Chapter 1465

There was no way he would gamble his career on such a risky operation!

Thankfully, Nalani had chosen him.

Across the room, Belinda stood, her heart sinking as reality set in. A wave of disappointment and resignation swept over her.

She understood that Nalani’s choice of Turner was rooted in her lack of trust in her. Nalani didn’t believe she had the ability to perform a total aortic replacement surgery.

The director rose to his feet and gave a firm nod. “Very well. Since Mrs. Dury has made her decision, Dr. Ortiz will be appointed Barbara’s attending physician. Meeting adjourned!”

As soon as the meeting concluded, Nalani left the room with her family.

Belinda rushed after them, calling out, “Mrs. Dury, wait!”

Nalani and her family stopped in their tracks.

Nalani turned toward Belinda. “Dr. Wright, if you are here to discuss my daughter’s treatment plan, save your breath. My decision is final.”

Belinda drew in a steadying breath. “Mrs. Dury, I am aware you have chosen Dr. Ortiz. And I understand that perhaps my proposed treatment plan made you feel like I was overestimating my abilities. Maybe I gave you reason to doubt me. But even so, I am asking you—just once—put your trust in me. Your daughter’s situation is more precarious than it appears. She does not have time on her side. The surgery needs to happen soon.”

Nalani’s expression tightened. A flicker of unease crossed her face, subtle but undeniable.

Before she could speak, Zaria stepped forward. Her heels clicked against the polished floor with purpose, her gaze cutting directly through Belinda. “Dr. Wright, I think you have said enough. There is no need to scare us. Barbara is stable; she seems perfectly fine now. And now that my aunt has selected Dr. Ortiz as her primary physician, he will handle the rest of her care. You are no longer needed.”

Belinda did not flinch. Her voice remained firm. “The decline in her upper limb function is already a sign—subtle, yes, but real. There are documented cases where patients like Ms. Dury enter acute phases without warning and without pain. This is not a matter to take lightly. I know how daunting aortic valve replacement sounds. It is among the most demanding procedures in the medical field. But I hope you can trust me; I can perform this surgery successfully for Ms. Dury.”

Nalani looked her dead in the eye, unmoved. “I am sorry, Dr. Wright. But I cannot trust you. And I won’t risk my daughter’s life.”

A wave of helplessness and frustration surged within Belinda. She intended to try one last time. “I—”

But her voice barely escaped her lips before someone cut her off. “What exactly are you trying to do, Dr. Wright?”

Belinda turned to the voice.

Turner was heading her way, his medical team in tow.

He stopped beside her, his gaze full of disdain. “Mrs. Dury has already chosen me as her daughter’s attending physician. What were you trying to do just now, saying those things to her?”

A man from his team spoke up, his tone smug. “And do not forget the hospital’s latest policy, Dr. Wright. You do remember that, do you not?”