Olivia's face instantly contorted with worry. "What is happening? Dr. Sullivan, where are you? Tell me what's going on!"
Brian and George approached, their expressions heavy with guilt and anxiety. "Ms. Walker, we deeply apologize," Brian began, trying to keep his composure. "Ms. Ava is in critical condition. We have done everything humanly possible to stabilize her."
George added gravely, "The initial treatment showed some promise, but suddenly, her breathing has become alarmingly weak." He shot Brian a frustrated glance. "Ms. Walker, it's not a matter of incompetence. We are facing an extraordinary situation here, one that even our best efforts struggle to overcome."
Olivia's hand flew up sharply, smacking Brian before he could finish speaking. "Ms. Walker, what—" he started weakly.
"You fool!" Olivia's voice trembled with fury. Her whole body shook as she glared at him. "Didn't you just boast about your ability to save Ava? And now, look at her condition!"
Brian froze, mortified as the sharp sting of her hand burned across his cheek. Olivia's fury shifted toward George, her gaze demanding accountability.
"I have one final question for you, Dr. Sullivan," she said icily. "Is there anyone else in this hospital capable of helping? If something were to happen to Ava under your care, the consequences would be severe for both you and your incompetent son."
George hesitated, clearly intimidated by Olivia's piercing stare. "There is… one person we could try," he admitted, voice wavering. "Who… who would that be?"
"Dr. James Anderson," George finally whispered.
Olivia's eyes lit up with hope. "Of course! James Anderson! Send him immediately—bring him here to save Ava!"
Brian, seething with jealousy, sneered at the suggestion. "He's in my department. I am fully aware of his so-called skills. This is far beyond his capabilities," he said mockingly, attempting to belittle James.
A dangerous glint appeared in Olivia's eyes. "Silence. Speak another word and I will remove your tongue myself."
Brian paled instantly, realizing he had permanently sullied his reputation in Olivia's eyes. Even so, his pride wouldn't allow him to stay quiet entirely; he was still unwilling to see James take precedence.
At that moment, James appeared calmly. "There's no need to summon me," he said sharply, his eyes meeting Olivia's. "My responsibility is to save lives. That is all that matters here."
He continued, his voice firm but measured. "As the patient's sister, your focus should be on helping, not merely expressing anger. Step aside and assist me; I will need your cooperation."
Olivia's cheeks flushed with surprise. She had never imagined that this seemingly insignificant doctor would dare speak to her in such a commanding tone.
Amelia, visibly perturbed by James's audacity, stepped forward. "Dr. Anderson, you should show more respect toward Ms. Walker!"
Without glancing back, James replied coolly, "I'm sorry, but I prioritize what is right over who is present. If that bothers you, find another doctor."
Olivia held up a hand to calm Amelia, who was fuming. Surprisingly, she felt no anger toward James; instead, she was impressed by his unwavering resolve and focus as he prepared for the critical procedure.
James slipped on his gloves and immediately began the life-saving surgery in the emergency department. On the operating table, Ava lay pale and motionless, her skin taking on a bluish hue, and her breath barely audible.
George and Brian watched skeptically from the sidelines, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and anticipation. They were eager to witness James fail, convinced that the case was hopeless. Should Ava not survive, they would be ready to condemn James for daring to intervene.
"James, we have already exhausted all conventional methods," Brian said sharply, his voice dripping with skepticism. "What exactly do you think you can do that we have not?"
James ignored him completely, instead turning to a nearby nurse. "Scalpel," he commanded with quiet authority.
He proceeded to make a precise incision on Ava's wrist. Blood flowed immediately, startling everyone in the room.
"What are you doing, Dr. Anderson?" George demanded, alarm in his voice. "The patient is already critically ill. How can you justify this?"
Olivia's heart leapt into her throat at the sight of blood streaming from Ava's tiny wrist. Her mind raced, trying to understand James's rationale.
Calmly, James explained, "I am removing toxins from her bloodstream. Initially, the toxins were superficial and could have been treated with medication. But the delay has allowed them to spread. There is no alternative but to extract them directly."
Brian scoffed, incredulous. "Nonsense! If Ava had dangerous toxins in her system, I would have detected them immediately."
Another physician interjected, correcting him, "Look! The patient's blood is blackening—it is obvious she is contaminated with toxins."
Indeed, Ava's blood had turned a murky black, confirming the presence of harmful substances. Brian's face burned with embarrassment as his earlier arrogance was publicly disproved.
"You may be draining the toxins, Dr. Anderson," George said gravely, "but she is a child. Even if the toxins are removed, she may not survive the resulting blood loss."
James remained composed. "You are correct, which is why we will be donating blood during the detoxification process."
George shook his head in disbelief. "That's reckless! Even with compatible blood types, a direct transfusion without preparation is dangerous. Her blood pressure could spike uncontrollably, and there would be no way to save her."
Another senior physician cautioned, "At the very least, draw blood first and use proper transfusion equipment. That is the safest method."
James, having already connected IV lines to both Olivia and Ava, replied quietly, "Normally, you would be correct. However, this is no ordinary case. We cannot afford any further delay."
Brian, seizing the moment to mock James, said, "You may think you're clever, but this will put both Ms. Walker and her sister in danger."
James's tone turned icy. "Since the beginning, you've only hindered my work. If you're so knowledgeable, take over and show us how it's done."
Frustrated, Brian bit his lip and muttered, "Fine, let's see how you save her."
James immediately applied precise pressure to several points on Ava's body.
The room went silent as the toxins gradually drained from Ava's wrist while Olivia's blood flowed seamlessly into her. The balance of the procedure became evident almost immediately. Slowly, the child's pale cheeks regained color as fresh blood circulated through her tiny body.
The observing medical professionals stared in stunned silence, unable to hide their amazement. Even George, usually composed, betrayed his astonishment as he glanced at James in awe.
"Dr. Anderson… h-how is this even possible?" one physician stammered, disbelief clear in his voice.