Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

It felt to Tiana like she had fallen into a vast, unfamiliar net-one she had never experienced before. She was sinking, drifting, wanting to break free. Yet, she was addicted to the thrill of it all.

All these conflicting emotions passed through her in the blink of an eye, though they were layered and complex.

Meanwhile, Andrew was completely unaware of the chaotic thoughts swirling inside her. To him, this was just another straightforward medical procedure. He was careful and respectful. He only touched what he had to, avoiding sensitive areas entirely.

As a doctor, Andrew had no sense of guilt about what he was doing. Illness knew no gender; treatment was treatment. That was how he saw it.

Whether others saw it the same way was not his concern.

He calmly explained, "Stimulating your pressure points with needles and smoothing the meridians with massage helped your condition today.

"But in the end, to restore proper balance, you'll still need a medicinal remedy to regulate the five organ systems. I'll send the prescription to Lauren. She can have the herbs prepared for you."

As he spoke, Andrew removed the needle and straightened her robe neatly.

Just like that, the treatment was over.

Tiana slowly sat up from the bed, her face burning with shame. Without warning, she slapped Andrew.

"You little bastard!" she growled through clenched teeth. "You had the nerve to disrespect your future mother-in-law-groping and getting handsy like some pervert!"

Andrew caught her wrist effortlessly and stepped back, his expression calm and detached. "Mrs. Rhodes, I don't follow. First of all, I was treating you, not taking advantage of you.

"Second, you invited me here. And as for the things you said earlier, you know exactly what came out of your mouth. Even if you drag me in front of Mr Rhodes or Lauren and demand answers, I have a clear conscience."

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Tiana gritted her teeth at his composed face. "I already told you-what I said earlier was just a test. That wasn't real!"

"A test, huh?" Andrew scoffed. "And what exactly were you testing?"

"Whether or not you're truly committed to my daughter, of course!"

"Fine. Let's say it was about Lauren. But did you really need to put yourself on the line like that? Mrs. Rhodes, you're her mother-a

respected elder. That method was

completely out of line."

"Hmph, I'll decide what's out of line. And you, you've always lacked basic respect for me!" she snapped.noveldrama

They kept arguing, both unwilling to back down-until Lauren's voice rang in from outside the room.

"Andrew, if you're done treating my mom, could you come to the front room?"

Inside, Tiana froze and quickly fell silent, a trace of panic flashing across her face. Thankfully, Lauren did not come in-she simply passed the message and left.

Andrew exhaled coldly. "This nonsense ends now. You're her mother, and I don't want to escalate things. But I sincerely hope this never happens again."

Tiana sneered "Oh? Are you hoping there will be a next time? Why not just follow in your dad's footsteps and add me to the collection? That way, you'd outdo him. He only managed a single conquest you'd score both mother and daughter. What a feat! Think of the glory!"

Andrew knew she was talking nonsense, lashing out in frustration. But still, her

words lit a fire in his chest. It took everything in him not to explode.