"Yes. Dr. Mary has rarely practiced in recent years. Our hospital tried to bring her on board, but she declined the offer. Finding her will likely be very difficult."
The doctor was likely a recent transfer to the hospital, or perhaps entirely new to Apex. He clearly knew nothing of the local dynamics. He recognized the James family as a wealthy household, but he had no idea that the legendary Mary was actually Latham's mother.
"It will not be difficult at all," Octavia interjected, her voice trembling with excitement. "Honey, call your mother right now. Tell her to hurry."
"I will," Latham agreed, completely abandoning his usual composed demeanor.
He dialed Mary's number while the doctor listened nearby.
Upon hearing that Lance had been in a terrible accident, Mary was genuinely shocked. "I will head back immediately."
"Mom, should I send a driver to pick you up?" Latham asked, unable to bear a single second of delay.
Octavia nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Have you forgotten that I know how to drive?" Mary replied. Though her car rarely left the garage, it did not mean her skills had rusted.
Latham looked slightly sheepish. "Then please be careful on the road."
With his son already in critical condition, Latham certainly did not want his mother getting into an accident as well.
"Did she say when she would arrive?" Octavia asked, staring at Latham with desperate anticipation.
"It takes time to drive into the city from the countryside. Plus, it is rush hour right now. She might get caught in traffic."
It would take an hour at the very least.
The light in Octavia's eyes dimmed, replaced by a flare of resentment. "She never wants to stay with us when we ask her. If she had just spent a few extra days in the city this time, we would not have to waste these precious minutes."
Latham knew Octavia was just lashing out in her distress, but he still paced the floor in irritation. "How can you complain right now? If she did not clash with you so
much, do you think she would prefer living out in the country?"
Octavia refused to back down. "I am not the only one she clashes with. Does she
get along with Patti? She just likes the countryside. How is that my fault?"
The doctor had wanted to ask for more details about Mary, but seeing the two family members bickering, he wisely chose to stay silent.
Still, Dr. Reid felt a thrill of
excitement. He had attended one of Mary's guest lectures years ago and idolized her. Her teachings were the reason he had found the confidence. career
to persevere in his medic
He had never imagined the famous
James was her son. Mary kept an incredibly low profile.
Once Latham and Octavia finished arguing, they finally noticed Reid standing quietly nearby.
"My apologies, Dr. Reid. If we bring Mary here now, will she be permitted to join the surgery?"
"Absolutely. Dr. Mary actually retired from this very hospital. As long as we clear it with the administration, she can serve as the lead surgeon."
Reid almost envied Latham. What incredible luck to be born as Mary's son. It was a shame Latham had never pursued medicine himself.
"That is a relief," Latham breathed, his tension easing slightly.
Cindy stood off to the side, her eyes rimmed with red. There was absolutely nothing she could do help She just
d her broth tot
would pull through If anything
happened to Lance, she would be
completely lost. The James family would certainly have no foom for her anymore.
After all, she was the product of Octavia's affair with another man. Even though Latham was in his fifties he could still father more children if he wished. He could easily divorce Octavia and find a younger woman willing to give him an heir.
"Mom, are you and Dad hungry? Should I go grab some food for you?" Cindy asked, trying to be a dutiful and thoughtful daughter while simultaneously minimizing her presence.
"Go ahead. Get something for your brother... never mind. Just eat something yourself. I have no appetite."