Ch. 1851..1860
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1851-Roxanne was surprised to find out how exhausting it was to take wedding photographs.
In order to strike attractive poses, she was forced to remain still for close to ten minutes at a time.
Toward the end, she could not even force a smile. Fortunately, Lucian's lighthearted demeanor throughout it all kept her spirits up.
When it was finally over, she protested vehemently when Lucian mentioned a few other locations they were expected to be at.
“Mr. Farwell, Ms. Jarvis, with your looks and usual attire, any location would make a great backdrop for your wedding photos.”
The photographer, a young woman, could not help but marvel at the stunning couple before her. They were undoubtedly the most beautiful pair she had ever photographed. There was almost no need for post-production retouching later on.
She offered to come along during the honeymoon and take vacation photographs if Roxanne was done for the day.
Roxanne agreed at once. Lucian, too, did not voice any objections.
Upon returning home, the children, whom Cayden had dropped off, learned their parents had just taken wedding photographs and immediately surrounded them and asked to see the pictures.
“Mommy, you must be the most beautiful bride in the world in the wedding dress.”
“Where are the photos, Daddy? We want to see them!”
“Wow! Daddy is pretty handsome, but Mommy is better looking. She's more beautiful than a movie star.”
The children's flattery was worth the pain of the entire day.
Lucian and Roxanne exchanged a glance and a knowing smile.
The children were still chattering away when the family sat down for dinner, asking when the wedding would take place and where the honeymoon would be. They even asked if they would be getting a younger sibling.
The couple could only lament the fact that the children were growing up too quickly.
Suddenly, a car entered the porch. Since the butler granted it entry, they assumed it was somebody they knew.
Elektra's appearance during dinner took them by surprise.
One usually does not visit others during their meal unless it is urgent. It's basic courtesy.
However, Elektra could not hold it in any longer.
She had seen the photograph of the couple's marriage certificate on Lucian's Instagram and how intimate they were in their picture.
She panicked and even despaired.
God did not even give her a chance.
Feeling utterly helpless, she was desperate to do something to alleviate the pain in her heart.
Christina had been scornful. “So what if they got married again? They got divorced once before, didn't they? How can you be certain that he won't leave Roxanne again? Of course, your only other chance will only come from me.”
Clutching at Christina's plan as though it was her lifeline, Elektra agreed to carry out the next phase.
Unable to contain her panic, she drove to the Farwell residence during dinner.
She was not there to see Lucian. Instead, she wanted to clear her mind.
Pestering Lucian would only arouse Roxanne's suspicions, and at the same time, drive Lucian further away from her.
“Lucian, Roxanne, congratulations on registering your marriage today!” Suppressing her emotions as she crossed the threshold, Elektra dutifully played the part of a friend and gave them her blessing.
Roxanne and Lucian waved her over, and the children called her to join them for dinner.
Elektra declined tactfully, “I had a late lunch today. I've been coming up with a business plan of late, so my meals have been irregular. By the way, Roxanne, I have something to discuss with you.”
Having thought she had come for Lucian, Roxanne was caught off-guard.
She nodded, set her cutlery down, and entered the living room with her guest.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1852-Lucian was also curious about what Elektra wanted to discuss with Roxanne.
However, he didn't need to ask, as she would tell him afterward.
Producing some premium coffee beans he had been gifted and having it brewed for them, he then brought the children upstairs for a game of chess.
Archie and Benny were improving rapidly, which required him to concentrate and play to the best of his abilities.
Meanwhile, Estella returned to work on her designs.
“Can I start a company, Daddy?” Estella asked suddenly. “I want to bring my designs of children's apparel to life and see if people like them.”
Lucian waved his hand, signifying his approval. Starting a company is a small matter.
Overjoyed, Estella turned her attention back to her draft.
Lucian only regained his senses after the game. What did I just promise Estella? That's right—to start a company for children's apparel! It's not a bad investment to make. Besides, my talented daughter is worth a shot.
Lucian became serious. After instructing the boys to take a break, he gave Cayden a call to initiate plans for registering the company the following day.
“Think about it carefully, Essie. What would you like to name it?”
Estella stopped what she was doing and gave it some thought. She even asked for her brothers' help, but after they came up with a few names, she remained unsatisfied. At last, she decided to take a few days to mull it over.
Downstairs in the living room, Elektra learned from small talk with Roxanne that she had taken her wedding photographs that day. Elektra couldn't help feeling jealous inside.
