Chapter 3

During those three years, he went from a mere observer to my first assistant.

He messed up countless times. If it weren't for my quick reflexes and instant corrections on the table, several patients would have lost their lives under his scalpel.

In fact, after Julian’s first major blunder, I had told Chloe that he wasn't cut out for the operating room. I suggested he transfer to rehabilitation or outpatient care.

But she refused to listen. She made excuses for him over and over, even picking massive fights with me because of it.

"Ethan, Julian is my college junior! He’s only in his twenties. Can’t you have some patience and teach him?"

"So what if he made one mistake? Nobody is born a master surgeon!"

Back then, I actually believed her. I thought maybe I was being too hard on him, that maybe with time, he would improve.

Now, I finally saw the truth. Chloe didn't just see Julian as a college junior.

Staring at the pathetic, scheming duo put on their little show, my fists clenched so hard my knuckles turned white.

But then, thinking about what was to come, a sudden sense of relief washed over me.

"Since you think you're ready to lead, then this patient is officially yours," I said calmly.

Julian froze, staring at me in utter shock. He clearly hadn't expected me to give up so easily.

He quickly shrunk back behind Chloe, feigning anxiety. "Dr. Vance, I didn't mean it like that. I know you think I'm not ready to lead yet. I... how could I steal your patient?"

Chloe immediately snapped, "How is this stealing, Julian? If it weren't for you, Seraphina would be in a body bag by now. I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked these past few years. You just lacked an opportunity."

"As long as you handle Seraphina's post-op care perfectly, you’ll easily become the youngest Attending in this hospital. I believe in you. Don't sell yourself short."

My own wife was dragging my name through the mud while telling another man not to sell himself short right in front of me.

I let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Fine. Since everyone has so much faith in you, Julian, Seraphina is your responsibility from now on."

Julian wanted to reject it again to keep up his humble act, but after feeling Chloe squeeze his hand, he swallowed his words.

I turned to Chief Evans and tendered my temporary leave.

As I walked out, a loud, triumphant laugh echoed behind me. "Was it exhausting leading your first major surgery?

Don't worry, I'm going to gather everyone from the department tonight to throw you a massive celebration!"

In the five years I had been married to Chloe, I had performed countless successful surgeries, yet she had never once thrown me a celebration dinner.

And she was celebrating Julian now? The surgery wasn't even technically a success yet.

Julian had only handled the secondary stage—essentially just stitching up and stabilizing the initial repairs.

I had researched Seraphina’s case for weeks. It looked like a standard coronary bypass on paper, but the anatomical details were incredibly intricate.

The success of the surgery lay entirely in the microscopic details.

If there was even a tiny issue with the blood flow, she wouldn't just fail to wake up; she would suffer a cascade of severe complications and subsequent relapses.

A perfect bypass could last for over a decade, allowing the patient to live a normal life. But a botched one would ensure they never got off the table.

And with Seraphina's current state, she couldn't be transferred abroad. I could confidently say that in this entire country, no one but me could successfully manage her case.

Julian thought he had succeeded. But Seraphina hadn't even opened her eyes yet.

If she didn't wake up within seventy-two hours, it meant he had botched the vital micro-sutures during the procedure.

Chloe didn't come home until very late. Seeing that I was still awake, she cast a contemptuous look at my laptop screen. "Are you still looking at Seraphina's charts?"

"This case belongs entirely to Julian now. Why are you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong?"

"With his skills, he’ll handle it perfectly. Ethan, let me warn you: you were the one who walked away. No one forced you. If you try to back out now and steal credit, don't blame me for making your life hell!"

No matter the time or place, Chloe’s loyalty always lay with Julian.

"Don't worry," I said, not even looking up. "I'm just reading. I won't get in the way of Julian's big promotion."

With that, I closed my laptop, grabbed my things, and moved to the guest bedroom.

The next morning, the moment I arrived at the hospital, Julian ran into my office. He demanded that I hand over all my recent research and notes on Seraphina’s condition.

"As my assistant, didn't you get a copy of her medical file?" I asked, looking at him coldly.

Typically, the lead surgeon and the assistant need to coordinate closely, discussing the patient-specific surgical plan thoroughly before scrubbing in.

But Julian had never bothered to discuss anything with me.

He always did whatever he wanted, never showing me an ounce of professional respect.

"Well, yes," Julian stammered. "But I was afraid my notes weren't as comprehensive as yours, Dr. Vance."

"You're a lead surgeon now, Julian. You don't need to call me your mentor anymore. I can't afford that title."

Julian's face flushed with anger. Before he could speak, the office door was kicked open violently.

Chloe stormed in, her eyes blazing with fury. "Ethan, cut the crap! You’re Julian's mentor. Isn't it your job to help him?"

"Stop being so incredibly petty. Where are your professional ethics?!"

My eyes turned cold. "I’m not like some people," I said quietly. "Whether I have professional ethics isn't for you to decide with a few cheap words."