Chapter 113

Dominic Pierce immediately noticed the tension in Harrison Whitmore's posture. "Is something troubling you?" he asked, his voice laced with professional concern.

Harrison met Dominic's gaze unflinchingly. "I've heard rumors," he began, his tone measured. "Did Dr. Star perform a surgery here yesterday?"

A brief silence followed as Dominic processed the mention of that name. Then, with a slight nod, he confirmed, "Yes, that's correct."

Harrison didn't hesitate. "Inform Sebastian Holloway that if he can arrange for Dr. Star to handle my father's surgery, I will personally fund a state-of-the-art research facility for this hospital."

The air in the room grew thick with shock. Dominic's expression shifted dramatically, his lips parting slightly in disbelief. Around him, the medical team exchanged stunned glances. A research facility—just for one surgery? The sheer audacity of the offer left them speechless.

Lila Sinclair, standing nearby, cleared her throat. "Mr. Whitmore," she interjected carefully, "I'm afraid that might be difficult. Dr. Star is... selective about her cases." She knew better than anyone how particular the renowned surgeon was—her admiration for Star bordered on reverence.

After a pause, Lila added, "But Dr. Pierce here is exceptional. His skills are nearly on par with Dr. Star's. You can trust him completely."

An awkward cough from one of the other doctors punctuated her words.

Harrison merely chuckled, unfazed. "Just relay my proposal to Sebastian."

Recognizing his unyielding stance, Dominic and Lila reluctantly agreed to pass along the message.

Later, instead of returning to his office, Dominic stormed toward the hospital gardens, his agitation palpable.

Lila, quick on her feet, followed him with a cup of coffee in hand. "Dr. Pierce," she said gently, placing the cup before him. "Don't let Mr. Whitmore's words get to you. Honestly, I believe you're just as skilled as Dr. Star."

Dominic glanced at her, appreciating the sincerity in her voice, and managed a small smile. "No need to comfort me," he replied lightly, though the weight of the comparison still pressed on him. He wasn't naive—he knew the gap between himself and Star was undeniable.

Lila sighed. "This isn't your fault. It's my sister's doing. That surgery should have stayed within our hospital, but she had to bring Star into it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sebastian only contacted Star because of her."

She hesitated before adding, "My sister idolizes Star. She talks about her constantly."

Dominic's expression darkened as her words sank in. He couldn't blame Star, but his frustration toward the two people who had dragged her into this—Evelyn Hartley and Sebastian Holloway—was undeniable.

Sebastian, his former colleague in the Cardiac Surgery Department, had always been more rival than ally. Their strained relationship had only worsened over the years. And Evelyn? She had secured her position at Grand Plains General through Sebastian's influence, earning Dominic's disdain from the start.

Noticing his shift in mood, Lila hesitated before speaking again. "Dr. Pierce, don't let it bother you. No matter what, you're still the best surgeon in this department."