A female professor spoke softly, “Why don’t we ask Mr. Carr to be ready to donate blood? He seems very close to the President; he will surely agree.”
“Good idea,” the director nodded. “Let’s ask Mr. Carr after the meeting. Given their father-son relationship, he wouldn’t refuse such a small favor.”
“But who will perform the surgery?” another doctor asked, glancing around. “After all, he is the President…”
Any mistake could bear significant consequences. But if successful, the title of the President’s chief surgeon was quite tempting.
Human nature tends to avoid risks. After a moment of hesitation, the surgeons in the room began to express their reluctance.
“I don’t think I can do it. The thought of him being the President makes me nervous.”
“Me neither. My schedule is packed with surgeries; I don’t have time for this.”
“I heard Mr. Maskelyne has a terrible temper… How about Dr. Sylvia? She’s the President’s daughter-in-law, so it’s all in the family.”
The suggestion quickly gained support.
“Yes, Dr. Sylvia is practically family.”
“Exactly, family members performing the surgery would be safer. We outsiders should stay out of it.”
An elderly professor turned to Sylvia, “Dr. Sylvia, why don’t you handle this surgery? Your skills are excellent, and everyone recommends you.”
It was as if they were offering her a great opportunity that no one else wanted.
Sylvia sat in her seat, her beautiful face expressionless as she looked at the old professor.
The director couldn’t read her thoughts but, as a leader, he couldn’t force her. He said gently, “Dr. Sylvia, consider it. If you think it’s inappropriate, you don’t have to do it. We can discuss it.”
“I’ll do it,” Sylvia said calmly, still expressionless. “I know what you’re all thinking. It’s just a bypass surgery. What’s the big deal?”
Why were they so afraid? It was just a routine procedure for her.
Hearing Sylvia’s firm response, the doctors breathed a sigh of relief. Some exchanged glances, secretly pleased that she had agreed.
The director concluded the meeting with a few final words before everyone left the room.
Sylvia also got up to leave when the director caught up with her. “Dr. Sylvia.”
She turned back, looking at him calmly. “Is there something else?”
“Oh, it’s just that everyone knows your skills are exceptional. That’s why they recommended you,” he reassured her.
After all, he didn’t want to lose Sylvia’s reputation as a top surgeon.
“It’s just a bypass. Even if it were a kidney or heart transplant, it wouldn’t be a problem,” Sylvia said indifferently.
“That’s good to hear.” The director was relieved to see she didn’t mind.
Sylvia turned and left without looking back.
The deputy director whispered to the director, “Is she really okay?”
“You underestimate her. Didn’t you hear her? Four bypasses are nothing. She’s impressive at such a young age. You all should focus on improving your skills,” the director said sternly. “We’ll have an extra exam this month!”
“What? Two exams?”
“Yes! With our packed schedules, there’s no time to study!”
The doctors groaned in protest.
Everyone knew that hospital staff had to study and take exams regularly. They were always learning until retirement.
Sylvia went straight to the ICU where the President was admitted after leaving the emergency room. She reviewed his medical records and told the nurse, “Prepare for surgery tomorrow at 9 AM.”
“Dr. Sylvia, isn’t that too soon? Shouldn’t we notify his family?” the nurse asked, surprised by her decisiveness.
“Mr. Carr or Franklin will sign the consent form tomorrow. Don’t worry about it,” Sylvia said, handing over the records. “Just prepare for the surgery.”
“Okay,” the nurse agreed.
After arranging everything for the surgery, Sylvia left the hospital and took a taxi back to Hipps Family.
As soon as she entered, she heard Alex’s cheerful voice.
“Godfather! Throw me higher!”
Sylvia shook her head; Alex loved being tossed in the air by Franklin.
Despite being injured last time at a hotpot restaurant, he insisted on being thrown high again.
Hearing footsteps, both father and son looked towards the door and saw Sylvia’s slender figure.
Alex cheered and jumped from Franklin’s arms into Sylvia’s embrace.
“Godmother!”
Sylvia caught him and held him close. “Have you been good?”
“Of course!” Alex grinned, snuggling into her arms.
They had dinner at Hipps Family. Mollie had recovered well after childbirth, thanks to a live-in nanny and a personal trainer for postnatal recovery.
Clare returned home that evening and was delighted to see Sylvia. “Sylvia, you’ve been quite popular in H Rovirsa these days.”
Sylvia modestly replied, “It’s all thanks to the show’s publicity.”
Dinner was sumptuous, and Alex ate heartily.
Sylvia informed Franklin about the surgery scheduled for the President and added, “He’s also RH-negative. Be prepared to donate blood if needed.”
Franklin snorted, “He has plenty of sons; he doesn’t need me. Let Isaac do it.”
“This isn’t about personal grudges. You need to consider the bigger picture,” Sylvia said, noticing Franklin’s anger whenever the President was mentioned.
What had happened before the President fell ill?
“I don’t care about appearances,” Franklin said coldly. “He doesn’t deserve my blood.”
“Don’t set a bad example for Alex,” Sylvia reminded him.
Clare intervened, “He’s still your father by blood. Let’s not discuss this at dinner. Try this mushroom chicken leg; it’s quite good.”
Franklin remained silent, not wanting to argue with Sylvia over the President and risk their relationship.
Alex sensed the tension and quietly focused on his meal.
After dinner, Franklin didn’t leave but went upstairs with Sylvia.
As soon as they entered their room, he wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, “Honey… do you want to argue with me?”
Sylvia glared at him. “I don’t want to argue.”
His lips brushed against her ear, making her shiver. “Don’t…”
“Then how about this?” Franklin murmured, biting her neck gently.
“Franklin… promise me you’ll be ready to donate blood tomorrow,” Sylvia pleaded as she struggled in his arms.
“If you knew what he said and did, you wouldn’t ask me this,” Franklin said, looking into her eyes before kissing her deeply.
Sylvia wanted to ask what had happened but found herself lost in his kiss.