Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You Novel

---- Chapter 1304. Andrew eyed the cup of tea in front of him but made no move to touch it. He said, "My mom taught me not to drink anything a stranger offers me." Jared's smile stiffened, and he let out an awkward chuckle. "Come on, Andrew, that's a bit much. I'm not exactly a stranger. I'm Fran's senior and one of Blumedale Hospital's most promising contenders at this year's Grand Medical Summit." Andrew raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Blumedale Hospital's most promising contender?

Wow, Jared, you sure aren't lacking in confidence." Jared straightened his crisp suit, clearing his throat. "As medical professionals, we should remain humble. Honestly, I'm already being quite modest." Andrew gave a slight nod. "Well, since you're Fran's senior, I suppose I can trust you. I just had a shouting match with a bunch of fools earlier, and I'm parched." Francesca chimed in with a playful smile. "If you're that thirsty, go ahead and drink.

If you're worried, you can have mine." Andrew shook his head, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "As tempting as that is, Fran, if I drank from your cup, it'd be like an indirect kiss. And in a public setting like this? Not the best look, don't you think?" ---- Francesca's cheeks flushed pink, and she gave him a playful swat." You jerk! Stop talking nonsense!" Jared, on the other hand, felt his jaw tighten. He wanted nothing more than to stand up and slap Andrew across the face.

This bastard had the nerve to flirt with his beloved Fran right in front of him. Did he even bother to ask for his permission? Andrew finally lifted the teacup to his lips, making Jared's heart race with anticipation. He thought, 'Perfect. Just a few more seconds, and the drug I laced into that cup will start to take effect." He could already picture Andrew making a complete fool of himself. As the tea touched his lips, Andrew suddenly paused, his eyes narrowing.

"Hey, Jared, you didn't spike this tea, did you? Something feels off." Jared silently cursed this troublemaker for being so cautious. Forcing a laugh, he waved it off. "Andrew, you're such a funny guy. If you're that worried, you can have my cup instead. Unless you find that too distasteful?" Andrew gave him a once-over and smirked. "No thanks. I'm not a fan of bad breath." ---- Jared's face turned an alarming shade of red.

In front of his precious Fran, this little punk had just insulted him again. Bad breath? This bastard was crossing every line. Yet, despite the rising fury in his chest, Jared managed to contain himself as he watched Andrew finally drink from the cup. Perfect. Just a few minutes, and the effects would kick in. He could hardly wait to watch Andrew make a fool of himself. 'The conference shifted gears as Derek took the stage, his voice booming across the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed medical professionals of Gabo Creek, thank you for gathering here today. Our only aim is to work together to make this year's Grand Medical summit a success, celebrating the rich heritage of Etharia's traditional medicine.

"as a token of our appreciation, we've prepared some special rewards for those who stand out during this summit, generously provided by the leading medical families of Blumedale." With that, Derek stepped back, and several tall, elegantly dressed women entered the stage, each holding a tray of rewards for the summit. The trays were laden with a variety of rare, valuable items, drawing murmurs of admiration from the audience Francesca's eyes sparkled as she spotted one of the trays. "Wow!

Is that a set of handcrafted, traditional gold acupuncture needles? I ---- have to get my hands on that!" Jared leaned in quickly, eager to score points. "Fran, if you want it, you don't have to work so hard. I can talk to Dr. Bozzelli and pull some strings. I'll get it for you, no problem." Andrew snorted, his tone sharp. "Pathetic." Jared's expression darkened. "What did you just say?" Andrew set his cup down, his gaze steady. "I said, you're pathetic. Fran isn't the type to want handouts.

She's a proud, talented doctor. If she wants those needles, she'll earn them with her own skills and hard work. Offering to pull strings for her is not only insulting but shows just how little you think of her." Francesca smiled with a hint of pride in her eyes. "Exactly. Andrew's right. [ want to earn those needles myself, not take shortcuts." Jared forced a tight smile, his fists clenching beneath the table. " Don't worry, Fran. I'll work just as hard and win those needles for you."