The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 8 Though scared out of her wits, Susana gathered her courage and said, “This is Dr. Caden’s decision. He said he'd take responsibility if anything goes wrong...” “And how's he going to take responsibility? By paying with all your lives?” At Carl's words, Susana turned white as a sheet, unable to utter a word.

“Mr. McMillian, let's get our specialists in there to save Phillip immediately. I'll handle the surgeon and his assistant inside. None of these people are going anywhere,” Carl said, his gaze sweeping coldly over everyone.

They need to make them understand the consequences! How dare they let a high schooler operate on the old man? Were they out of their minds?! Just then, the specialists behind Romeo started exclaiming in surprise.

“She’s actually managed to separate all the adhesions.” “She didn't hit a single blood vessel, and the heart tissue is intact. And she’s using her left hand to operate!” “How did she do that?" “She dealt with such complex adhesions so quickly...” The surgery was extremely difficult, but Arabella made it look like a walk in the park. With the adhesions handled, she lifted her beautiful eyes, her fresh and refined demeanor unforgettable at first glance.

“Dr. Greg, who is she?” One of the foreign heart specialists brought by Romeo asked with a heavy accent, “Is she a new doctor at the hospital? Can I have a chance to talk with her?” “We arrived late and didn’t see how she opened the chest, but being able to separate the adhesions so well...her medical skills are definitely superior to mine.” “I also have some questions I'd like to ask her...” Not only was Carl taken aback, but everyone in the room was stunned. A teenage girl had managed to separate all the adhesions in the shortest amount of time! “To achieve this is beyond expectation.” “Even experienced specialists can’t guarantee to separate all the adhesions in such a short time.” “Is she actually a seasoned doctor in her fifties disguised as a young girl?” How else could she have achieved this? Romeo's face was stoic, his handsome brows showing a hint of detached scrutiny, revealing no emotion.

Unable to hold back, Susana spoke, “Even if she didn’t damage any blood vessels or heart tissue, Phillip has had multiple surgeries before. There's not much left of the tissue used to suture the heart valve — the mitral annulus. It's hard for an artificial heart valve to take hold.” This was one of the reasons they hesitated to operate.

“Susana-" Dr. Greg rebuked her in a deep voice, somewhat unhappy.

Ignoring him, Susana continued, “I just want everyone to know, that Phillip has a severe intracardiac infection. The edema in the tissues is critical, and suturing the artificial valve is extremely difficult... If her suturing is flawed, it's unlikely that Phillip's heart function will recover, and he could develop severe complications.” Knowing Susana’s argumentative nature, Dr. Greg hurriedly said to Romeo, “Sir, this young female doctor is very skilled. | believe she can handle this situation... Also, Dr. Caden is assisting her. Dr. Caden comes from a family of doctors and is highly intelligent. His grandfather is James Newton, a renowned doctor both domestically and internationally.” James? Romeo finally understood. The male assistant in front of him was James’ only grandson, Caden. James was also one of the famous doctors he'd invited, but he hadn't been able to arrive yet due to traffic.

Seeing Romeo's emotionless face, Dr. Greg grew anxious, not knowing what he was thinking.

Next, Arabella’s extraordinary suturing skills left all the doctors in the room feeling incompetent. After the surgery, everyone was utterly astounded.

Phillip had really survived. He was still alive! “Bella, are you even real?” Out of everyone observing the surgery, Caden was the most shocked. This girl was even more incredible than he'd imagined! He'd been ready to step in at any moment, but now it seemed completely unnecessary. Bella's medical skills far surpassed his.

He didn’t need to worry at all! “Let's move the patient out.” After cleaning her hands, Arabella exited the operating room to applause and praise from many of the doctors waiting outside.

Seeing this, Susana couldn't help but clench her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn't expected the girl to be so talented.

When Phillips gurney was wheeled out of the operating room, many of the doctors rushed forward to confirm that he was still breathing and seemed stable.

“Everybody clear out... The patient needs to rest now.” Knowing Bella must have been tired, Caden realized they had been operating for two hours. It was now two in the afternoon, and he wondered if Bella was hungry.

The curious doctors dispersed, leaving only Romeo and the heart specialists, as well as Dr. Greg and others.

“I'll take Phillip back to his room now,” Caden said to Arabella. “I'll be right back.” Arabella nodded, took off her mask, and revealed a beautiful face that was mesmerizing.

“Who's the family?” Arabella looked up. There were still things to discuss.

Aman stepped forward, standing in front of her. He was six feet two and matched well with Arabella, who was five foot seven.

Looking at the man, Arabella saw that his features seemed meticulously sculpted, each proportion perfect. His deep-set eyes were like glossy lacquer, bright and captivating.

“Sir, the thing is, Phillip was very ill. | once promised this young lady that if she could save Phillip, the reward would be no issue...” Dr. Greg hurried to help Bella request her reward.

Romeo looked at Bella in front of him, his eyes showing a hint of emotion, then glanced at Carl, who immediately took out a blank check and handed it over.

“Thank you for saving him! This is a token of our gratitude. You can fill in whatever amount you'd like.” Arabella lifted her clear eyes, a bit surprised. Who the heck was this Mr. McMillian guy, being so generous? People around her were looking at her with surprise and envy...

Getting a blank check not only meant that she was on her way to success, but more importantly, she had won Romeo's approval.

She had loads of opportunities ahead of her. You could say she hit the jackpot, and her future was as bright as it could get.

“Well, guess I'll take it then,” Arabella said with a slight smile, tucking the check into the pocket of her white coat without a moment's hesitation, showing her decisiveness.

“Mister will be off the ventilator by tomorrow.” No sooner had Arabella’s words landed when a cold laugh echoed, coming from Susana in the corner.

2/2 16-18