However, her expression did not betray her. Instead, she showered them with praise about how good they looked.
Noticing that she still had not gotten to the point, Roxanne became curious. What could it be that is so difficult to broach? Does she need money? Or does she want my help in treating someone?
“I've been back in the country for quite some time, Roxanne, and have been looking for an investment opportunity. Unfortunately, I haven't found anything yet, and it's been frustrating. I spent the whole of last night brainstorming, and an idea finally came to me. That is why I came so urgently to see you as soon as I woke up.”
“Investment? How does this pertain to me?”
Roxanne became puzzled when Elektra had, at last, arrived at the point. Wouldn't something like this be more appropriate to discuss with Lucian?
Farwell Group had an abundance of money, resources, and connections. It was the partner every entrepreneur dreamed of doing business with.
“Indeed. This is an opportunity only suited for you.” Elektra's eyes flashed with excitement.
Even without the follow-up plans in place, the tip given by Christina was an excellent investment.
Roxanne was rather dubious, so Elektra continued, “Your research institute has some of the most advanced research and development techniques in the country. Have you considered that a small modification to the pharmaceutical products you're already working on would make it possible to produce cosmeceutical products? At the moment, the domestic market for cosmeceutical products is inconsistent, with most consumers prefer foreign luxury brands. This is a massive opportunity for us. Let's be partners and start a company specializing in cosmeceutical products. You don't have to do anything except research and development, and I'll handle the rest. That way, it won't interfere with other aspects of your research.”
Elektra spoke so quickly that her cheeks flushed with excitement. If I do this well, the promise it holds could even surpass my family's business.
Roxanne's doubts dissipated after she listened to it. She began to consider the matter carefully.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1853-“Technique is the first step of production, so our company will be split seventy-thirty, with you holding majority stakes. You shall hold the position of CEO while I'll be the executive general manager. The company will be registered under your name. That is the best offer I can come up with as a gesture of sincerity.”
Elektra came to Roxanne with the mindset of an entrepreneur pitching her idea.
She had even done her homework and could provide in-depth explanations pertaining to market analysis, product pricing, and brand building.
What she displayed was a fervent passion for the product.
To her, the best person to go into business with was Roxanne. Roxanne's research institute could uncover the composition of herbal compounds, which was the aspect their fellow countrymen trusted the most.
She even knew that Roxanne had developed a drug for endocrine regulation, which also happened to have a convenient side effect of reducing acne.
At last, after careful consideration, Roxanne deemed the investment feasible.
“I must conduct a meeting with my colleagues at the research institute about this investment opportunity. Forgive me for not being able to agree immediately.”
Roxanne could have made that decision on her own, but she just came up with a pretext. Although the staff at the research institute trusted her completely, she wanted to get Lucian's opinion as his business experience far exceeded hers.
In fact, Roxanne could even form a partnership with Farwell Group. It would eliminate the need to approach Elektra.
However, it would be a betrayal of Elektra's trust since she was the one who proposed this idea.
Elektra nodded, suppressing the panic within her. “Sure. Many people's interests are at stake, after all. Take a couple of days to think about it before getting back to me.”
After that, Roxanne discussed some of the details with her.
Elektra handled them all with ease. She had come well-prepared.
At that moment, she even felt her loyalty swaying.
Although Christina had given her the plan with the intention of seeking revenge on Roxanne, the opportunity the investment held was too promising. The Lane family's standing could be raised significantly if she succeeded. She, on the other hand, would become somebody who had accomplished something.
Two hours later, Elektra left the Farwell residence. She did not even bid Lucian farewell.
Returning upstairs, Roxanne urged the children to shower and tuck themselves in.
“You two were talking for a long time. Seems like it was something really important, wasn't it?” Lucian was curious.
Roxanne was still in disbelief that Elektra would come to her to talk about a partnership.
Madilyn once warned me that Elektra's a childhood friend of Lucian's. In fact, Elektra wanted to go with him alone on the mission to help Nicholas had he not dragged me along. What's going on in her head? Could I be overthinking? Does she seriously intend to make something of herself?
After mulling it over for a long time and realizing that Lucian was waiting for her response, Roxanne recounted the discussion regarding the investment opportunity.
Lucian listened with rapt attention. His eyes were filled with approval.
