Jerome let out two shallow coughs, and when he pulled back his white handkerchief, there were faint streaks of ck blood.

    "Dr. Lloyd, I understand the rules of healing and medicine. It was rude and reckless to bring you here this way. If you''re upset and refuse to help, I would understandpletely."

    Andrew shook his head. "Saving a life is more important than pride. And Mr. Thornton, someone of your stature and reputation deserves better. I have no reason to refuse. However, the Frostblossom is no ordinary poison, as it''s among the deadliest. Even if I do try, fully removing it might be impossible."

    Jerome gave a weary smile. "That''s alright. If you can suppress it even a little, I''ll already be beyond grateful. As for what happens after... well, I''ll leave it to fate."

    Andrew nodded quietly. Jerome truly lived up to his reputation. He was incredibly calm even in the face of death. Men willing to face their end so openly were rare. "Alright then, I''ll give it a try. But before that, I do have one small request."

    Andrew spoke up again.

    Eric smiled sweetly. "Please, Dr. Lloyd, just say the word. I''ll take care of it right away."

    Andrew winced. Every time that guy smiled, he felt goosebumps all over. "Earlier, during the selection in the main hall... that guy, Mr. Wace... I think there''s something seriously wrong with him. You might want to discipline him."

    Jerome looked surprised. "Alex? Did he offend you in some way?"

    Andrew pulled out his phone and yed a video showing Alex and Calvin making shady deals behind closed doors. After watching it, Jerome''s face darkened. "Alex,e in here."

    Alex immediately entered with a respectful bow. "Yes, sir? You called for me?"

    Jerome snorted. "You''ve got nothing to say for yourself? I''ve warned you more than once. If you work under me, you don''t get involved in backroom dealings and dirty tricks!"

    The moment Alex saw the video on the phone, his entire face darkened. "Sir, this is a setup!"

    Then, he red at Andrew. "Y-You little punk! Didn''t you promise to delete that video?"

    Andrew harshly pped him across the face twice. Blood sprayed from Alex''s nose, and he stumbled back.

    Andrew retorted, "Delete? What, you thought I wouldn''t dare touch you?"

    He was not going to let this slimeball walk away without a lesson.

    "You''re asking for it!" Alex, a martial king-level fighter, instantly flew into a towering rage.

    However, before he could make a move, Eric shed forward and appeared in front of him.

    Eric ced both hands on Alex''s shoulders and smiled gently. "Admitting fault is the first step to growth. Dr. Lloyd had every reason to be upset. Don''t take it personally. Just let it go and step outside."

    Alex''s face, which had been burning with fury, gradually went nk. He chuckled dully. "Ah... alright, I''ll step out for now."

    Just like that, his rage vanished without a trace.

    Andrew''s eyes narrowed. He was genuinely rmed at how incredibly sinister Eric''s ability was.

    To hypnotize a martial king on the spot? And instantly, too? That was terrifying.

    If Eric ever decided to start using

    that

    Ctic gaze in public, he brainwash an armel

    easily

    a full-blown uprising

    and

    Eric gave Andrew a shy little smile, then sat off to the side like an obedient little servant, lowering his head without a word.

    Andrew suddenly had the urge to leap across the room and beat him senseless.

    Why was the creepy little pretty boy smiling at him like that?

    If he wanted to charm someone, could he at least find someone else to aim at?

    "Mr. Thornton, lie down. We''re

    starting the treatment." Clearing his mind, Andrew reached into his coat, pulled out a set of golden needles, and began the procedure.