Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Applause erupted across the room, the sound echoing through the sterile halls. The patients nearby looked at Andrew with a mix of gratitude and admiration. It felt like, at long last, someone had the courage to stand up for the common folk.

Yet, what impressed them even more was Andrew's unyielding stance, his words sharp and precise, cutting through the air like a finely honed blade.

Norman found himself cornered, struggling to maintain his composure. He had thrown everything he had into this confrontation, but in the end, he had no choice but to back down.

The elderly woman wiped away her tears and looked at Andrew with pleading eyes. "Mr. Lloyd, can you help me make an appointment? I want to speak with the deputy chief."

Andrew turned sharply to Norman, his expression cold. "Norman, this lady wants to schedule a consultation. Tell me, does Blumedale Hospital still discriminate against patients based on status?"

Norman's face flushed with anger, and he barked at a nearby nurse, "Get this patient registered immediately!"

Andrew turned sharply to Norman, his expression cold. "Dr. Ellington, this lady wants to schedule a consultation. Tell me, does Blumedale Hospital still discriminate against patients based on status?"

Norman's face flushed with anger, and he barked at a nearby nurse, "Get this patient registered immediately!"

The young nurse hesitated, glancing nervously at Norman. "But, Dr. Ellington... even if I register her now, the earliest slot is still two weeks out."noveldrama

Norman's scowl deepened. "Why such a long wait? Are there really that many patients ahead of her?"

The nurse stammered, "Um... those are all cases Dr. Charlton insisted on handling himself. He told me not to interfere."

Norman's face twisted in rage. "That idiot thinks he can handle all this on his own? Does he even understand the responsibility he's taking on? Arrange for this woman to see a specialist immediately."

The elderly woman's eyes filled with tears once more as she clutched Andrew's hand in gratitude. He gently patted her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "Go ahead, ma'am. Let Blumedale's specialists take care of you. Don't worry-there are still good doctors with genuine compassion out there. The rotten ones are few and far between."

With that, the old woman followed the nurse down the hallway.

Norman's face twitched, the sting of Andrew's words clearly cutting deeper than he cared to admit.

Logan, watching the exchange, chuckled. "Andy, I've got to hand it to you. You could've gone in guns blazing, but instead, you chose to reason it out. I didn't know you had it in you."

Chantelle, standing nearby, managed a faint smile. If she had been in Andrew's place, she doubted she would have bothered confronting Norman at all. In a world full of shadowy deals and under-the-table power plays, it felt almost naive to push back.

Yet, as she watched Andrew at that moment, she felt a flicker of admiration. Perhaps this stubborn principled streak was what made him stand out-a rare flash of integrity in a world growing O increasingly bleak. She could not help but admit this guy has got some backbone after all.

With Norman reluctantly leading the way, the small group moved through the

lobby toward another hospital wing to meet Malcolm.

As they walked, Norman shot a sideways glance at Andrew, his tone dripping with thinly veiled disdain. "Mr. Lloyd, you speak like a man with medical experience. I'm curious-which hospital did you train at?"

Andrew's eyes remained steady. "Oh, I wouldn't dare mention my humble beginnings in front of someone as esteemed as you, Dr. Ellington. Just a small, unremarkable clinic. Hardly worth talking about."

Norman's lip curled, his professional pride pricked. "Really? Well, if that's the case, how confident are you in your medical skills? You do realize the Grand Medical Summit is just around the corner, right? Blumedale Hospital has been actively scouting talent. If you're as skilled as you claim, it might be your shot at the big leagues."

Andrew merely nodded. "No need to worry about me, Dr. Ellington. I'll be at the summit."

Norman's eyes narrowed, a bitter laugh slipping through his clenched teeth. "Are you serious, Mr. Lloyd?"

He had only thrown out the remark to humiliate Andrew—a petty jab at someone in the same field as him. He had never expected that Andrew would actually take

the bait and was actually planning to enter the Grand Medical Summit.

Norman doubted Andrew could even qualify.

Logan chimed in, "Dr. Ellington, looking down on others is a risky habit. Given your position as the head of the department of

Blumedale Hospital, selected fol

thousands of medical practitioners, you should know better than to

make such a petty mistake!"