How professional could she be?
Octavia scoffed inwardly.
If her mother-in-law was truly professional, she would never have suggested
bringing Claire into the operating room.
Claire was just a little brat. How could she step foot in an OR?
Did she really think the girl was some kind of prodigy?
She was once again certain that her mother-in-law had lost her mind.
She couldn't even tell the difference between her own flesh and blood and an outsider.
Who was the biological relative here?
If Claire hadn't already found her real family, Octavia would have suspected she was the illicit offspring of Mary and another man.
"We aren't questioning my mother. It's just..." Facing Dr. Duncan, Latham found it hard to explain.
"Claire is too young, and she hasn't even graduated from medical school."
"She just took her college entrance exams. Letting her assist in an operating room is completely absurd."
"Does the hospital seriously not have any exceptional doctors to assist my mother?"
"Dr. Duncan, as far as I know, your clinical experience is quite extensive. Do you truly have zero confidence in handling this surgery?"
"Our opposition isn't just about being responsible for Lance, but for Claire as well."
"Claire is our adoptive daughter. Naturally, we don't want her getting wrapped up in a disaster."
"Furthermore, since this directly involves my son, I'd rather not drag Claire into it, lest it ruin their relationship."
Latham's arguments were completely reasonable.
Dr. Duncan could only look to Mary.
He hadn't realized that Claire was Latham's adoptive daughter. That meant she was the infamous fake heiress of the James family.
The fact that Mary maintained such a close bond with the fake heiress only proved what a profoundly good person she was.
She supported a non-biological granddaughter so fiercely, without a shred of resentment.
That was something very few people could ever do.
"I know you don't believe in Claire, but you don't need to object so quickly."
Mary's gaze swept over Latham and Octavia. "Claire might not even be willing to get involved in the James family's affairs."
"She hasn't even agreed yet. What are you panicking for?"
Mary truly despised the way they were behaving.
They had never treated Claire well in the past, and now it was even worse.
Especially Octavia. After how she had bullied Claire for Cindy's sake, it would be a miracle if Claire didn't hold a grudge.
Latham and Octavia immediately deflated.
They had been so focused on opposing the idea that they completely forgot to consider whether Claire would even agree to it.
"How could she refuse?" Octavia thought her mother-in-law was just fear- mongering.
It was obvious that Mary was trying to pad Claire's resume. Since Lance was family, even if something went wrong it would be hard to hold her legally accountable
This entire setup solely benefited Claire.
"Then why don't you give her a call and ask?" Mary scoffed.
Did they really think she was just trying to scare them?
Octavia instantly fell silent.
If Claire knew Lance was in the ICU right now, she'd probably be celebrating.
There was no way Octavia was making that call.
Latham considered making the call, but he still wasn't convinced Claire's presence in the OR would actually help.
Furthermore, he had finally realized that Claire was no longer obedient.
Claire didn't take him seriously anymore, but Latham wanted to save the leverage of
having raised her for when it truly counted.
If his mother could command Claire to do it, why should they step in?
There was no need to waste a perfectly good favor.
l.ne
When the couple stayed silent, Mary easily guessed what they were thinking Her disdain for her eldest son and his wife only deepened.
19
Her younger son might have been, mediocre, but at least he was honest. Latham, on the other hand, was a man of nothing but sold calculations.
"Keep thinking about it. Claire might not even have the time."
Mary stepped aside to call Claire.