“It's a solid idea. I have considered this once, but I was worried it might mean more work for you. Now that Elektra is willing to handle the operations, it seems like a promising investment opportunity.”
As long as Roxanne was the one in control, Lucian did not see the need to compete for the business.
That was also a significant factor in how he managed to secure partnerships with many influential families for Farwell Group.
“Are you saying that it's doable? Just as well. I have priced the products very low, so the research institute's profit margin is quite poor. I've always felt bad about not being able to offer better perks to the R&D staff. But with cosmeceutical products, we have a chance to make a difference. If we can build a brand and capture some of the market shares from the luxury Epean brands, we could set up more factories domestically and create more jobs.”
There was a twinkle in Lucian's eyes as he listened to Roxanne. His admiration for her grew even more.
Her ability to think things through and anticipate potential outcomes has been improving.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1854- Leverage
“You're not the only one who negotiated a project tonight. I, too, have agreed to an excellent business proposal,” Lucian announced with a smile.
Roxanne froze. He did not take one step out of the house. Who did he discuss business with?
Her curiosity grew when she took in his secretive demeanor. What investment could have made him this happy?
It took some probing before Lucian finally decided to share the news.
“I'm investing in our talented designer, of course! Essie asked me to start a company for her. She wants to gain a foothold in the children's apparel market.”
Roxanne was stunned. “Are you sure? Aren't you afraid of making a loss? Essie is indeed talented, but this decision may be too hastily made. What happens if she makes you suffer a loss? I don't want her to be under any pressure.”
Lucian gazed at her steadily.
At last, Roxanne admitted to herself after further thought that she had indeed thought too much.
Given Farwell Group's wealth, it would not make the slightest dent even if Estella bankrupted one company a day for ten years.
“Don't worry. Estella has plenty of time to try new designs. If she can't manage, we'll hire local designers to work with her. Our child's dream is what's important.”
Although Lucian could afford to make losses, he was strangely confident in his daughter's designs.
“My dear, the father of my children, you're spoiling them too much.”
Lucian was momentarily taken aback by his new moniker. He found it interesting.
Immediately, he pulled her into an embrace. “We got married today, the mother of my children. Does that mean...”
Roxanne's cheeks flushed crimson. She became unusually silent.
Taking her silence as consent, Lucian swept her off her feet and carried her into the bedroom.
“The children aren't asleep yet!” she protested.
“They want a younger sibling and are counting on us. We can't let them down.”
Elektra arrived aboard the cruise ship to see Christina.
“Mr. Goldstein's business obligations require me to return to Hawen tonight, but I have left behind several of my men to gather information. They can assist you at any time, so feel free to call me whenever you need them,” Christina drawled.
Leaving Horington this time is different from the last. I had fled before in a pathetic state, like a wreck.
Elektra nodded, aware that the men left behind might also be keeping an eye on her.
The fragility of their alliance was apparent to both of them, even without words.
“I'm guessing that Roxanne will most likely agree. Gain her trust at the start by keeping your head down and doing things well. Do them so well that even Lucian doesn't suspect a thing. Later on, we strike.”
Christina detected Elektra's hesitance with her sharp eyes.
This woman's resolve is not strong enough because she lacks hatred. I need to fan the flames.
“I think you know very well what happened to the Pearson family. Since they have announced their marriage, their relationship with the Lane family will only weaken. Your family will lose all hope if you don't fight for it.”
Elektra nodded. Although she did not like the woman very much, she was forced to admit that she was right.
The partnership with Roxanne must be done well, whichever way I look at it.
“Got it. We'll stick to the plan,” Elektra replied firmly.
The sudden appearance of a weight on her heart made her realize that it was too late to turn back now.
Her visits to Christina had been captured on film to be used as leverage against her.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1855-Sonya made a beeline for the mansion as soon as morning arrived.
The children were already awake and were impatiently waiting for their grandmother to come bearing delicious gifts.
Sonya had started by tracking down local delicacies and buying them for the children.
However, possibly because she was displeased at the lack of authenticity, she decided to make them herself.
That morning, she brought them some osmanthus cake.
Roxanne woke up to find her body feeling as if it had rattled apart from the torture she had been put through.
She even wondered if Lucian had snuck a pill to deliver his exceptionally fearsome performance.
While he slept, she quickly tiptoed to get dressed, then headed down the stairs to greet Sonya.
“You're here early, Mom!” she greeted, stunning Sonya for several seconds.
