My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon (Audrey)

Norman turned around hastily, only to see a doctor with graying hair and glasses striding over with authority, followed by several other doctors and department heads in white coats. Norman looked flustered as he spoke up. "Mr. Fletcher, what brings you here in person?"

Norman continued, his tone shaky, "Mr. Fletcher, please don't be upset! It's just a minor issue!"

Grant's gaze turned icy as he scolded, "Be quiet. There's no such thing as a 'minor issue' when it comes to a patient's life. After all your years as a doctor, do I really need to teach you that?"

The smile on Norman's face froze instantly. He tried to say something else, but Grant ignored him and walked straight over to Jessica, examining her condition carefully.

A moment later, Grant's expression grew more serious. He turned to the doctors behind him and commanded. "It's likely late-stage aneurysm with a rupture. Get her into the OR immediately and prepare for surgery." "Yes, Doctor," the other doctors responded quickly. Then they moved to push Jessica's wheelchair and took her into surgery.

Miles and Peter thanked him, expressing their gratitude over and over.

"It's nothing, and no need to thank me." Grant waved them off, then turned to Audrey with a respectful expression, saying, "This was a major oversight on our hospital's part.

"Thankfully, no irreversible harm was done. Otherwise, I don't know how I'd explain this to your husband!"

What? The director was here because of Audrey's husband? The Harpers and Dominic were all in shock.

'Who exactly is Audrey's husband to command such respect, even fear from the head of St. Johnson Hospital?' Dominic thought.

Not only was everyone else bewildered, but Audrey herself was puzzled by Grant's deference toward Alistair.

'Is he...actually afraid of him?' Audrey wondered, though she kept her face neutral and politely asked, "I appreciate your help, Mr. Fletcher. Could you tell me the success rate of this surgery?" Grant replied, "The patient's condition is quite serious, but I'll be performing the surgery myself. I'll do everything I can to save her."

Hearing this, the Harpers felt a wave of relief wash over them.

Peter's eyes welled up with tears as he said passionately, "Mr. Fletcher, you're an expert in this field. We trust you completely!"

"Expert is too kind a word. I'll certainly try my best. It's just..." Grant trailed off, his brows furrowing as though something troubled him.

Peter's heart sank, and he thought to himself that no matter what Dr. Grant asked for, he would agree.

But Grant turned to Norman instead and said, "This surgery is highly complex. With only me operating, the success rate is probably around fifty percent. I need an assistant."

As if anticipating what Grant would say, Norman adopted a weary expression immediately, rubbing his shoulder and saying weakly, "Mr. Fletcher, it's not that I don't want to help with the surgery.noveldrama

"I just finished an operation myself, so even if I wanted to assist, I simply don't have the strength. Besides, with a surgery this risky, if anything were to go wrong, I wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility!" Hearing that, everyone fell silent, exasperated.

When Norman had been intimidating Audrey earlier, he'd looked anything but exhausted. He clearly just wanted to abuse his authority for personal revenge.

Peter, unwilling to see Jessica suffer further, finally lowered his head and pleaded humbly, "Mr. Arnold, we were wrong to offend you before. Please, help us."

Norman snorted disdainfully and sneered. "Begging won't do any good. My hands are so tired they're shaking. One slip in the operating room..."

Peter caught the threat in his tone, and his face turned pale.

Then Norman looked even more pleased with himself. The only reason he dared to act this way in the hospital was his surgical skills. Other than Grant, no one else at St. Johnson could perform this surgery. Norman smirked at Audrey, saying, "Ms. Rhodes, maybe you should reconsider Dominic's offer. If you agree, I'm willing to push through the fatigue for family."

"I'll handle the surgery myself. No need for Mr. Arnold's help." A calm male voice interrupted Norman's arrogant ultimatum.

Everyone turned toward the sound.

The man who had spoken was strikingly handsome, wearing a crisp white shirt with cufflinks glinting at his wrists and silver-rimmed glasses resting on his nose. His every movement exuded mature confidence and charm. Audrey's eyes lit up at the sight of him, and she hurried over. "You're here?"

The man's expression softened with a fond smile as he reached out to ruffle Audrey's hair, his gaze locked on hers. "You sent me a message. How could I not come?"

It had been years since Audrey had last reached out to him. The moment he saw her message, he'd dropped everything and rushed over as fast as he could. And he'd arrived just in time to hear Norman's self-important monologue. Watching the easy intimacy between Audrey and the man, Dominic felt a strange pang of jealousy, mixed with anger. He demanded coldly, "Audrey, who is he?"

'Who's this guy? Why does he seem so close to Audrey? We've been together for three years, and I have never heard of him. Is her husband?' Dominic wondered. Jealousy surged through Dominic, making his expression darker.

Audrey simply rolled her eyes, not bothering to respond.

But Grant walked over, looking thrilled as he shook the man's hand without hesitation, his eyes bright with admiration. "Eric? Are you the esteemed Dr. Apple?"

Eric Apple? The name sent a shock through Norman, who had initially dismissed the young man. This unassuming newcomer was actually the renowned Dr. Apple!