Chapter 1859: I Will Be the One to Operate

Late one night, a team of surgeons stood on alert outside the operating room. Though none voiced complaint about the overtime, Roxanne felt uneasy. To ease their burden, she had tripled their overtime pay, added bonuses, and ordered copious takeout. Meanwhile, Madilyn carefully positioned Lorraine prone for a CT scan, quickly submitting the images to Roxanne.

Lucian arrived, Cerulean Needle Technique in hand. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ve arranged for Mom and Dad to watch the children. I’ll stay with you. You must be tired. Let me make you some coffee.”

His presence steadied Roxanne. She relaxed, focusing on the images. The posterior CT scans were remarkably clear, confirming her suspicions. The mark wasn't simply a mark; piecing together the images revealed a tiny, oblong tumor.

“As expected,” Roxanne murmured, her voice devoid of triumph. The tumor was positioned directly on the aorta—a location most surgeons wouldn't dare operate on. The risk of vascular rupture and catastrophic blood loss was simply too high.

A solemn look settled on Roxanne's face. Lucian's coffee sat untouched in her hand. Madilyn rushed in, nodding slightly to Lucian, unsure how to react.

“Don’t worry, Madilyn,” Lucian reassured her. “Mrs. Xander will be fine.” Madilyn offered a grateful glance.

Roxanne showed Madilyn the images, explaining that the tumor was obstructing blood flow to the aorta, causing Lorraine's heart failure. Madilyn's face mirrored Roxanne's grim expression; her eyes reflected despair. “This is too dangerous! How can we possibly operate?” she exclaimed.

“If we don’t operate, she’ll die slowly. If we do, she might not survive the night!” Roxanne declared, startling Lucian. Her eyes blazing with determination, she gritted her teeth. “Let’s do it. I’ll operate, with the other surgeons assisting. Madilyn, I’ll take responsibility for Mrs. Xander’s life!”

A somber note underlay her words. Madilyn looked up, shaking her head. “Roxanne, don’t put so much pressure on yourself. This isn’t your burden to bear. I truly appreciate your consideration…” Tears welled in her eyes.

Roxanne, however, had no time for consolation. She downed the coffee and headed for the operating room. Noticing Lucian following, she requested, “Lucian, please watch over Madilyn. I’m worried her emotions might disrupt the surgery. She wouldn't be able to perform it herself; I'm the only one who can.”

Lucian nodded, impressed by Roxanne's consideration. He understood Madilyn's emotional fragility could indeed compromise the operation.