Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1017

Luna leaned in with concern. "Grandpa, how are you feeling?"

Montgomery lay back on the bed and gently touched his chest, smiling with relief. "Much better… It felt like a hard lump inside me just vanished."

Ever fair and direct, Luna pointed toward Andrew and said, "Grandpa, it was Andrew Lloyd—the one Marvin introduced—who cleared out the calculi from your system."

Montgomery looked over at Andrew, ready to offer his thanks. However, as his eyes settled on the young man's face, he suddenly froze.

He stared at Andrew for a long moment before murmuring in disbelief, "No… it can't be… but…"

Luna blinked, startled. "Grandpa, what do you mean, 'can't be'?"

She had rarely seen such a shaken expression on Montgomery's face. However, the latter simply shook his head and gave a small, bitter smile. "It's nothing. Just… some old memories suddenly came to mind."

After that, he exchanged a few words of gratitude with Andrew. Clearly, the old man was exhausted, so Andrew wisely excused himself without overstaying.

As Andrew stepped into the courtyard outside, a sharp voice rang out.

"Hold it right there!" Mosby barked from behind.

Andrew turned around slowly, his face calm and unreadable.

Mosby stepped forward and asked, "How exactly does the Ninefold Needles break down gallstones?"

Andrew answered flatly, "How? It just does. I don't make the rules. In fact, the Ninefold Needles can also bring someone back from the edge of death, prolong life, and cure all kinds of illnesses. Is that a problem?"

Mosby's temper snapped. "Are you looking down on me? Do you even know who I am? In all of Gabo Creek Province, my medical skills are considered top of the mountain!"

Andrew chuckled. "Sure. And frogs in a well think their puddle is the ocean."

Having hit wall after wall, Mosby finally reached his breaking point. His tone turned dark as he said, "You're arrogant, kid. Not giving me any face, huh? Hmph! Here in the capital, my network runs deep. If I put out the word, plenty of people would fall over themselves to win my favor."

Andrew did not even look back as he waved a hand dismissively. "Dr. Lake, maybe don't go around spouting threats. Like you said—words have consequences. You and I have no beef, but if you're looking to start something… well, that's a whole different story."

A flicker of greed flashed in Mosby's eyes as he made a subtle gesture to have someone stop Andrew.

The truth was, he was absolutely itching to get his hands on Andrew's Ninefold Needles. If he could master such an incredible technique, it would not just elevate his reputation—it could redefine his entire legacy.