Caiden offered a reassuring smile. “There’s no need to worry. Star has personally reviewed the case and confirmed a ninety percent success rate.”
Turning his attention to the group of doctors gathered before him, he continued, “Each department may nominate five individuals to observe the surgery.”
Excitement rippled through the room like a rising tide.
“Really? Mr. Rodgers, please let me observe the surgery!”
“Me, too! Please pick me! Watching Star in action has been my dream ever since I heard of her!”
Amidst the enthusiastic clamor, Caiden’s gaze briefly locked with Jessica’s.
Earlier that morning, around seven, he had sent Larkin’s case file to her. A seasoned cardiothoracic surgeon himself, Caiden had fully grasped the complexity of the procedure. Relief had washed over him when Jessica agreed to lead the operation—a testament to her unparalleled expertise.
While the room buzzed with chatter about potential observers, Jessica quietly slipped away, her demeanor calm yet determined. She headed to the parking lot, where her team awaited her arrival.
Her assistant, Addie Juarez, greeted her with a fresh set of surgical clothes and an eager smile. “Finally, back to the OR! I’ve missed this so much.”
Fred Reynolds, another assistant, chimed in with equal enthusiasm. “I couldn’t agree more. Let’s do this!”
Kori Watson, the team’s surgical instrument nurse, added her perspective with a grin. “I actually enjoy the downtime between surgeries. But this one—it’s special.”
Jessica chuckled softly but remained focused, her silence embodying her readiness for the challenge ahead. She quickly changed into the freshly laundered clothes, adjusted her wig with practiced ease, and donned a mask and glasses, completing her professional transformation.
Together, the four made their way to the operating room, using a discreet entrance to maintain privacy.
Inside their team’s exclusive changing area, Kori assisted Jessica in putting on her surgical gown, mask, goggles, and gloves. The room buzzed with quiet efficiency as they completed the sterilization process before stepping into the operating room.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent observation room, the chosen doctors waited with bated breath.
“Is that really Star? She looks so young!” one doctor whispered in awe. “I’ve heard she’s under thirty, but seeing her in person is a whole different experience.”
“Watching my idol perform surgery is a dream come true,” another murmured, their voice tinged with excitement.
“This is going to be incredible! I’ve read about Star’s quick, precise techniques,” a third commented eagerly.
In stark contrast, Turner stood at the back of the room, his expression dark and conflicted.
He struggled to reconcile Star’s youthful appearance with her legendary skill. At twenty-eight, he had been a mere intern, fumbling his way through basic procedures. Yet here was Star, not even thirty, already achieving accolades that seemed unattainable. Her unblemished record of complex surgeries only deepened his frustration.
In the operating room, Jessica—known to the world as Star—guided her team as they meticulously planned their approach. They reviewed every detail, from aortic valve repair and sinus reconstruction to ascending aorta replacement and total arch replacement.
When the anesthesia was administered and the patient’s vitals stabilized without complications, the surgery began.
In the observation room, the chatter faded into silence as the doctors fixed their eyes on Star’s every move. Her precision was mesmerizing; not a single action was wasted, and her calm confidence filled the room with awe.
Hours ticked by, and while fatigue crept into the observers, Star’s focus never wavered.
“Monitor the heart rate.”
“Check the blood pressure.”
“Pass the hemostatic clamp.”
Four hours into the surgery, Addie stepped forward, carefully dabbing sweat from Star’s forehead. Despite the grueling procedure, Star’s hands remained impressively steady. Not a hint of fatigue showed in her movements or her demeanor.
Twenty minutes later, Star’s voice broke the heavy silence. “Start suturing.”
“Right away,” Fred responded, moving into position to complete the final steps of the procedure.
With that, the most critical portion of the operation was successfully concluded.
In the observation room, disbelief mingled with admiration.
“Is it over already?”
“Incredible—just over four hours. Star’s speed is unreal!”
“The precision was extraordinary. It was flawless!”
“She truly lives up to her title as the top surgeon. Absolutely remarkable!”
As Fred continued the suturing, Star stepped back from the operating table, her role complete. Turner, who had been silently watching from the observation room, found himself speechless. He stood rooted to the spot, unable to process the brilliance he had just witnessed.
Moments later, Jessica and Addie, now out of their surgical attire, exited through a private passage. They had barely taken a few steps when a firm voice called out behind them.
“Star.”