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

Eric looked at Grant, a polite yet distant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He nodded slightly and said, "That's me."

When Dominic and Norman heard him admit it, their faces darkened. Even though Dominic didn't follow the medical field closely, he'd still heard about this renowned figure, Dr. Apple.

It was said that at just eighteen, Eric had published a groundbreaking research paper that solved one of the greatest challenges in cardiovascular disease in the country. Since then, he'd saved countless lives, reputed as the highest authority in the field. How on earth had Audrey managed to bring in someone like him? With Eric's arrival, everyone present found their thoughts wandering in different directions.

But Grant didn't care what anyone else thought. He looked at Eric with admiration simply, saying, "With you here, Dr. Apple, this surgery's success rate will undoubtedly be one hundred percent!"

Eric gave a polite nod, smiling slightly without responding.

Finally, Norman couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out loudly, "That's impossible! This kid's got to be a fake! There's no way the renowned Dr. Apple could be so young!"

'And if Audrey really knows such an influential person, why would she have gone through Grant at all? If she actually knows Eric, wouldn't she have put Jessica in a VIP room from the start?' Norman thought.

As soon as he looked at Norman, Grant's previously cordial expression grew dark again. "Stop spouting nonsense," he snapped, "and who'd dare impersonate Dr. Apple? His kind of surgical expertise isn't something just anyone can fake."

Grant continued, "And I once saw Dr. Apple from a distance at a medical conference. I may not have had the chance to introduce myself then, but I'd never mistake him."

Norman froze, clenching his teeth. This young man, plain in appearance, was actually Eric, a leader in cardiovascular surgery.

Grant ignored Norman and turned to Eric with a suggestion quickly. "Dr. Apple, if you're willing, would you consider letting me assist you on this surgery?"

Knowing how much Audrey cared about the team in the operating room, Eric didn't hesitate. "Sure, Dr. Fletcher. Time's running short. Let's start right away. I'll need a sterile surgical gown."

"Of course, Dr. Apple," Grant replied, stepping aside to let Eric take the lead.

Just as they were about to leave, Norman called out, "Wait!"

"What now?" Audrey snapped, moving in front of him to block his way, determined to keep him from disrupting the surgery.

But Norman wasn't looking at her. Stretching his neck, he addressed Eric with eagerness, saying, "Dr. Apple, I'd be happy to assist you as well. My medical expertise is among the best at St. Johnson, and with my help, the two of you will have an easier time!" Everyone froze for a second. Seriously? The audacity!

Norman didn't care about anyone's opinion. He thought, 'The chance to work alongside the legendary Dr. Apple on a surgery like this isn't an opportunity to let slip.

'If I can assist Dr. Apple in this operation, my own reputation in the medical world will soar!'

"Shameless!" Before Eric could respond, Grant barked at Norman. "Don't think I don't see what you're trying to do. You're not qualified to be part of this surgery!"

Norman, unwilling to back down, looked defiant. "Mr. Fletcher, you know my skill level. Why wouldn't I be qualified?"

Grant's response was cold. "You've got three days to hand over your duties. If you don't resign by then, I'll fire you."

Norman was stunned, his face rigid with disbelief. "Mr. Fletcher, I've worked here for over twenty years. Maybe I haven't given my life to this place, but I've done my job. How can you just fire me?"

"With your lack of ethics and blatant disregard for patient welfare?" Grant said, his tone severe. "People like you aren't fit to call themselves doctors. St. Johnson can't afford to keep someone like you on board."

Originally, Grant had planned to handle Norman's behavior after the surgery. But seeing how brazenly shameless he was, hoping to profit off of someone else's success, Grant had had enough.noveldrama

Grant thought, 'Someone who clearly doesn't care about the patient's life or death. How can I be trusted to let him enter the operating room?

'And that nurse from earlier who'd shown such contempt toward the patient's family. Let's deal with it all at once.'

Then Grant's gaze swept toward the nurse cowering in the back of the crowd coldly. "And you," he continued in a firm voice, "as a nurse, your duty is to care for your patients and their families, not treat them with disdain. If that's how you work, we can't afford to keep you either. Find somewhere else."

Grant's tone left no room for argument, and both Norman and the nurse began to panic. Especially Norman. His position as vice president at St. Johnson brought him ample perks.

The money Norman made from patient kickbacks alone could buy him a new house every year. If he lost this job, he'd have nowhere to go.

Norman might've been a self-serving man, but he could also be flexible. Quickly, he softened, saying in a subdued tone, "Mr. Fletcher, I may have acted out of line earlier. I promise there won't be a next time. I won't be involved in this surgery, just give me another chance." "You're apologizing to the wrong person," Grant replied coolly. "Apologize to them."