Chapter 142

The request was clearly calculated—a deliberate attempt to push Evelyn into an impossible situation. This wasn't just a test of skill; it was a trap designed to humiliate her and, by extension, undermine Sebastian's authority.

Lila's lips curled into a smirk as she glanced at Evelyn. There was no way a resident could handle a Type-B aortic dissection alone. This was a guaranteed failure.

She hadn't expected Dominic to escalate things so quickly after her subtle prodding. His boldness was almost impressive.

Yet, Evelyn remained eerily composed, her expression unreadable, as if the entire discussion held no relevance to her. The other doctors exchanged glances, silently admiring her unshakable poise.

"Isn't this procedure a bit advanced for a resident?" Sebastian asked lightly, though his tone carried an edge of challenge.

Dominic nodded thoughtfully. "It is demanding, yes. But this is Grand Ins General—we expect excellence. A higher difficulty only makes the evaluation more meaningful, don’t you agree?" His reasoning was polished, difficult to counter.

"Fine. I accept." Sebastian's sudden agreement sent a ripple of shock through the room. The doctors stiffened—had he lost his mind?

Dominic's eyes gleamed with triumph, but before he could speak, Sebastian cut in.

"However," Sebastian continued, his gaze briefly flickering to Lila before locking onto Dominic again, "Evelyn won’t be the only one performing. Lila will take on the same surgery."

Lila froze, her face draining of color. What? Why was she being dragged into this?

Dominic's expression darkened. "Mr. Holloway, that’s unreasonable. Lila is merely a contract intern."

Sebastian smiled, calm yet razor-sharp. "Is it? Look around this hospital—how many department heads have a contract intern shadowing them indefinitely? She’s failed the qualifying exam twice. By protocol, she should have been dismissed months ago." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Since you’re so insistent on fairness, shouldn’t the same standards apply to her?"

The room fell silent. Grand Ins prided itself on strict regulations, and Sebastian had just weaponized them.

Dominic’s confidence wavered for the first time. He had no rebuttal.

Lila shot him a frantic look, her earlier smugness replaced by panic. She had only wanted to watch Evelyn crash and burn—how had the spotlight turned on her?

Evelyn’s lips curved slightly as she observed Lila’s distress. Karma was swift.