Chapter 132
Emma kept Lane’s situation confidential. Ida, ever carefree, remained oblivious to any subtle changes. A few days later, news of Emma possessing the Holy Orchid Hero Emblem swept through Troln City's upper echelon. She was the nation's first to own a Holy series hero badge. In this pressure-filled society, especially among the wealthy, life was highly valued. Countless affluent Troln City residents sought individuals with "Holy" series hero badges to address their health concerns, but such individuals were exceedingly rare. Now, with Emma's possession of the Holy Orchid badge known, countless people besieged her with requests for treatment, regardless of cost. Liam, however, shielded his wife from this harassment, rejecting all advances. Emma, too, wished to conserve her energy, preferring quiet pursuits like reading and tending her flowers at Icovine Estate.
This peaceful existence was shattered when Lane's grandfather suffered a critical illness and was rushed to the emergency room. Upon arriving at the hospital, Emma found Lane weeping outside the door. "Emma," Lane sobbed, "I paid the outstanding medical fees, but it's too late. My grandfather's illness..."
"Let me examine him first," Emma reassured. "Don't worry."
Lane's grandfather, in addition to cancer, suffered from several minor ailments. These complications made surgery exceedingly risky.
As a civilian, Emma couldn't simply enter the emergency room. However, she was prepared, carrying not only her badge but also certified credentials verified by the hospital. "I'm Emma Wilson, holder of the Holy Orchid Hero Emblem," she announced. "You can verify my credentials online. I'm taking over Harry Kemp's surgery and require the use of your operating theater!" The intern doctor and Lane were stunned. Lane didn't understand the emblem's significance, but the doctor's shocked expression hinted at its importance.
Before entering the operating theater, Lane called out, "Emma..."
Emma turned, assuring her, "Don't worry; I'll restore your grandfather's health."
"Okay, okay..." Lane stammered, still reeling from the shock. She wondered, Does Emma know medicine? Can she cure my grandfather?
Noticing Lane's anxiety, the intern doctor offered comfort. "Miss Kemp, you're incredibly lucky! Your grandfather is saved."
"Why?" Lane asked.
"That young woman," the doctor explained, "possesses the Holy Orchid Hero Emblem! They're exceedingly rare in our country!"
Nearby nurses added, "Hero Badge recipients undergo international certification. The badge signifies not only exceptional medical skill but also impeccable moral character. Our hospital has treated numerous wealthy patients, yet none have found a doctor with a Holy Hero Badge."
Lane's eyes lit up. "Does that mean my grandfather can be saved?"
"Absolutely," the doctor affirmed. "Miss Wilson will save your grandfather!"
News of Emma's surgery reached Mona. She disbelieved Leroy's recovery was due to Emma's intervention. Mona constantly sought opportunities to expose Emma, who had remained inactive since their Quinn family encounter. This surgery presented the perfect chance. Mona attributed Emma's previous success to luck, believing this time would expose her failings, and she rallied supporters to witness Emma's downfall.
Inside the operating theater, tension hung heavy. Every surgery was a battle against death. Emma's gaze remained steady, her movements precise. "Oxygen saturation?" she inquired.
"Ninety," a nurse replied.
"Prepare the ECMO," Emma instructed.
Harry's breathing grew labored. Emma's use of ECMO bought crucial time during this complex surgery. Her surgical skill and ethics were impeccable, earning the operating room team's unanimous approval.
When Mona arrived, Lane was alone in the corridor. Unfamiliar with Mona, Lane asked, "Who are you?"
Mona assessed Lane with a hint of disdain, which Lane sensed.
Then, the surgical lights dimmed. Upon seeing the doctor emerge, Mona immediately demanded, "Where's Emma? Did she kill the patient?"
The doctor frowned, visibly displeased.
Lane exploded. "Who the hell are you? How dare you say that? Get lost!"
Mona retorted, "You!"
At that moment, Emma appeared, her clothes slightly dishevelled, fatigue etched on her face, yet her expression was one of relief. "Lane, your grandfather is fine."
"That's wonderful!" Lane cried, overwhelmed with joy.
Emma then turned to Mona, her gaze icy. "Miss Hanson, as a former medical student, do you find your remarks outside an emergency room appropriate?"
Not only Emma but the other doctors were disgusted by Mona's behavior, their contempt amplified by the knowledge of her near-colleague status.
Mona, mortified by her own embarrassment, felt a rising anger. "Emma, you're a liar! What's wrong with me checking in?"
Emma gestured towards the operating theater. "The patient is still recovering. While the doctors fight for his life, and his family anxiously awaits, you treat this like a picnic? Do you believe a human life is so insignificant?"
Emma's words resonated deeply. "I..." Mona felt the collective disdain, a sensation worse than physical pain. "I didn't mean to!" she sobbed. "I just misspoke! You're morally coercing me!"
Emma scoffed. "In your eyes, it was a misspoken word. But to others, you wounded their hearts, their precious emotions! When I saved your father, you showed no such remorse. Mona, your greatest flaw is your lack of empathy. That's why you'll never be a doctor."
As Emma finished, applause erupted in the corridor, starting with a single clap, then growing into a resounding ovation.