Chapter 10: The Woman Everyone Admired

The news of Erick Thompson's successful surgery spread across the country within days.

Every major television network praised the mysterious surgeon known as Doctor Shant.

Medical journals described the operation as one of the greatest achievements in modern cardiac surgery.

Hospitals from Europe, America, and Asia sent invitations, hoping to recruit her.

Yet Doctor Shant politely declined every offer.

She returned to her routine as if nothing extraordinary had happened.

Meanwhile, Rose Hills Central Hospital became overwhelmed with patients requesting appointments with her.

"Doctor Shant's schedule is already full for the next three months," the receptionist explained repeatedly.

"Please understand."

Despite the disappointment, no one complained.

Everyone knew that waiting for the world's best surgeon was worth it.

One afternoon, Shantelle was invited to give a lecture at Rose Hills Medical University.

Hundreds of students packed the auditorium long before the event began.

"I heard she's only twenty-seven."

"Can you believe that?"

"She's already performed surgeries that senior professors wouldn't dare attempt."

"She's incredible."

The auditorium erupted into applause as Shantelle stepped onto the stage.

Dressed in a simple white suit instead of her usual surgical coat, she carried herself with quiet confidence.

"Good afternoon," she greeted with a warm smile.

"Today we'll discuss precision in cardiac surgery."

For the next two hours, every student listened in complete silence.

She explained complex procedures in simple language.

She encouraged young doctors to value compassion as much as skill.

"A surgeon doesn't only repair a heart," she said.

"A surgeon also protects someone's family, someone's future, someone's hope."

Those words earned another round of applause.

Among the audience sat several executives from Thompson Group.

They had been invited by the university's chairman.

Evan had no intention of attending.

Yet when he heard Doctor Shant was the guest speaker...

He quietly took a seat in the back row.

Throughout the lecture, he never looked away from Shantelle.

He remembered how she once stayed awake helping him prepare business presentations.

She had always been intelligent.

He simply never bothered to notice.

After the lecture ended, dozens of students surrounded her.

"Doctor Shant, could you sign my textbook?"

"Can I take a picture with you?"

"Your lecture inspired me to become a heart surgeon!"

Shantelle smiled patiently as she greeted each student.

She signed books.

Answered questions.

Offered encouragement.

Not once did she show impatience.

Watching from a distance, Evan quietly smiled.

"She really was born for this," he whispered.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, Evan approached.

"That was an amazing lecture," he said sincerely.

"Thank you," Shantelle replied politely.

"How's Uncle Erick recovering?"

"Much better."

"He asks about you every day."

"Tell him to continue taking his medication exactly as prescribed."

"I will."

An awkward silence followed.

Finally, Evan asked,

"Would you have dinner with me?"

"As friends."

Shantelle shook her head gently.

"I'm sorry."

"I already have plans."

Just then, a tall foreign doctor walked toward them.

"Doctor Shant," he called with a smile.

"Everyone's waiting for you."

"Coming, Daniel," she answered.

Daniel Harris was one of Switzerland's leading neurosurgeons and Professor Carter's former student.

He naturally took Shantelle's briefcase.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes."

Before leaving, Shantelle nodded politely toward Evan.

"Goodbye, Mr. Thompson."

Evan watched as Daniel opened the car door for her.

The two laughed about something as they drove away.

For reasons he couldn't explain...

Jealousy suddenly gripped his heart.

That evening, Nicole visited Thompson Villa.

"Evan," she said while serving tea.

"I've been thinking..."

"We've been together for years now."

"Maybe it's time we talked about marriage."

Evan remained silent.

"Evan?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," he finally answered.

Nicole's smile disappeared.

"What do you mean?"

"I thought this was what we both wanted."

He looked down at his untouched tea.

"Maybe it was."

"But not anymore."

"Is this because of Shantelle?"

Nicole asked directly.

"No," Evan answered after a long pause.

"It's because I finally realized something."

"I mistook gratitude... attraction... and rebellion... for love."

"Real love..."

"I already had it."

"I just threw it away."

Nicole stared at him in disbelief.

"You're regretting your divorce?"

"Every single day."

Those four words shattered years of certainty.

Nicole slowly stood.

"So after everything..."

"You're choosing her?"

"There isn't even a choice anymore," Evan admitted.

"She doesn't want me."

"And I don't deserve another chance."

Nicole laughed bitterly.

"How ironic."

"You ignored the woman who truly loved you..."

"And now you're the one begging for love."

Without another word, she picked up her handbag and walked out.

The front door closed softly behind her.

For the first time...

Thompson Villa felt unbearably empty.

Across the city, Shantelle stood on the balcony of her hotel overlooking the lights of Rose Hills.

Daniel joined her carrying two cups of coffee.

"You handled today perfectly," he said.

"Thank you."

"Professor Carter called."

"The World Medical Association wants you to lead an international research project."

"It could change heart surgery forever."

Shantelle smiled.

"Looks like I'll be busy again."

"You always are."

She looked toward the distant skyline.

Years ago...

She believed happiness meant becoming Mrs. Thompson.

Now she finally understood.

Happiness had never depended on someone else's love.

It began the day she learned to love herself.