Chapter 424

Evelyn's breathing became increasingly labored, perspiration forming along her hairline faster than she could wipe it away.

"Dr. Hartley, are you certain you're alright? You don't look well," one of the surgeons voiced his concern, his brow furrowed.

"Dr. Hartley, please," another doctor interjected urgently, "if you're unwell, you must tell us immediately. Don't push yourself beyond your limits."

Evelyn drew a deep breath, her voice carrying a slight tremor as she responded, "I know my own body better than anyone. I'm perfectly capable of continuing this procedure."

She recognized these symptoms all too well - the unmistakable signs of an allergic reaction. Yet the source of the allergen remained a mystery.

Suddenly, a violent spurt of blood erupted from the surgical site.

"Dr. Hartley! We've got a major hemorrhage!" a nurse cried out in alarm.

With laser focus, Evelyn pinpointed the bleeding source. "Dr. Hartley! The patient's BP is crashing!" the same nurse shouted again, her voice thick with panic.

Despite the escalating crisis, Evelyn maintained perfect composure, her expression revealing nothing but intense concentration.

Two attending physicians exchanged knowing glances. They'd been quietly instructed by Dominic that should Evelyn falter during this surgery, they weren't to intervene immediately. If she showed any weakness, they were to suggest bringing in another surgeon.

This was Evelyn's first procedure as lead surgeon. Any misstep would give Dominic the perfect opportunity to question her competence.

Seizing the moment, one doctor cautiously asked, "What's our next move here?"

"Perhaps we should call for backup?" the other suggested, his tone carefully neutral.

The scrub nurse frowned, urgency coloring her voice. "We're at a critical juncture! Bringing in another surgeon now would waste precious time. Every second we delay increases the patient's risk!"

"But continuing like this will only worsen the patient's condition!" the first doctor countered, frustration bleeding into his tone.

"Enough!" Evelyn's sharp command sliced through the tension.

The OR fell silent, all eyes turning toward her.

She took a steadying breath before speaking. "There's no need for additional surgeons. I have this under control." Her voice rang with quiet confidence.

But one doctor remained unconvinced. "Dr. Hartley, I understand this is your first lead surgery and that its success is important for your career. But this isn't about your pride - it's about the patient's life. Given the circumstances, you can't handle this alone. If we don't get help immediately, we're risking the patient's survival!"

Evelyn paused, her grip tightening around the scalpel.