Chapter 1468

“Sure,” Caiden agreed.

They found a quiet corner outside the room.

“Mr. Rodgers, I already know what you’re here to say,” Nalani said before Caiden could speak.

Caiden pressed his lips together briefly. “Mrs. Dury, I just need to understand—did you choose Turner because you don’t trust Belinda?”

“Yes,” Nalani replied without hesitation.

Caiden let out a sigh. “I get it. To you, Belinda’s proposal for an aortic valve replacement might seem overly bold. It’s the most complex surgery here, and you doubt she can handle it. I understand that.”

His voice softened, taking on a sincere tone. “But what I’m trying to say is… Belinda isn’t reckless or overconfident. Your daughter’s condition genuinely calls for an aortic valve replacement. It would give her a better quality of life moving forward, and—”

“That’s enough, Mr. Rodgers!” Nalani interjected. “I understand everything you’re saying, but I don’t want to hear it right now. I’ve made up my mind; Dr. Ortiz will be my daughter’s surgeon, and that’s final.” Her tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Caiden’s words hadn’t swayed her at all.

Faced with her unyielding resolve, Caiden could only sigh in defeat, realizing further persuasion was futile.

Just then, Nalani said, “Mr. Rodgers, you speak so highly of Belinda and place such confidence in her. Is it because of Lucas?”

Caiden wasn’t shocked that Nalani was aware of the bond between Belinda and Lucas.

With a light laugh, he said, “Mrs. Dury, all I’ll say is that when I first encountered Belinda and grew to admire her talents, I was completely unaware of her tie to Mr. Clark.”

As he spoke, a faint smirk played at the edge of his mouth, carrying a trace of irony. “I know plenty of people at the hospital have doubts about my connection with Belinda. I’ve chosen not to clarify things because, honestly, even if I did, they probably wouldn’t believe me. But I have a clear conscience.”

After a pause, he continued, “Mrs. Dury, let me be clear: when I suggested Belinda as the lead doctor for your daughter, my sole concern was your daughter’s health. I know how precious she is to you, and I would never jeopardize her well-being. That’s all I have to say. I’ll take my leave now.”

Without waiting for Nalani’s reply, Caiden spun on his heel and strode off.

As he walked away, Nalani’s eyes narrowed slightly.

She trusted that Caiden wouldn’t risk her daughter’s life and that Belinda likely possessed exceptional expertise. Yet, for this critical procedure, she remained firm in her choice of Turner.

Because… she simply couldn’t take the risk with her daughter’s life.

With a steadying breath, Nalani turned and made her way back to the ward.

Meanwhile, Belinda had just left a patient’s room and was heading to her office when she spotted a familiar silhouette at the corridor’s end.

That was…