Dotson’s insistent request left Darlene momentarily speechless, caught off guard by the patient’s unwavering determination.
Sensing the tension, Jessica stepped in gracefully, her voice calm and steady. “Mr. Haywood, we deeply appreciate your preference for Dr. Star. However, she’s not just any surgeon—she specializes in handling particularly complex and high-risk cases. Her involvement depends on the unique challenges of each procedure. For instance, yesterday’s operation was an extraordinary case involving an 85-year-old patient with numerous complications, aligning with her specific criteria.”
Her tone was warm yet firm as she continued, offering Dotson a reassuring smile. “Your surgery, while important, falls well within the expertise of Dr. Mitchell here. She’s exceptionally skilled and will handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism.”
A colleague nearby added supportively, “Yes, Mr. Haywood, Dr. Mitchell is highly competent. You’re in excellent hands. Dr. Star won’t be necessary for your procedure.”
Dotson’s expression softened as he processed their reassurances. After a thoughtful pause, he gave a nod. “Alright, Dr. Mitchell, I trust you with my care.”
Darlene returned his nod with a warm smile. “Thank you for placing your trust in me, Mr. Haywood. We’ll ensure everything goes smoothly.”
________________________________________
Elsewhere in the hospital, Turner was conducting his rounds with his team. They entered a patient’s room, where a middle-aged man stood at the bedside.
Turner addressed him with professional courtesy. “Mr. Cohen, your father’s surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow morning at nine. Does that timing work for you? If there are any concerns—”
Before Turner could finish, Monroe Cohen raised a hand, cutting him off. “There’s no rush.”
Turner’s brows furrowed slightly. “Is something the matter?”
Monroe looked directly at him, his tone calm yet resolute. “I’ve heard rumors… Did Dr. Star perform surgery here yesterday?”
There was a brief pause as Turner registered the question. After a moment, he answered, “Yes, that’s true.”
Without hesitation, Monroe delivered his proposition. “Inform Caiden that if he can arrange for Dr. Star to handle my father’s surgery, I will donate a new research facility to this hospital.”
The room fell into stunned silence.
Turner’s expression shifted dramatically as he absorbed the magnitude of Monroe’s offer. The pledge of an entire research facility—an asset worth millions—offered in exchange for a single surgery, left not just him but his entire team momentarily speechless.
The weight of the proposal hung in the air, a tangible silence filling the spacious hospital room.
Finally, Kylee broke the quiet. “I’m sorry, Mr. Cohen, but that might be difficult.”
Her tone was careful yet honest as she explained, “Dr. Star has strict criteria for the cases she takes on. She prioritizes surgeries based on their complexity and urgency, and only under specific circumstances does she agree to perform them.”
Kylee paused, her admiration for Star evident in her expression, before adding, “That said, Dr. Ortiz, from our department, is an incredibly skilled surgeon. His expertise nearly rivals Dr. Star’s. I assure you, your father’s surgery is in excellent hands with him.”
An awkward cough from another doctor punctuated her statement, though no one outright disagreed with her assessment.
Monroe, however, chuckled softly and dismissed the explanation with a wave of his hand. “Just pass my proposal on to Caiden,” he said, his tone unwavering.
Realizing the futility of pressing further, Turner and Kylee exchanged resigned glances before reluctantly agreeing to relay the message.
________________________________________
Later that day, Turner walked briskly toward the hospital garden instead of heading back to his office. His steps were quick and agitated, the tension in his body visible.
Kylee, who had been watching him closely, narrowed her eyes. Sensing he might be up to something, she swiftly followed, her mind racing with thoughts of what he might be planning.
