Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Clifford suggested, "How about you sell that map to our Advanced Medical Institute?"

Andrew did not even bother looking at him, simply replying, "Sure. Like I said before—just make me the head of your institute and we've got a deal."

Clifford roared, "You're delusional!"

Andrew sneered. "If I'm delusional, then so are you."

Down below, Mosby staggered off the platform like a broken man. Rafael rushed up to him, his voice tight with urgency. "Mosby, I only brought that map out because of you! Yet you just stood there and let it fall into Andrew's hands! Do you realize how big a loss this is?"

Mosby's lips trembled. "Mr. Driscoll... I tried my best."

"I know you tried," Rafael growled. "But we have to take the map back!"

Mosby's eyes drifted toward Andrew, still surrounded by the roaring crowd, and his expression twisted with hatred. "Don't worry. The humiliation and disgrace I suffered because of him, I'll return it all with a hundredfold. If I don't see that brat dead, then I'm no man!"

In one lonely corner of the stands, Christina and her family, plus Quinton, sat stiffly like a group of washed-up fools.

Leroy muttered, "Christie, Mom... So, from today onward, Andrew's the Grand Physician? If we see him again, do we have to bow to him or something?"noveldrama

Irene fidgeted and stammered, "I-I don't think so... I mean, Grand Physician is just a title, right? It's not that big of a deal..."

However, all the color had already drained from Christina's face.

She stared blankly ahead and said, "Sure, the title alone might not mean much. But starting today, Andrew's name will echo across Blumedale-through Gabo Creek and all of Southern Holtrien. He's already soared. To him, we're nothing but ants."

Irene shut her mouth tight, too terrified to speak. Her short, pudgy body trembled. "Christie, let's go. Let's just leave and never cross him again. Hurry!"

Quinton's face had already turned pitch black.

"Let's go," he muttered bitterly, rising to his feet. Deep in his chest, regret burned like fire. He should have listened to Christina and bailed earlier.

Now, watching Andrew bask in glory, with everyone cheering his name, made him feel worse than if someone had put a bullet through his heart.

"Hold on, Quinton, Yara-you two come with me to congratulate Mr. Lloyd."

Kevin, the Wrights' patriarch, burst into hearty laughter.

"Oh, wait—not Mr. Lloyd. I should say, Dr. Lloyd, Grand Physician Lloyd, hahaha!"

Quinton had not even gotten the chance to turn away when Kevin clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Yara giggled. "I wouldn't mind congratulating Dr. Lloyd! But it looks like my dear brother isn't exactly thrilled about it."

Kevin's smile vanished. His tone turned firm. "You're going-no discussion. And especially you, Quinton. When you see Dr. Lloyd, make sure to be respectful."

Quinton stared at him like he had just been stabbed in the back.

Kevin beamed. "I've decided to follow the Keller family's lead and form a sworn brotherhood with Dr. Lloyd. From now on, he's going to be like an uncle to you. fo

"But honestly?+don't think that's close enough. We need to be even tighter than the Keller family. And since you're my most outstanding son, I want you to show our

sincerity... by making Dr. Lloyd your godfather."

Something inside Quinton's mind snapped, and he felt like the entire sky was collapsing on him. "No! I won't! Absolutely not!"

His scream echoed across the stands like a man being dragged to the gallows.

Yara could not help it anymore and burst into a fit of laughter, tears streaming from her eyes.

Meanwhile, Christina and her family just stood there, frozen in place like stone statues. They had followed Quinton around Blumedale like he was a god. But now, their "god" was about to bow and call Andrew his godfather.

So, what did that make them?