Chapter 23

Maxton's keen understanding of women was born from his numerous romantic adventures.

Out of respect for his father, he had always treated Christy with kindness.

However, observing Christy's behavior, he chose to maintain a strictly professional demeanor to prevent any misinterpretations.

Christy struggled to find words, stammering, "Dr.Wallace, l..." She had hoped to foster a closer connection with Maxton during this moment, but feared alienating him.

With Maxton present, she felt anchored, unwilling to leave.

Yet, his presence made her so anxious that she forgot all the excuses she had prepared to justify staying.

A nurse interrupted, announcing, "Dr. Griffin, I've brought the medical kit," as she wheeled in a cart.

Christy instantly gestured toward Marissa, and declared, "She claims she can administer a unique

procedure to wake Mrs. Curtis."

She then pointed at Holley, speaking to Maxton with a flattering tone. "She's on board too."

Maxton's expression darkened, his striking features clouded with irritation. Swallowing his rising frustration,he bent toward Holley and demanded, "Are you out of your mind? Rita's condition doesn't need medical interference!"

Holley retorted defiantly, "I'm serious! I have things to do with Rita!" She refused to disclose her true intentions and added, "Stop interfering. You can't assess Rita's state, but others can. What's wrong with me seeking her assistance? Let go of me!"

"You know Rita has problems with sleep, so what's the harm in encouraging her to rest more? You're the one who upset her, aren't you? That's why she fainted."Maxton's anger surged at Holley's irrational attitude.

He had withheld the truth about Rita's collapse from others to protect Holley's reputation. He hadn't anticipated her misjudging his expertise.

With a scornful huff, he pulled Holley to the bedside.His voice was icy. "This is your family.You need to look out for her. You're mature enough to grasp this!"

Holley shouted in exasperation, "It's not my fault!Marissa is the one who enraged her! Why blame me?"

From the doorway, Marissa arched an eyebrow,recalling that Rita was vibrant when she left with Marc and the others.

"Let's set that aside for now. Can you clarify the situation? You requested the medical kit-what's your plan? To use it on Rita? Our hospital has strict protocols; supplies must be used based on actual medical necessity, not personal desires."

The speaker was the fifth-floor director, a woman nearing fifty, whose professional demeanor conveyed seasoned expertise.

Her voice, unlike Christy's sharp tone, was calm,deep,and compassionate.

Fully aware of Rita's condition, she knew a skilled doctor could safely perform specialized treatment.

She had trailed Maxton, knowing his expertise in this area was limited and suspecting his pride might prevent him from seeking her input.

After all, Maxton was more famous than her.

Holley, exasperated by the relentless inquiries,snapped, "You doctors are infuriating! One questions me, then another repeats the same thing! I wouldn't have come if I had known it would be this ordeal!"

Her head spun, her expression bitter as she glared at

Maxton. "Why are you still grabbing me?"

Maxton's brow furrowed, his voice low and stern. "Stop messing around!"

Holley shot back, "I am not!"

Dismissing him entirely, she treated his words as meaningless chatter.

Turning to the nurse, she demanded, "Where is the medical kit?"

The nurse hesitated, glancing uncertainly between Maxton and the director, unsure whether to comply.

Holley snatched the kit from the nurse and approached Marissa,giving a sly wink. "You handle it."

Alarmed, the nurse shuffled to Christy and whispered,"Dr. Griffin, I remember you mentioning that the new doctor isn't on our staff. Is it safe for her to perform this procedure on Mrs. Curtis?"

The nurse feared potential complications.

Christy had believed Marissa was Dr. Moore,instinctively trusting her expertise.

Though Christy felt certain, the director remained skeptical. She gazed at Marissa, startledby her youthful look, yet refrained from condescension, unlike many senior doctors. With genuine concern, she gently

inquired, "Are you capable of handling this? Would you like my assistance?"