Arriving down the stairs, Roxanne saw the children already in the kitchen having the time of their lives sampling delicacies.
Sonya walked over, carrying another portion plainly meant for Roxanne. After she regained her composure, she smiled brightly and said, “Come, try these cakes I made!”
Roxanne nodded. This change in greeting feels natural.
That was how she had greeted Sonya in the past before it became Mrs. Farwell.
Now that she was married, Roxanne no longer felt the need to be shy.
As soon as Sonya set the pastries down, she hurried out to her car and returned with a large but flat-looking purse.
“This is for you, Roxanne. A wedding gift from me. Inside you'll find a bank card and a title deed. There isn't much money on the card, but it's a lucky number. The deed, on the other hand, is for a beachside mansion that caught my eye when I saw it with a friend recently. You can bring the children over for a vacation in the future.”
Roxanne was stunned. Having thought of the gesture as merely a formality, she was surprised to discover that Sonya had planned it with so much thought.
With a polite smile, she accepted it graciously, “Thank you, Mom!”
Sonya beamed. “There is no need to thank me. It's what I should do. Let me know if there's ever anything you need.”
She had never dared hope for Roxanne to greet her like that again, thinking it would take several years.
Upon closer reflection, Sonya realized that her daughter-in-law was a straightforward person. Since the day she admitted her mistake, Roxanne had not embarrassed her once.
In fact, it made her feel even more ashamed of the things she had done in the past. How stupid I was!
As she sampled the cake, Roxanne praised Sonya's culinary skills once more. The children, too, were enjoying themselves.
After she was done, Roxanne returned upstairs to retrieve a set of clothes from her walk-in closet that she had bought for Sonya.
She had prepared it beforehand and planned to gift it once she obtained her marriage certificate.
“I hope you like this set of clothes, Mom. It should fit you. Why don't you try it on?”
Sonya took the clothes with trembling hands. She was so touched that her eyes became misty.
“All right. I'll go upstairs to try it on. This is just the style I like!”
Roxanne was surprised that such affordable clothes could make Sonya so happy.
Ah well, people are complicated. In the past, Sonya wouldn't have shown any interest in anything I bought for her.
Soon after, Sonya descended the stairs wearing the new clothes. It fitted her perfectly and accentuated her beauty.
After all, Sonya was once considered the most beautiful woman in her socialite circle.
“It suits me well! You have such good taste, Roxanne,” Sonya praised.
“You flatter me. I don't think I have a good eye for fashion! Tell me if you're not happy with it, and I'll exchange it for something else.”
“That's not necessary. I like this very much.”
With both sides on good terms, many unnecessary problems were avoided.
When Lucian woke up, Roxanne went upstairs to show off her gift, then prepared to head for the research institute after kissing him goodbye.
Although she knew everybody in the research institute would be at her beck and call, she intended to discuss Elektra's partnership proposal with them and see if there were any avenues she had yet considered.
Meanwhile, Sonya would send the children to the kindergarten.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1856-The executives of the research institute concluded their meeting with a unanimous agreement to venture into the cosmeceutical industry.
Such an endeavor would not only improve their livelihood but would also net them more funds to conduct costlier experiments.
With her excellent memory, Roxanne recounted most of the details.
Fully convinced, the group had nothing else to add.
At last, however, Roxanne called Lucian to ascertain its feasibility once more.
“Go for it. Since Elektra is on board to invest and most of the shares are yours, I'd say give it a shot.”
Lucian's affirmation made Roxanne feel more at ease.
That afternoon, she called Elektra to express her agreement and also ask when the capital could be secured.
Elektra told her she would be getting thirty million for the first phase, seventy million for the second phase, and additional funding as needed for the third phase.
Best of all, the capital could be secured on the same day.
Roxanne was impressed by her partner's efficiency. She immediately instructed Linda to expedite the company registration process.
That evening, Roxanne gathered the core personnel, including Peregrine and his team, and took them to a hotel. Elektra, accompanied by some investors who had a long-standing business relationship with her family, met them there to sign the agreements.
It was in that simple manner that the partnership began.
After the formalities, the feast began.
However, it soon became plain that both sides did not belong in the same social circle. Roxanne's people were all researchers who had nothing in common with the investors.
As a result, Roxanne had Linda make the arrangements to send them back after the meal.
The investors did not take offense. Instead, they chatted and drank among themselves before leaving not long after.
