Chapter 2 The Doctor's Return

Mandy's heart sank as she stepped forward instinctively, hoping to confirm her suspicions.

Just then, Harrison approached hurriedly, carrying a pale five-year-old girl in his arms. Despite holding the child, his tall figure and austere expression commanded attention, impossible to ignore.

"Harrison," Mandy quickly suppressed her uneasiness.

Harrison gave her a cold glance, his voice low and detached. "Are you certain Dr. Ella Johnson is on this flight?"

"Yes, I've confirmed with my contact. Dr. Johnson is definitely on this flight." Mandy said confidently, "Harrison, don't worry. She's an excellent doctor. Once we find her, Lily will have a chance."

As she finished speaking, her gaze fell upon the little girl in Harrison's arms, revealing a flash of undisguised contempt.

Lily Frost seemed to sense Mandy's stare and instinctively curled deeper into her father's embrace.

Mandy's frustration grew as Lily, despite years of effort, never warmed to her.

For the past five years, Mandy had pretended to care about Lily's health, attended to her daily needs, and frequently taken her to doctors. If Lily weren't the key to her becoming Mrs. Frost, Mandy wouldn't waste time trying to please her.

Though Lily clearly rejected her, Mandy forced a smile and extended her arms toward the child.

"Lily, hug mommy," she said softly.

Hearing Mandy's words, Lily instinctively tightened her grip around Harrison's neck.

"I want Daddy to hold me," she said in her childish voice.

Harrison gently stroked her back, his eyes filled with love.

Lily needed maternal affection, but Mandy seemed incapable of truly reaching her heart.

"It's okay, sweetheart, Daddy's got you," he reassured her, then looked coldly at Mandy.

"Lily is young. She doesn't want you to hold her, don't force her," he said firmly. "Now, finding Dr. Johnson is your primary task."

As he finished speaking, his assistant Simon hurried over with his phone.

"Mr. Frost, the hospital called to say that Dr. Johnson has already arrived at Westland General Hospital."

Mandy's expression changed dramatically as she demanded arrogantly, "What? We've been waiting here the whole time, and she went straight to the hospital?"

Simon glanced awkwardly at Mandy, waiting for Harrison's instructions.

After a moment, Harrison ordered, "To the hospital."

Meanwhile, Elena, who had already arrived at the hospital, was reviewing Zander's father's test results and surgical plan with Nathan.

Nathan stood beside her, explaining, "Elena, this surgery is too complex, and my abilities are limited. Considering the patient's advanced age, I'm not confident I can handle it properly, which is why I asked you to return and lead the procedure."

While examining the documents, Elena responded professionally, "I understand. Such cases are indeed rare domestically, and the surgery is quite challenging. Tell the operating room we'll begin in thirty minutes, and you'll assist me."

Back in her familiar professional domain, Elena felt a long-absent confidence and sense of control.

Nathan nodded immediately. "Of course. It's my honor to serve you."

After years of honing her skills abroad, Elena's professional expertise was not only top-tier domestically but internationally renowned. Yet she maintained a low profile, practicing medicine under the name Ella Johnson, becoming a legendary figure in the medical field.

If not for her collegiate relationship with Nathan, she would never have taken Zander's father's case.

After completing all pre-operative preparations, Elena instructed her children before entering the operating room.

"Connor, Mia, wait quietly in the rest area. The surgery will take a long time, so please behave," she said gently. "Your godmother will pick us up when the surgery is over. If you need anything, ask the hospital staff, and they'll help you."

Both children nodded obediently.

Connor waved his hand. "Mom, don't worry about us. I'll take care of Mia." Despite his young age, he understood his mother's struggles and concerns.

Connor settled with his laptop while Mia focused intently on a high-performance smartphone.

Elena looked at them with satisfaction. Despite her busy work, her children were remarkably independent—truly a blessing.

After ensuring the children were settled, Elena entered the operating room.

Meanwhile, Harrison and Mandy arrived at the hospital with Lily. Learning that Dr. Johnson had already entered the operating room, Harrison grew anxious.

As the controller of a business empire, he was accustomed to commanding everything, but his daughter's health issues left him feeling helpless in an unprecedented way.

Lily suffered from congenital heart disease. For years, he had taken her to hospitals both domestically and internationally, yet no one dared perform the necessary surgery. After hearing about Ella's medical skills, he hoped for her assistance, but fate seemed to mock him with each missed opportunity.

Sensing Harrison's helplessness, Mandy cautiously asked, "Harrison, what should we do now?"

Harrison looked at her impatiently. "What else can we do besides wait?"

"What if she doesn't come out for hours? Are we just supposed to wait here? She's just a doctor, isn't that rather arrogant?" Mandy complained.

Harrison glared at her with displeasure. "Mandy, watch what you say. She's not just 'any doctor,' she's an internationally renowned surgeon. Lily's surgery depends entirely on her," he reminded her sternly. "We're talking about our daughter's health. Don't you care at all?"