"Dr. Lake, if you want to add more, go ahead," Richard replied coldly over the phone. "Money talks—and the more you offer, the faster that punk dies."

…

"Andrew, going up against Mosby brings you nothing but trouble," Chantelle said with a frown as they drove.

Andrew's tone turned sharp. "He's the one who keeps provoking me—I didn't ask for this."

Chantelle shook her head. "Even so, you should've handled it with more discretion. Mosby's been in Blumedale for years. His connections, his influence—you can't just sweep that aside.

"Even if you want to challenge his reputation in the medical field, it doesn't have to happen overnight."

Andrew scoffed. "Mosby? A respected authority? Let me be blunt, Ms. Garcia—you won't believe me, but to me, Mosby's just another loudmouthed nobody."

Chantelle blinked, then let out a laugh, though it was laced with anger. "You're right. I don't believe you."

Sure, Andrew had performed brilliantly today by saving George, and it was indeed an i