Turner Ortiz was no stranger to the name “Star.” The surgical prodigy’s reputation preceded her, woven into countless stories of her remarkable expertise. Yet, Turner couldn’t help but harbor skepticism about the near-mythical image surrounding her.
For a time, her name had been a daily echo in their department, sparking endless discussions about her groundbreaking procedures, the impossible cases she had turned into triumphs, and the endless stream of patients clamoring for her skill. But to Turner, much of it seemed exaggerated—a carefully cultivated legend.
Sensing the growing excitement in the room, Kylee interjected, her tone cautious. “Even if Star could increase the success rate, have you considered how difficult it would be to get her to perform this surgery? And why should we outsource a case that belongs to our hospital?”
Turner’s mood lifted slightly at her words, and he noted the flicker of doubt spreading among the other doctors.
“Exactly,” someone agreed. “It’s not like Star is sitting around waiting for us to call.”
“I heard Chloe Peterson from Ascein couldn’t even convince Star to take on her son’s case,” another chimed in, shaking their head.
Jessica, unfazed, spoke with measured confidence. “Your concerns are valid, but Mr. Rodgers has connections with Star. She’s known for taking on high-risk cases, and I believe this one might pique her interest.”
Her words reignited the room’s excitement.
“Really? Mr. Rodgers knows Star personally? That’s incredible!” a young doctor exclaimed, their voice filled with awe.
“I might actually get to meet my idol!” another added enthusiastically, their excitement spilling over.
Amid the growing buzz, Turner’s expression darkened. He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade. “I will be the one to perform this surgery.”
The authoritative edge in his tone silenced the room instantly, and all eyes turned toward him.
Turner’s gaze swept across the team before he spoke again, deliberately measured. “Let’s consider a few things here. First, can Mr. Rodgers even guarantee that Star will agree to perform the surgery? Second, assuming she does agree, when can we expect her to act? And finally, can we truly be sure her success rate is as high as the rumors claim?”
His words hung in the air, and the room fell into contemplative silence.
Noticing the shift, Turner allowed himself a faint smile. This surgery was too important for him to relinquish. It was a high-stakes, high-profile case involving an elderly patient with complex complications. Failure would be excusable given the circumstances, but success? Success would cement his standing as one of the best in the field.
Even more significant, the patient, Larkin Beckett, was the father of the Director of Education—a fact that could have far-reaching implications for Turner’s career.
Just as Turner prepared to press his argument further, the door opened, and a middle-aged man stepped into the room.
“Mr. Rodgers, you’re here,” one of the doctors said, quickly rising to their feet.
The rest followed suit, greeting Caiden Rodgers with a mix of respect and expectation.
Caiden wasted no time. “The complexity of Larkin Beckett’s case is exceptionally high. I forwarded his details to Star last night and requested her assistance. She has agreed and will be arriving shortly with her team.”
The room erupted into a mix of disbelief and elation.
“Star is really coming? I can’t believe I’m going to meet her!” one doctor exclaimed, nearly bouncing with excitement.
“This is incredible! We’re about to witness something extraordinary,” another added, their voice tinged with awe.
Amid the wave of excitement, Turner’s face grew darker. His jaw tightened as he turned to Caiden, his tone heavy with irritation and disbelief. “Mr. Rodgers, isn’t it inappropriate to outsource a case from our hospital to an outsider?”
Caiden met Turner’s sharp gaze without flinching. His voice was calm but resolute. “As long as the surgery is successful, does it really matter who performs it?”
Turner was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his composure. “But if the surgery fails,” he countered, his tone edged with urgency, “and the patient’s family raises an uproar, our hospital’s reputation will be on the line.”
Caiden’s gaze remained steady. “Do you truly believe our reputation would suffer more from bringing in one of the best surgeons in the world than from losing the patient entirely under our care?”
The room fell silent again, the weight of Caiden’s words sinking in. Turner’s argument faltered, but the tension in his expression remained.
Jessica watched the exchange closely, her expression calm but her mind alert. The battle of egos and priorities wasn’t lost on her, and she knew that this case would have ramifications far beyond the operating table.