Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Ronan's Oak Apothecary had built a modest but respected reputation in

Blumedale, so having him gather the herbs was a huge time-saver for Andrew.

However, the moment Andrew stepped into the shop, Janice Bates came running toward him in tears.

"Andrew! My grandpa... he got hurt! Someone beat him up!" she cried, sobbing uncontrollably.

Andrew's brows furrowed. "Janice, stop crying for now. Take me to him."

In the back room, Ronan was lying on a bed, clearly injured. Two red handprints burned across his cheeks, and his forehead was bruised and bleeding as if someone had shoved him hard against something.

"Mr. Lloyd... you came," Ronan said weakly, trying to sit up. "Forgive me, I've failed you."

Andrew quickly motioned for him to stop talking. "Don't waste your breath. Let's get you patched up first."

After checking him over, Andrew was relieved to find that Ronan had only suffered surface wounds and a badly twisted waist. He worked swiftly, massaging the injured muscles and applying medicine to the cut on his forehead.

It was all done in less than ten minutes-fast and precise.

Janice stood nearby, watching with teary eyes full of gratitude. "Andrew, thank you so much! If only I had studied medicine... I could've helped him myself!"

Andrew smiled lightly. "Janice, not everyone's meant to be a doctor. You can't think like that. Your grandpa's alright now. Come outside with me and tell me exactly what happened."

Once outside, Janice wiped her tears, clenched her fists, and said through gritted teeth, "It was the people from Genesis Dispensary. They attacked Grandpa!"

Andrew's expression turned cold. "Genesis Dispensary? So this is Mosby's doing?"noveldrama

Janice nodded. "Yeah, it's his clinic. In Blumedale, Genesis Dispensary is where all the powerful families go. Mosby has deep connections in the city's medical scene, and he's been suppressing other practitioners for years.

"He's been trying to monopolize the entire traditional medicine market, especially the traditional medicine sector. Grandpa's just been holding on the best he can. Mosby's people have come by more than once, demanding he shut down Oak Apothecary. But Grandpa kept refusing, so Mosby made him a target."

Her voice cracked as the tears returned, and she wiped her eyes again.

Andrew handed her a tissue and gave her time to breathe, saying, "Take your time."

Janice composed herself and continued, her lips trembling. "Even with all this pressure, Grandpa kept the place open-he didn't want to let go of our family's legacy. But this time, he thought the herbs you requested might be available at Génesis Dispensary, so he went to buy them.

"But the staff there held a grudge, and they took it all out on him. They accused him of working with you, said he was a traitor, and that Mosby would destroy both of you sooner or later.

"Grandpa's old... he didn't want to start a fight, so he stayed quiet and tried to leave. But as soon as he walked out the door, they surrounded him and beat him

up!"

Andrew's jaw tightened as a cold fury welled up inside him. "Did you call the cops?"

Janice gave a bitter smile and shook

her head. "We've reported them so

many times... but Andrew, it's

ve

absolutely useless. Sure, we've got some toyal customers, but compared to Mosby's wealthand influence, no one's going to take our side.

"Plus, Mosby's got people in the Blumedale Police Department. Every time we report it, they sweep it under the rug."

A sharp gleam flashed in Andrew's eyes as he said coolly, "Good. If the cops won't do anything, then I'll make sure your grandpa and Oak Apothecary get some justice."

Janice's eyes widened. "Andrew, no! Please don't act impulsively! If Grandpa finds out that I said something and it got you in danger, he'd never forgive me!"

Andrew let out a cold laugh. "Dangerous for me? No, Janice-the ones in danger are Mosby and the scum running Genesis Dispensary."

Without another word, Andrew walked out of Oak Apothecary, slammed the car door, and floored the gas pedal toward Genesis Dispensary.

Janice tried to run after him, but she was panicked and flustered, unsure of what to do. After all, charging straight into Genesis Dispensary alone was like having a death wish.