At last, only Roxanne and Elektra were left.
Roxanne raised her glass. “Here's to a successful partnership, Ms. Lane,” she said happily, inclining her head.
“You don't have to be so formal with me, Roxanne. Just call me Elektra as Lucian does. From today on, we're partners.”
Elektra admired Roxanne's ability to be certain about such a large investment given such a short amount of time.
She's decisive enough to grab hold of an opportunity that presents itself. I, on the other hand, can't even compare with Christina. This whole thing was her idea.
“All right. We are allies now. From here on out, things are going to be tougher on your end. We will spend almost the whole thirty million from the first phase. The capital of the second phase, which will be used to build the factory, needs to be ready on hand.”
In simple terms, Roxanne lay out her needs, to which Elektra readily agreed.
After several more glasses of wine, Roxanne suddenly received a call from Madilyn, who sounded morose.
Startled, she bid Elektra farewell and headed for the hospital.
Upon arriving, she headed straight to the director's office. Pushing open the door, she saw Madilyn looking all sad.
Madilyn looked up. Her eyes were red.
“What happened? Who did this? Tell me!” Roxanne's heart twinged painfully when she saw her usually cheerful best friend in that state.
She went over, hugged her, and patted her shoulder.
Madilyn gave Roxanne a squeeze as her tears rolled down her cheeks. “My mom might not make it, Roxanne.”
Roxanne froze for several seconds.
Upon regaining her composure, she asked, “What happened? Tell me everything. Don't be sad. She could still make it.”
Madilyn seemed even more dejected after seeing Roxanne panic. “I'm a doctor too, Roxanne. I can tell that she might not survive her heart attack.”
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1857-Throughout the years, Madilyn had rarely talked about her family.
Having known her for years, Roxanne had never probed because she could tell that her friend did not wish to discuss it.
The only things Roxanne knew were that Madilyn's family lived in the northwest and that she was in constant contact with her mother.
Naturally, Roxanne became acquainted with Madilyn's mother, Lorraine Xander, through numerous video calls. Madilyn took her mother's last name.
“Where is Mdm. Xander now?” Roxanne asked. “Have you brought her in? I'll take a look at her first, then I want all the reports you have on her condition. Now's not the time to wallow in sadness. Lest you forget, I'm a miracle worker!”
Madilyn knew that Roxanne's medical skills had solved many impossible cases and cured many patients the hospital deemed incurable.
Besides, she was learned in ancient medicine.
This time, however, Madilyn did not dare hold on to any hope. Based on her own years of medical experience, she could tell her mother might not make it this time.
Her heart was gradually failing. Then, her other organs would break down until they were all beyond repair.
Not only did she fear her disappointment worsening if she regained any hope, but she also did not want to put pressure on Roxanne.
“She's here, Roxanne, at our hospital. Let's go. I'll take you to her.”
After wiping her tears, Madilyn composed herself and led Roxanne toward the inpatient department.
Roxanne was shocked upon entering the ward and seeing Lorraine, who was sound asleep. “How did she become so thin?”
Compared to the video call two months ago, her cheeks seemed to have shrunk, and her eyes had sunken. The skin on her exposed arms had sagged pitifully.
“After our last video call two months ago,” Madilyn choked out, “Mom didn't want to turn on her camera anymore and insisted on sticking to voice call. I was so stupid not to have seen that she was hiding the increasing severity of her heart disease. I thought she was stable.”
Roxanne's heart sank when she saw how emaciated Lorraine looked.
I was going to greet her and ask her how she was feeling.
Given how deeply she is sleeping, she might be borderline comatose. I may not have the chance to ask her.
Roxanne did not say much else. Instead, she took the patient's pulse.
Lorraine's skin felt frighteningly cold.
Grasping her stick-thin wrist, Roxanne felt her heart wrench with pain.
Her pulse was so weak that it was almost disappearing.
Roxanne's heart lurched. Indeed, she's almost gone.
However, she did not voice her fears. She turned to face Madilyn and said, “Don't worry. There's still hope. Let her get some rest. We'll head back to the office to peruse her case files.”
Madilyn nodded. She picked up her mother's hand gently and tucked it back under the quilt.
The pair returned to the office and began examining all of the reports. Roxanne perused them with rapt attention while Madilyn explained how her mother had been battling a wildly-fluctuating illness for years.
