Jared dismissed the news casually. "Fran had talent rivaling mine even as a student, so it makes sense for her to go. As for this last person, they're probably just filling a spot."

Thomas laughed coldly. "This last person is hardly a space-filler! He's personally appointed by Malcolm, who has placed virtually all his hopes on this individual!"

Jared was stunned. "Dr. Goddard values him that highly? Who is he?"

Thomas said flatly, "His name is Andrew Lloyd."

Jared snickered. "Never heard of him. Must be a nobody."

Bernard, unable to resist stirring trouble, smiled meaningfully. "Jared, this Andrew is far from a nobody! The object of your affection, Francesca—her beloved happens to be this very Andrew!"

Jared's expression instantly darkened, becoming filled with gloom. "He's Fran's beloved? He's not worthy! At the Grand Medical Summit, I'll show him the gap between a nobody like him and me, Jared!"

.

"Fran is brilliant—I believe she can distinguish between precious gem and c