Chapter 8 Hard Luck

Early the next morning, the equipment donated by Dermot arrived at the hospital. The hospital put emphasis on this new addition a lot, and the director came down to receive the equipment in person.

Evelyn, however, didn't show up. She was busy reviewing the recent test results of Cassie and discussing potential complications with doctors from other departments.

Two hours later, once the equipment was installed, Evelyn led her team toward the operating room.

At the entrance of the operating room, Dermot was waiting. As she approached, he stood up and came over to her, asking, "Are you confident?"

With her mask on, Evelyn glanced at him. "If I said no, Mr. Doyle, would you take the patient away?"

Dermot paused, somewhat at a loss for words.

At this point, no matter how confident she was, Cassie had to undergo surgery. It was a critical moment with no turning back.

"Don't worry, Mr. Doyle. I will do my best." She was determined not to let Cassie die, especially not on her operating table.

As they entered the operating room and the light came on, a tense atmosphere enveloped the space.

Time ticked away.

After six long hours, the operating room light was still on.

"Mr. Doyle, why don't you go and rest for a while? I'll stay here," Todd suggested, concerned about Dermot, who hadn't eaten or drunk anything all day.

Dermot refused, his voice heavy, "The surgeons inside haven't rested, either."

He hadn't anticipated the surgery would last this long and was worried. He was impressed that that petite woman could perform such a lengthy operation.

"Order some food. Make sure everyone can eat as soon as the surgery is over," he suddenly said to Todd.

Todd was surprised by the request. When did Dermot become so nice to order food for others?

But seeing the operating room and thinking of the person inside, he understood.

Dermot must have done this for Cassie. After all, Dermot had promised her elder brother to take good care of her. He was showing his gratitude to those doctors operating on her.

Half an hour later, the operating room light went off, and the door opened. A nurse came out first. "Is Cassie Ackers' family here?"

Dermot immediately stood up. "How was the surgery?"

"Dr. Kyte said it was a success. The patient is now being moved to the ICU. Please come with me to complete the formalities," the nurse replied, visibly exhausted after the lengthy surgery.

Dermot glanced at Todd, who nodded and followed the nurse to handle the formalities.

Soon after, Evelyn and her team came out, all looking pale and exhausted.

"Thank you so much," Dermot said, approaching Evelyn with a complex look in his eyes.

Although she was sometimes rude, he decided to let go since she had saved Cassie.

Evelyn, already drained, looked up at Dermot and couldn't help but feel irked. She simply said, "Yeah."

She didn't know what to say. She had no choice but to save his lover. What hard luck!

"Everyone must be hungry. I've ordered food for you all. Please, head to the office to eat," Dermot told them.

"Mr. Doyle, you are so nice. This is our duty," one doctor said, clearly flattered.

"It's our pleasure to be able to help you, Mr. Doyle," another chimed in.

Being able to help Dermot was a privilege for them, given his stature.

But Evelyn didn't think so.

Hearing the flattering comments, she felt incredulous and thought, 'Pleasure? I don't need this pleasure.'

Todd led them to the office to eat while Cassie was moved to the ICU. Evelyn massaged her temples and prepared to head home for some much-needed rest.

It had been a long time since she performed such a complex surgery last time. She was thoroughly exhausted.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Dermot grabbed her hand subconsciously when he saw that she was about to leave.

Her hand was soft and cool, perhaps because she had just washed it. All of a sudden, Dermot seemed to be electrified by the touch of her hand.

Evelyn immediately stepped back, wary as she looked at Dermot. "Mr. Doyle, please behave."

She even wiped her hand, her disgust clearly written on her face.

Dermot nearly choked. What had he done to deserve such wariness?

With frustration building, he gritted his teeth and called out her name with a hint of anger, his voice suppressed and scary, "Dr. Kyte!"

Their eyes met. Her gaze was clear and unflinching, filled with defiance.

"Don't think you can do whatever you want just because you saved Cassie. My patience has its limits."

Evelyn almost laughed. She thought, 'That should be my line!'

She tried to suppress her anger and keep her smile. "Is that so? Then I hope this is the last time we meet."

"You!"

Before he could finish, Evelyn turned and left without looking back.

Dermot stood there, watching her disappear. His anger gathered in his chest and wouldn't dissipate.

"Mr. Doyle, everything has been arranged for Ms. Ackers," Todd said cautiously from behind Dermot.

He had been here earlier but didn't dare approach, sensing the tension between his boss and Dr. Kyte.

"Do you think she dislikes me?" Dermot asked, still looking in the direction Evelyn had gone.