In order to minimize the stress on her mother's heart, Madilyn only told her about things after they had been watered down.
After examining the CT scan results for half an hour, Roxanne detected something strange in the patient's heart.
“Look at this, Madilyn. What's this? Why is there a little spot here?”
Madilyn leaned over and, after examining it for a long time, could not detect anything awry.
“This happens during the scanning process. Perhaps there was a period when the flow of the blood accelerated, causing this change.”
Roxanne's brow knitted together. It's true that something like this may happen.
However, she could not get rid of the feeling that the spot on Lorraine's CT scan result was different, but she could not put her finger on what it was.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1858-Roxanne studied it for a little longer. Just then, Lucian called her.
She walked out of the office and filled him in on the situation.
“Mdm. Xander is in a critical state right now, so I might have to stay here tonight. I need to identify the problem as soon as possible and find a solution so I can save her,” said Roxanne seriously.
“Okay. Let me know right away if you need anything. Don't worry about the kids. I'll take good care of them. You should take care of yourself.”
No matter what, Lucian would always give Roxanne his firm support. His words filled Roxanne with a sense of warmth, and she entered the office again with newfound vigor.
Madilyn had stopped looking at the papers. She was staring at a picture of her and Lorraine in her phone, her expression blank.
Before Roxanne could say anything, tears began to fall again from Madilyn's eyes.
“Roxanne, I'm so useless. I can't find any way to save my mom. I'm terrible!”
As Madilyn blamed herself woefully, tears continued to stream down her cheeks. Soon, she began sobbing.
Unable to think of any better words of comfort, Roxanne hugged Madilyn tightly with misty eyes.
“Roxanne, my mom has suffered so much. That sc*mbag abandoned the two of us and neglected us for more than twenty years. Aside from giving us money, he never visited us. I don't get why my mom is still foolishly waiting for him. There's no way he'll change his mind! He's the most disgusting man in this world.”
In her sorrow, Madilyn began to talk about her family.
Madilyn grew up in a single-parent family. When Lorraine was younger, she had fallen in love with the heir of an influential family, and that man had promised to marry her.
However, he was later put at a disadvantage in a fight with his brothers for inheritance, so he entered a marriage of convenience with the daughter of a prominent family to solidify his position.
“My mom was already pregnant with me at that time. She couldn't bear to abort me, so she bore all the responsibilities and gave birth to me. All these years, she won't even let me visit her for fear that that family would target me. In order to protect me, she always told me to stay away from her. That's why I'm in Horington most of the time and rarely go home. Roxanne, my mom has gone through so much, so when I saw you finally getting together with Lucian, I was really emotional. Sadly, my mom isn't as fortunate as you.”
When Roxanne heard her best friend reveal this long-time secret, mixed emotions flooded her, and her face crumpled.
Madilyn's weeping slowly came to a stop as she opened up to Roxanne. Picking up a tissue, Roxanne wiped away Madilyn's tears.
She recomposed herself and put on a firm expression. “Madilyn, don't forget who we are. Now is not the time to be sad. We still have chances. Trust me!”
Madilyn lifted her head at those words and nodded heavily.
“Contact all the surgeons of the hospital right now and tell them to come in for overtime. Also, I need another CT scan of Mdm. Xander, but make her lie on her stomach this time. I need to find out more about that mark on the back of her heart. This could be our chance!”
With those instructions from Roxanne, Madilyn got to work immediately.
Roxanne also began her preparations. She called Lucian and asked him to find Cerulean Needle Technique from the study and have Cayden bring it to the hospital as soon as possible.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1859-Late at night, a group of surgeons on full alert stood outside the operating room in one line.
Although none of them complained about having to work overtime, Roxanne felt ill at ease. Not only did she announce they would get three times the overtime pay for that night and additional bonuses, but she also ordered lots of takeout food for them.
Meanwhile, Madilyn carefully set Lorraine down on her stomach and began the CT scan.
In no time, she submitted the CT images to Roxanne.
Lucian arrived at that moment with Cerulean Needle Technique in his hand.
“Don't worry. I've asked Mom and Dad to come to our house and watch the kids. I'll stay with you tonight. You must be tired. Let me make some coffee for you.”
Lucian's presence gave Roxanne more confidence. She relaxed a little, and she was able to concentrate better.
After making coffee, Lucian blew it for a while to cool it down.
Roxanne's attention, however, was focused on the CT images. The CT images taken from the back were indeed clearer.
