Chapter 1474

Turner was utterly speechless at this point. Caiden’s last remark had hit a very sore nerve.

It was clear his skills were nothing compared to Star’s.

What was more, since Barbara’s dissection had ruptured, her condition was even more delicate than any of them could have anticipated.

Turner knew that he had neither the skills nor the confidence to guarantee the success of the procedure. And if Barbara died on his operating table, his career was as good as over.

Deep down, he felt some relief knowing that Star would be the one handling the surgery.

His anger mostly stemmed from the fact that, by calling Star in without telling him, Caiden had completely disrespected him.

The room fell silent. The tension in the air was thick.

Just then, one of the doctors from Turner’s team stepped forward and spoke.

“Mr. Rodgers, that’s not what Dr. Ortiz meant at all. It’s just that he is Miss Dury’s attending physician. You didn’t even give him a courtesy call before you assigned Star to replace him. He is upset because he feels a little disrespected,” the doctor said.

Caiden let out a cold laugh. “Didn’t I notify him afterward?” he retorted. “The patient’s condition was worsening by the second. I prioritized calling Star over to save the patient’s life. Tell me, what exactly did I do wrong?”

The doctor shut his mouth, not knowing how to respond.

Caiden couldn’t be bothered to engage with anyone from Turner’s team any further. He turned and addressed the other doctors in the office.

“Star and the patient’s family have already agreed to make VSARR with total aortic replacement an open procedure. Those of you who are interested in observing the surgery can go.”

“I would like to go, Mr. Rodgers!”

“Me, too!”

It was three in the morning by then, but news that Star would be performing a total aortic replacement surgery on a patient was spreading like wildfire. Even the doctors who had already gone home for the night rushed back to the hospital, eager to see the renowned surgeon in action.

“All right, go get ready,” Caiden said.

“Yes, Mr. Rodgers!”

“What an amazing opportunity this is!”

Lucas approached the exclusive VIP surgical suite and found Nalani sitting on the bench outside, her face streaked with tears. She looked utterly distraught.

“Nalani,” Lucas called out as he drew closer.

Nalani’s head jerked up. “Lucas,” she said, startled to see him, “What are you doing here?”

Lucas quickly came up with an excuse. “A friend of mine was admitted. I came to check on him. I was just in reception when I heard a few nurses talking about Barbara’s case, so I thought I’d drop by and see how things are going.”

Nalani nodded in a daze.