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"Ethan… Harrison and Amanda made a terrible mistake. Dr. Evans will perform Noah’s surgery, okay?"
I laughed bitterly. Harrison was his apprentice. Even after something this serious, he still wanted to protect his own.
He still wanted my silence.
I shook my head. "No. I’m transferring Noah."
The Chief frowned. "Noah’s condition is critical. Transferring him could worsen it."
He squeezed my shoulder. "Think about it. Call me. The sooner the surgery, the better."
The unspoken threat hung heavy.
I swallowed my anger. Survival first. Noah and I were vulnerable here.
I looked at Noah’s pale face, cold hand in mine.
I dialed a long-unused number.
"Hello? My son… he’s hurt. Can you… help?"
The voice replied, "Yes."
Relief washed over me.
Hanging up, I managed a small smile before Amanda stormed in.
"Ethan Miller! You heartless bastard! Charlotte’s backup donor is a 30-year-old drifter!"
I shrugged. "Sounds fine to me. At least there’s a kidney available."
Amanda stomped. "You don’t understand! Charlotte’s a sweet, talented girl—a future international ballet star! How can she compete and win championships with some old man’s kidney!"
I rolled my eyes. "She shouldn’t do strenuous exercise after any transplant, let alone ballet…"
I froze mid-sentence.
A chilling thought struck me. Constant transplants?
Amanda missed my realization, still ranting.
"It’s all your fault! Charlotte could have had a new kidney by now!"
I cut her off coldly. "Whose kidney? My son’s?"
Amanda recoiled. Harrison appeared, catching her.
"Careful."
She lingered in his arms before pulling away, blushing.
Harrison turned to me, the picture of concern.
"Mr. Miller, the misunderstanding saddens me. Charlotte’s surgery was successful. She’ll recover."
He paused, adopting a benevolent tone.
"I urge you to reconsider. Let me operate on Noah. My expertise is unmatched here."
Amanda nodded eagerly. "Harrison’s the best! What’s wrong with you, Ethan?!"
I snorted.
Earlier it was ‘Dr. Sterling.’ Now it was just ‘Harrison.’ No more pretense.
"His daughter’s surgery is done? Where is she? Not back in her room."
"Not happening!"
Amanda screeched. "Are you stupid?! Harrison’s doing us a favor!"
Click-clack. Click-clack.
Sharp heels echoed on the tile floor.
A cool, confident voice spoke before its owner appeared.
"Perhaps I qualify as sufficient ‘talent’?"
