Chapter 7: Back to Rose Hills

The next morning, a private medical aircraft departed from Zurich carrying one of the world's most respected cardiac surgeons.

Doctor Shant.

Inside the cabin, Shantelle quietly reviewed Erick Thompson's medical records once again.

Every scan, laboratory result, and ECG report had already been memorized.

She rarely left anything to chance.

Professor Carter looked across the table and smiled.

"You're reviewing everything again?"

"Always," Shantelle replied.

"One overlooked detail can cost a life."

Professor Carter nodded proudly.

"That's exactly why you're the best."

Several seats away, Evan remained silent.

He wanted to speak.

He wanted to apologize.

He wanted to ask about the last five years.

But every time he looked at Shantelle, he realized she wasn't the same woman anymore.

She was completely focused on her patient.

Nothing else.

After nearly twelve hours, the aircraft landed at Rose Hills International Airport.

Outside, dozens of reporters had already gathered.

"Doctor Shant has arrived!"

"Take pictures!"

"She's finally here!"

Camera flashes filled the terminal.

Security quickly escorted Shantelle toward a waiting convoy.

One reporter managed to ask loudly,

"Doctor Shant! Is it true you're here to save Chairman Erick Thompson?"

Shantelle stopped briefly.

"Every patient deserves the same effort."

"I will do everything within my abilities."

She entered the vehicle without answering another question.

Inside the car, Evan glanced at her.

"You've become... famous."

"Fame isn't important," she answered.

"Saving lives is."

The convoy arrived at Rose Hills Central Hospital.

Hospital administrators, senior surgeons, and government officials were already waiting.

"Welcome, Doctor Shant!"

"It's an honor to finally meet you."

"We've prepared Operating Room One exclusively for you."

Shantelle greeted everyone politely before walking straight toward Erick's room.

Inside the ICU, Erick Thompson lay unconscious.

Machines continuously monitored his heart.

His once commanding appearance had faded dramatically.

Years had clearly taken their toll.

Shantelle carefully checked his pulse before reviewing the monitors herself.

"His condition has worsened," she said.

"We can't delay any longer."

"Schedule surgery for tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Doctor!"

Several local surgeons immediately began preparing.

As Shantelle finished her examination, Erick slowly opened his eyes.

His vision was blurry.

When he finally recognized the woman standing beside him, disbelief appeared on his face.

"Sh... Shantelle?"

She smiled gently.

"Hello, Uncle Erick."

His eyes instantly became moist.

"You really came..."

"Of course," she replied softly.

"I'm your doctor now."

Erick reached out weakly.

"Child... I'm sorry..."

"Please don't talk," she interrupted kindly.

"Save your strength for tomorrow."

Outside the ICU, Nicole Lively arrived carrying flowers.

She had heard the world's best surgeon had come to Rose Hills.

"Evan," she called.

"How is Uncle Erick?"

"He's stable for now," Evan answered.

Nicole smiled before noticing the woman leaving the ICU.

She froze.

"Shantelle?"

Her smile disappeared instantly.

"How are you here?"

Shantelle looked at her calmly.

"I'm Erick Thompson's attending surgeon."

Nicole laughed awkwardly.

"You became a doctor?"

"Interesting."

One of the hospital directors immediately stepped forward.

"Miss Lively, please show respect."

"Doctor Shant is the world's leading cardiac surgeon."

"She'll be performing tomorrow's operation."

Nicole's face stiffened.

"Doctor... Shant?"

She finally understood.

The famous surgeon everyone admired...

Was Shantelle.

For the first time, Nicole felt genuinely threatened.

Not because of love.

But because Shantelle had become someone impossible to look down on.

Later that evening, Shantelle remained inside the conference room discussing the surgical plan.

Nearly twenty specialists attended the meeting.

Every doctor listened carefully as she explained each step.

"We'll replace the damaged coronary artery here."

"Assistant One controls circulation."

"Assistant Two monitors blood pressure continuously."

"No unnecessary movement inside the operating room."

"Questions?"

No one spoke.

One senior surgeon finally admitted,

"Doctor Shant... your surgical plan is remarkable."

"I've never seen anything this detailed."

"Preparation saves lives," she answered simply.

After the meeting ended, Evan found her standing alone on the hospital balcony overlooking the city lights.

"You used to love this view," he said quietly.

"Yes," she admitted.

"Back then, I imagined spending my entire life here."

"Things changed."

Silence settled between them.

Finally, Evan spoke.

"I've wanted to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

"Why didn't you tell anyone who you had become?"

Shantelle smiled faintly.

"Because I wasn't trying to prove anything."

"Success isn't revenge."

"It's simply the result of choosing myself for once."

Her words struck Evan harder than any accusation could have.

She had truly moved on.

Not by hating him...

But by no longer needing him.

"Tomorrow will be difficult," she continued.

"After tonight, I'm only your father's surgeon."

"Nothing else."

Without waiting for his reply, she walked back into the hospital.

Evan remained alone beneath the night sky.

For years, he had believed Shantelle couldn't survive without him.

Now he understood the truth.

She hadn't merely survived.

She had become extraordinary.

And somehow...

Watching her walk farther away hurt far more than watching her leave five years ago.