Chapter 160: Hard Truths and Soft Hearts
“No, I meant her personal situation. Like… does she have a boyfriend?”
Victor froze mid-scroll. His hand hovered over the screen, speechless. Patrick had been in the industry for fifteen years. Except for his first two years, when he’d been forcibly exposed to its darker side, he’d maintained a spotless record. He had legions of female fans but never contacted any of them, rarely even accepting gifts.
Now this guy—asking about someone’s relationship status? This wasn’t just a cold tree blossoming in spring. It was his first real crush.
“I don’t think you can handle Zynn. She’s got a temper. You might not be able to keep up,” Victor muttered, beginning to look her up anyway.
Meanwhile, Zynn’s first impression of Patrick wasn’t great. She headed upstairs, where Maggie was waiting outside the elevator with a stack of files. Before Maggie could mention the upcoming meeting, she heard Zynn grumbling, “What is with that guy? He’s prettier than half the women I know.”
Maggie glanced at her, noticing Zynn’s annoyance. She figured it was likely her competitive streak. There were more women than men at Quinn Group. Wendy always emphasized that women should be polished and put-together, especially in the workplace. Full makeup was mandatory; frumpy looks were forbidden. And Zynn, given her role, took this even more seriously. She prided herself on being just as stunning as Wendy. So, to be upstaged by a man? This era was wild.
Maggie offered gently, “You guys are always too busy for shows or movies, but Patrick’s a top-tier A-lister. Even Fenon International tried to sign him for years and failed. That should tell you something.” Fenon didn’t need to jump through hoops for anyone. Their years-long, unsuccessful pursuit said plenty. It also meant landing him at Quinn Group was practically a miracle. Sometimes, good luck was a form of strength.
At six a.m., Chase was already at the hospital preparing for surgery. He didn’t leave the OR until five in the evening. Other departments were still working. Melody and a few board members waited outside for updates. When Chase finally emerged, Azure immediately stepped forward. “That long? How’s the situation?” They’d been watching from the second-floor observation room. It hadn’t looked good. Everyone was anxious.
Chapter 160: Hard Truths and Soft Hearts
Chase wiped his face with a towel Melody handed him. Sweat soaked through his scrubs, and even the hallway breeze felt icy. “For now, we’ve managed to increase the success rate to forty-five percent. Once we opened up the site, it was better than expected.”
Azure glanced toward the OR doors. “I haven’t seen Bernard come out once. Ortho has to stay the whole time?”
“Yeah.” The surgery was expected to last over twenty hours. Bernard and his entire ortho team would be standing until the end. Chase dismissed the departments that had finished their part. He turned to reassure the board members.
“Getting the rate up to forty percent is already a major win. It won’t go higher. Now we wait for the post-op phase. I know you’re worried. Where’s the family?”
They were nearby, tense and waiting. The patient’s mother had fainted from anxiety and was resting in a room. The father and older brother were keeping vigil. Chase walked over and said, “There are still a few hours to go. All the medical staff are giving it their all. Please try not to panic.”
With that handled, Chase left the hallway with Melody. The father leaned over and asked another doctor who hadn’t left yet, “That guy—I’ve seen him a few times. Is he the main surgeon?”
The doctor adjusted his glasses. “Neurosurgeon. Lead on this operation. He’s also our hospital’s chairman. You’re in excellent hands.”
Back in his office, Melody noticed Chase looked pale. She immediately brought over the red date tea she’d prepared earlier. “This is from Madam Wendy.”
Chase caught the scent of the tea and chuckled. Red dates helped restore energy and blood flow. Wendy was way too busy to worry about these little things. Obviously, Melody had done it and credited Wendy to stay low-key. Chase had always appreciated Melody’s work. He’d even arranged for her to receive dual salaries—one from his side, and another from the board. When that report hit Quinn Group’s finance desk, Wendy noticed but said nothing.
“The surgery’s almost done. Success or failure hinges on these next few hours. There are already reporters and paparazzi camping outside. I’ve arranged counseling for the family—if the worst happens, their emotions should be manageable.”