Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1846

Alex and Zachary had already stepped out, leaving only Eric seated quietly by the bedside.

Andrew did not even look back. "Eric, I don't like distractions when I'm treating someone. Would you mind stepping out as well?"

Eric remained seated, smiling gently. "Don't worry, Dr. Lloyd. I'll just stay here silently. I'm more concerned for Dad's safety than anyone else. I wouldn't feel at ease if I weren't nearby."

Andrew frowned and was about to insist again when Jerome spoke up. "Eric, go on and step out. Don't worry. Dr. Lloyd's here. I'll be fine."

Only then did Eric rise to his feet and say softly, "Alright, Dad. I'll step out now. Dr. Lloyd, I'll leave him in your care."

Even while walking out, Eric did not forget to politely acknowledge Andrew, warm and courteous as ever. However, Andrew could not shake the discomfort crawling over his skin. Something about Eric always made him feel like a needle was pressed against his back.

Jerome gave a soft chuckle. "Dr. Lloyd, my apologies. Eric's martial art is a rare one. It naturally comes with a hypnotic influence. His control over it is still limited, so he can't fully regulate its effects. It tends to influence others even when he doesn't mean to."

Andrew said half-jokingly, "Mr. Thornton, I hope you don't take offense, but he's clearly a man. Is it really appropriate for him to practice such dark arts?"

Jerome shook his head. "Phantom Mirage is not a dark art. It's one of the most unique techniques in existence. At first, I didn't want him to practice it either. Like you said, Eric is a man, and learning this kind of technique comes with a lot of complications.

"But the technique chose him. When I took him in years ago, he somehow stumbled into it by fate. After that, even I couldn't stop him. It was meant to be."

Only then did Andrew understand.

In the world of martial arts, some people were simply born to sync perfectly with certain techniques, as if drawn together by destiny.

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