Chapter 6: The Surgeon He Never Expected

A private jet carrying Evan Thompson landed at Zurich International Airport early the next morning.

He had canceled every meeting on his schedule.

For the first time in years, business no longer mattered.

The only thought occupying his mind was his father's life.

Erick Thompson had raised him alone after his mother's death.

Despite their countless disagreements, Evan could not imagine losing him.

"How long until we reach the International Medical Center?" he asked his assistant.

"Thirty minutes, sir."

"Good."

During the drive, Evan reviewed every piece of information available about Doctor Shant.

Age: Unknown.

Nationality: Confidential.

Specialty: Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Success Rate: 99.7%.

Awards: Too many to count.

One article described her as a miracle worker.

Another called her 'The Woman Who Gives Broken Hearts a Second Chance.'

Yet not a single report revealed her full identity.

"She's impossible to reach," his assistant said.

"Hospitals have tried recruiting her for years."

"She refuses almost every offer."

"Then I'll convince her personally," Evan replied confidently.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the International Medical Center.

The hospital looked more like a modern research institute than a medical facility.

Doctors from different countries hurried through its halls.

After identifying himself, Evan was escorted to the executive office.

Professor William Carter welcomed him politely.

"Mr. Thompson," the elderly doctor greeted.

"I understand your situation."

"My father's condition is critical," Evan said honestly.

"I'm here to request Doctor Shant's help."

Professor Carter remained silent for a moment.

"Doctor Shant doesn't usually accept private requests."

"Especially when they're related to wealthy businessmen trying to buy priority treatment."

"I'm not asking because I'm wealthy," Evan answered.

"I'm asking because she's the only one who can save my father."

Professor Carter carefully studied Evan's face.

Finally, he nodded.

"Wait here."

"I'll ask whether she's willing to meet you."

Ten minutes felt like an eternity.

Evan paced back and forth inside the office.

Then...

The door slowly opened.

A woman entered wearing a spotless white coat.

Her long blonde hair was neatly tied behind her head.

A surgical mask covered the lower half of her face.

Blue eyes.

Calm.

Sharp.

Unshakable.

Evan instinctively stood.

"Doctor Shant?"

She removed her mask.

Time seemed to stop.

"Hello, Mr. Thompson," she said professionally.

"It's been a long time."

Evan's pupils widened.

"Sh... Shantelle?"

Disbelief filled his face.

He stared at the woman standing before him.

She looked familiar...

Yet completely different.

Gone was the timid young wife who waited for him every evening.

Gone were the tear-filled eyes that begged him not to leave.

Standing before him now was a confident woman whose presence alone commanded respect.

Her white coat carried several international medical insignias.

A platinum name badge read:

"Dr. Shantelle Scott."

"Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon."

For several seconds, Evan couldn't speak.

"You're... Doctor Shant?"

"Yes," she answered simply.

"I apologize if that surprises you."

"Impossible..."

His voice barely escaped.

"You became... this?"

Shantelle smiled politely.

"People change."

"Please have a seat."

She sat across from him.

No nervousness.

No resentment.

No lingering affection.

Only professionalism.

"Professor Carter informed me about your father's condition," she said.

"I've already reviewed his medical reports."

"Can you save him?" Evan asked immediately.

She opened Erick's file.

"His condition is serious but operable."

"However, surgery carries significant risks."

"Without it, his survival chances are extremely low."

"With surgery?"

"Approximately ninety-two percent."

Relief washed over Evan's face.

"Then please... perform the operation."

Shantelle looked directly into his eyes.

"Before I answer..."

"I have one condition."

Evan nodded immediately.

"Anything."

"My decision will be based solely on my patient's needs."

"Not on our past."

"Once I enter the operating room, Erick Thompson will simply be another patient under my care."

"Can you accept that?"

Evan lowered his head.

"Yes."

"And..."

He hesitated before continuing.

"I'm sorry."

Those two words hung heavily between them.

Five years ago...

They were the words Shantelle had desperately wanted to hear.

Now...

They stirred nothing inside her heart.

"Mr. Thompson," she replied calmly.

"This isn't the time for personal conversations."

"Your father needs treatment."

"Nothing else matters."

Her composure made Evan's chest tighten.

He had imagined meeting her again countless times.

He expected anger.

Tears.

Accusations.

Instead...

She treated him exactly like any other patient's family member.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

Professor Carter reentered the office.

"Doctor Shant," he said.

"The medical transport has been arranged."

"Excellent," Shantelle replied.

"We'll leave for Rose Hills tomorrow morning."

Evan looked at her with visible gratitude.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me," she answered while closing the medical file.

"Saving lives is my profession."

"Not a favor."

As she stood to leave, Evan unconsciously called out.

"Shantelle..."

She stopped at the doorway.

Without turning around, she asked,

"Yes, Mr. Thompson?"

"You... seem happy."

For the first time since their meeting began, a genuine smile appeared on her face.

"I am."

"Because I finally became the person I was always meant to be."

She walked out of the office without another word.

Evan remained standing in stunned silence.

He looked through the glass wall as doctors greeted Shantelle with admiration and respect.

"Good morning, Doctor Shant!"

"Professor, today's surgery was another success!"

"Doctor Shant, the conference committee is waiting for you."

Everyone looked at her with admiration.

Everyone respected her.

Only then did Evan realize...

The woman he once believed wasn't enough...

Had become someone the entire medical world admired.

And for the very first time in five years...

A painful feeling called regret quietly settled into his heart.