. When she saw Andrew, her face turned bright red, and she quickly lowered her gaze, clearly flustered..
Andrew gave her a polite smile before stepping into the elevator to head to his office.
Hospitals were known for being breeding grounds for gossip, and Jayrodale General was not exception. Andrew was not one to entertain rumors, but he could not avoid hearing whispers about Nyla’s apparent crush on him.
The Goth family, to which Nyla belonged, was considered somewhat notable in Jayrodale, making her a respectable match. However, Andrew had never thought of her as anything more than a younger sister.
He still remembered the time Bernard’s son, Phillip, had bullied Nyla, and Andrew had taught him a painful lesson with a well–placed kick. After that, Nyla had been endlessly grateful, going out of her way to assist Andrew whenever she could.
If Andrew were to ask her out, Nyla would undoubtedly say yes–Francesca herself had once teased him about it. She had even joked that half the nurses in the hospital had their eyes on him and urged him to settle down with Lauren before someone else swooped in.
When Andrew opened his office door, he was surprised to find Francesca already inside, along with an elderly man.
“Dr. Aicker, what brings you here today?” Andrew greeted with a smile.
The older man was none other than Cedric Aicker a renowned physician from the Aicker family.
“Dr. Lloyd,” Cedric said with a grin, “I’m here for you specifically.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Do you have good news for me?”
Cedric chuckled mischievously. “Of course! I came to ask when you’ll accept me as your
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Chapter 317
apprentice.”
+25 BONUS
He continued, “To show our sincerity, the Aicker family is prepared to offer a grand apprentice ceremony, complete with gifts–including my precious granddaughter. We’d even throw a three–day banquet and invite the entire medical community of Jayrodale to witness it!
Andrew was rendered speechless.
However, Francesca turned bright red and snapped, “Grandpal What nonsense are you spouting? You’re getting more ridiculous with age!”
Cedric laughed heartily. “Fran, I’m your grandfather. Do you really think I don’t know what’s on your mind?”
He smirked and added, “Tell me, if Dr. Lloyd agrees to take me as his apprentice, would you be willing to be with him?”
Francesca’s chubby cheeks flushed red. Her wide teary eyes were filled with both
embarrassment and anger. “Cedric Aicker, I’m warning you–if you keep talking nonsense, I’ll stop acknowledging you as my grandfather!”
In her fury, she even called him by his full name, which annoyed Cedric. Nonetheless, it was clear he adored his granddaughter deeply, so despite his irritation, he held back and simply let out a huff.
Turning to Andrew, Cedric said, “Dr. Lloyd, I apologize if I’ve embarrassed you.”
But then he added with a sly grin, “That being said, my earlier offer still stands. If you agree to take me as your apprentice, Fran would make an excellent wife.”
