Chapter 16
Christy had no idea that the entire fifth floor had been cleared specifically for Dr. Moore. She assumed it was the Curtis family's way of honoring Maxton After all,he'd flown back from abroad just to assist with the surgery
Maxton, however, wasn't convinced. He wasn't a stranger to the Curtises, and something about this setup didn't quite add up. He hadn't heard anything about a member of the Curtis family being seriously ill,so what was going on?
"Mr. Curtis, did you happen to bring in another doctor?" Maxton asked directly, his tone calm but probing. As he rolled up his sleeves, his forearms flexed with effortless strength.
"Yes," Marc replied smoothly, extending a polite hand with his usual composed smile. "Marc Curtis. A pleasure to meet you."
"Maxton Wallace," Maxton introduced himself, shaking Marc's hand briefly.
"My apologies, Dr. Wallace," Marc said with a polite,regretful smile. "It seems we've made you come all this way for nothing."
Maxton gave a polite smile, instantly understanding the situation. Clearly, the Curtis family had found another specialist, someone they believed to be more capable.
"No problem, Mr Curtis," he said evenly, his professionalism intact. "If I may ask, which doctor did you hire?"
Marc's reply was calm and simple. "Dr.Moore."
The name made Maxton pause fo a moment.
The Curtis family, one of the country's top financial dynasties, occasionally worked with the Wallaces.
Maxton had no reason to take offense over something like this.
Still, hearing that name stirred something in him.
So Dr. Moore was really here. He'd sent countless emails trying to reach that elusive surgeon, all without a single reply. And now, out of sheer coincidence,they were in the same building,
"Would it be possible for me to observe Dr Moore's surgical procedure?" Maxton asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp with interest.
Before Marc could respond, Christy piped up excitedly,stepping forward between them. "Oh! I'd like to watch too! I've always wanted to see Dr Moore in action!"She raised her hand like an eager student, beaming
brightly
"Dr. Griffin, that's enough," Terrance said quickly,pulling her back.
Marc's polite smile didn't falter as he replied, "I'm afraid that won't be possible, Dr. Wallace."
For a brief moment, disappointment flickered across Maxton's face, though he masked it with an easy smile."I understand," he said lightly. "Then I'll stay out of the way and return once the surgery's complete."
He knew Dr. Moore's habits-perform the operation,then leave the post-op care to others.
There would be time later to approach him properly
"Thank you for your understanding, Dr. Wallace," Marc said, walking Maxton toward the elevator with courteous respect.
Inside the operating room, Marissa remained oblivious to everything happening outside.
She was busy finishing the final steps of the procedure.
Initially, she'd planned to let Lillian handle the wrap-up but then decided to do it herself instead.
When she finally removed her gloves, Lillian glanced at the clock.
"Twenty-eight minutes flat," she murmured in quiet amazement.
"Marissa, what's next for you?" she asked as they began cleaning up. "Are you planning to apply to a university?"
Marissa paused, tossng her gloves into the bin."Haven't decided yet."
Meanwhile, Garry was already disinfecting and packing the tools he'd brought, double-checking every corner of the room for possible surveillance devices before they left.
Once he was sure everything was clear, he hesitated for a moment and asked, "Want to check out the lab?"
Marissa turned to glance at the unconscious Rayden on the table. After a short pause, she shook her head."Not today. I have something else to take care of."
Garry frowned. "Marissa, are you seriously still worried about Bryson? He cheated on you! Why even bother?"
"It's not about him," she replied calmly. "It's something else."
She had been about to mention her connection to the Curtis family but decided against it. This was not the setting for such revelations.
"Really?" Garry pressed, clearly doubtful.
"Yes"
Her composure left him no room to argue. Seeing that calm look on her face, he could only sigh and hope she truly meant it.
A faint smile tugged at Marissa's lips as a thought crossed her mind-Bryson and Evelina.
Lillian noticed immediately. "Marissa, what's got you smiling like that?" she asked curiously.
Before Marissa could answer, GGarry chuckled "Isn't it obvious? We scored big this time! Right, Marissa?"
Marissa gave a small nod, offering no further explanation.
She obviously couldn't admit she was secretly amused,knowing Evelina would soon discover Bryson's impotence once they were intimate.
Garry checked the account. "The Brooks family sure doesn't waste time. The payment came in early, like they weren't even worried we'd take the money and disappear. They really are something."
"I want to travel to Waemery," Lillian said, propping her chin in her hands with a smile.
"In your dreams!" Garry teased immediately.
Meanwhile, Marissa was focused on writing post-op
care instructions on a sheet of paper. She double-checked every line, making sure she hadn't missed a single detail.
"Marissa, honestly," Garry said softly, his tone more genuine now, "that guy was bad luck. Ever since you left him, you've been smiling more, even being gentler with patients."
Before,Marissa would have walked out the moment the operation ended-no follow-ups, no instructions,nothing.
"Let's not talk about him," she replied evenly, clipping the note to the IV stand. Then she turned to them "Let's go."
"Marissa, how about dinner tonight? I'll cook" Garry fell into step beside her, trying to sound casual, though his heart raced nervously, fearing rejection.
She reached for the door, but he quickly opened it for her,gesturing for her to go first.
Wiping her hands with a wet tissue, she said lightly, "I already have plans tonight."
She'd just returned to the Curtis family and couldn't afford to reveal too much too soon. The last thing she wanted was for her identity as Dr. Moore to come out before she was ready to face the consequences
"Oh." Garry's voice dropped, his expression briefly clouded with disappointment. But he quickly recovered, forcing a grin as he slung his bag over his shoulder. "Alright then. I'll see you tomorrow at the lab."
"Make sure Benny keeps an eye on any black market activity," Marissa reminded him as she walked off.
"Got it! I'll handle it."
He waved and disappeared around the corner. Just as the hallway grew quiet again, Marissa suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Marc, the doctor said Rita's condition can't wait any longer. Could you please ask the nurse to check if Dr.
Moore is done with your father's surgery? Please,I'm begging you."
Marissa froze, Was that Holley?