Chapter 80

Amelia forced a smile, attempting to appear sincere. "I've truly realized my mistake and how much trouble I've caused you. I sincerely apologize-can you forgive me?"

Kathie didn't believe a word of it. A spoiled, entitled socialite like Amelía would never humble herself like this unless something serious was at stake.

Kathie frown. "You're not playing some kind of trick, are you?"

Amelia replied, "To prove my sincerity. I've decided to withdraw from the project team."

This announcement drew surprised glances from everyone,especially Henry. He couldn't fathom what leverage Kathie had used to not only extract a public apology from the notoriously arrogant Amelia but also convince her to abandon such a crucial project.

Even Kathie was taken aback by this extreme gesture. "You don't need to withdraw. I was actually preparing to leave myself."

"You absolutely cannot go!" Amelia exclaimed passionately. "This was entirely my fault for causing you distress. I should be the one to leave.Someone with your expertise belongs on this project-I'm sure everyone here would hate to lose you."

She knew that if Kathie left, Jonathan would blame her,potentially removing Amelia's father from his position. Without his protection, her own career as an unqualified doctor would evaporate. As long as Kathie stayed,Amelia could withdraw from the project without losing her social standing.

-"Just take the win," Henry said impatiently. "Amelia has already gone above and beyond."

Kathie rolled her eyes. Of course he'd say that-he wasn't the one affected by any of this.

"Fine. I accept your apology."

Amelia sighed with relief. "Thank you, Dr. Cavendish. I'll go pack my things immediately. I wish you all success with the project."

Something didn't feel right. People rarely changed so dramatically-Amelia's character transformation seemed implausible. Could Bradley really have this much influence over her?

Later, Kathie followed Amelia to her office and asked curiously, "Dr.Griffin,would you mind telling me who put you up to this?"

Amelia gave her a contemptuous smile. "Are you joking, Dr. Cavendish, or do you genuinely not know?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't be asking."

"It was Mr. Berkeley. He threatened my father that if I didn't publicly apologize to you and ensure you stayed on the project, he'd make sure neither of us couldI remain in Eldoria. Are you satisfied now?"

Amelia stormed past her, seething with resentment. In all her life,she'd never been so humiliated. If not for Jonathan's intervention, she would never have apologized to Kathie.

Kathie was completely stunned that Jonathan had been helping her behind the scenes. He'd repeatedly come to her aid without ever taking credit.

Was he playing the anonymous hero?

The realization of everything he'd done for her sent warmth flooding through her chest. The walls around her heart seemed to be slowly opening for him.

She took out her phone and called him.

When Jonathan saw her number, he couldn't help but smile.

"Dr. Cavendish, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Thank you for helping resolve that gossip situation," Kathie said softly.

"It was nothing. Just try to be gentler next time you get angry," Jonathan replied, deliberately not mentioning his intervention to spare her any sense of obligation.

Kathie felt genuinelý grateful. "I'll remember this debt and repay you someday."

Jonathan laughed. "You might need a notebook then, because there will be more such favors in the future."

His meaning was clear-whenever Kathie faced difficulties, he woul there to help.

"Seven, I'm so glad to have you in my life. Remember not to move around too much and get plenty of rest. Don't overexert yourself. Your injuries will heal soon enough."

"Of course. I'll do exactly as you say."

After hanging up, Jonathan's smile stretched almost ear to ear.Ben couldn't help thinking that his boss was falling deeply in love.

"Mr.Berkeley, we should leave soon to meet Austin Roberts at the airport.Should we..." Ben asked.

"That won't be necessar. Have someone escort them to the hotel, and I'll meet them there later. Dr. Cavendish advised me to rest more, and I need to follow doctor's orders."

Ben was astonished. Since when had Jonathan become someone whose head was turned by love? He was actually following Kathie's instructions to the letter.

He replied, "Understood. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Meanwhile at the research institute, Henry received an urgent call from the hospital. A critical patient had fallen into a coma and needed immediate surgery. However, due to the patient's advanced age and having been transferred from another hospital, the risk factors were extremely high.With the family being emotionally volatile, no doctor dared to perform the operation.

Henry was troubled. Such a high-difficulty procedure required collaboration with a supremely skilled surgeon, and he wasn't sure where to find one on short notice.

Kathie quietly raised her hand. "Dr. Stewart, I couldn't help overhearing your call. I'd be happy to assist you."

In the past, Henry would have been skeptical, but after working with her for several days, he'd come to recognize Kathie's exceptional abilities.

Henry said, "Let's go then. You can assist me. As it happens, this patient's condition aligns with our research direction and could provide valuable reference data."

Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital. The patient was in the late stages of cancer with metastasis. Given his advanced age and deteriorating organ function, no other hospital had been willing to operate. If they didn't intervene now, the elderly man wouldcertainly die.

Henry had felt confident before arriving, but upon learning the full details,'his resolve wavered. The situation was far worse than anticipated-he estimated less than a 40% chance of success.

The family members were creating a scene outside, accusing the doctors of inaction. If the patient died here, Henry's reputation would be damaged,yet he hesitated to proceed without confidence.

Sensing his reluctance, Kathie volunteered. "Dr. Stewart, let me lead the surgery."

Henry's eyes widened in alarm. "I know you're brilliant, but this isn't like analyzing data. One small mistake and he won't leave the operating table alive."

"His current condition is practically equivalent to death," Kathie replied calmly. "We might as well take the chance. If anything goes wrong,you can place the responsibility entirely on me."

Henry frowned. "Are you genuinely confident?"

Kathie nodded with certainty. "I never fight battles I can't win. I can save him."

With thepatient already unconscious and time running out, Henry reluctantly agreed to let her take the lead. He was curious to see if Kathie truly possessed the skill to snatch someone from death's grasp.

In the operating room, Kathie began by using acupuncture needles to stabilize the patient's heart-a technique Henry had never witnessed before.

Soon after, she commencedthe surgery with Henry assisting. Watching her confident gaze, precise incisions, and flawless technique, Henry noticed something extraordinary about her-a quality he'd never observed in other surgeons,emanating from this woman he had previously underestimated.

For three solid hours, Kathie's hands remained perfectly steady,,completing the procedure with remarkable precision before finally handing over the suturing to Henry.

Henry, now acting almost like an admiring apprentice. eagerly performed tasks he would normally delegate to assistants, marveling at Kathie's extraordinary surgical prowess.

"Dr. Cavendish,you've truly astonished me," he remarked in awe.