As Roxanne had guessed, there was something wrong with that mark.
It was not just an ordinary mark. Roxanne pieced the images taken from different angles together and finally identified it to be a tiny oblong.
“As expected, it's a tumor.” Despite finding the cause of the problem, Roxanne could not cheer up.
The tumor was positioned right on the aorta, which most, if not all doctors, dared not to operate on.
That was because no matter how careful and attentive a doctor was, there was a big possibility that the patient's blood vessels would burst, which would result in severe blood loss.
A solemn look clouded Roxanne's face. The cup of coffee Lucian had passed her remained in her grip, but she had long forgotten about it.
At that moment, Madilyn hurried over.
When she saw Lucian, she wasn't sure what expression to make at him, so she simply nodded lightly.
“Don't worry, Madilyn. Mdm. Xander will be fine,” Lucian comforted her.
In response, Madilyn flashed him a grateful look.
Roxanne quickly passed the CT images to Madilyn. She was certain the mark was a tumor blocking the blood flow in the aorta and causing long-term insufficient blood supply. That was the reason Lorraine suffered heart failure.
Madilyn's countenance darkened just like Roxanne's.
No signs of hope could be seen in Madilyn's helpless eyes at that point. “This is too dangerous! How are we going to perform surgery in this case?”
“If we don't operate on her, she will have a slow death. If we operate on her, she might not make it out of the operating room alive tonight!” Roxanne said loudly, startling Lucian.
As her eyes burned with determination, she gritted her teeth and said to Madilyn, “Let's do it. I'll be the one to operate on her with assistance from the other surgeons. Madilyn, I'll take responsibility for Mdm. Xander's life!”
There was a hint of somberness in her voice.
Madilyn looked up and shook her head. “Roxanne, don't give yourself so much pressure. This isn't your responsibility to take on. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness...”
She trailed off as tears began to well up in her eyes again.
However, Roxanne had no time to console Madilyn. She gulped down the coffee and strode out of the office, heading toward the operating room.
When she noticed Lucian following her, she requested, “Lucian, watch over Madilyn, will you? I'm worried she'll be too emotional and disrupt the surgery. She'll never muster the courage to do this surgery herself, so I'm the only one who can do it.”
Nodding firmly, Lucian couldn't help but feel impressed at how thoughtful Roxanne was.
It was true that Madilyn could possibly interrupt the surgery if she lost control of her emotions.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1860-All heart surgeries that involved opening up the patient's back were extremely risky.
As for an aorta surgery where they had to remove such a tiny tumor, the surgeons present had to first reflect if they had the mental strength and precise skills required for the surgery.
When Roxanne arrived at the operating room and told them about the plan, everyone's faces were grim.
“Dr. Jarvis, is this really possible? In cases like this, we would usually suggest that the patient stick with conservative treatment.”
“That's right. This is too difficult. What if something bad happens? Dr. Jarvis, it's Dr. Xander's mother we're talking about here. The pressure you're feeling must be immense. Please consider this carefully!”
“It won't be too difficult if we're only going to provide support. However, it's worth noting that not a lot of doctors in our country are able to perform such a surgery.”
Roxanne remained unaffected while the doctors discussed among themselves. The fiery look in her eyes gradually calmed down as she found peace within herself.
A clear mind and absolute concentration were essential to the surgery.
Instead of refuting the doctors' doubts, she reassured them with a soft smile, “Don't worry, everyone. Don't forget that I'm Dr. Jarvis, who's also proficient in ancient medicine!”
With that, she extended her palm to show them her needle before quickly keeping it again.
Right then, she looked just like a medical expert.
Roxanne was not putting on an act. She just wanted to loosen the doctors up so they could avoid making any mistakes during the surgery.
“Bring the patient in for the surgery,” she said to the nurse on duty. “Everyone, it's time to prepare for the surgery. Don't think of anything else. Just focus on doing well!”
Following that order from Roxanne, the operating room began bustling with activity. All lights were turned on, and the doctors changed into their scrubs.
Before entering the operating room, Roxanne took one last glance at the end of the corridor. Madilyn did not come. Roxanne figured she was genuinely scared to face the reality.
The surgery began.
Time ticked by, and soon, two hours had passed.
Finally unable to take it, Madilyn dashed out of the director's office. Her sudden action caught Lucian off guard, but he swiftly caught up to her.
When they got to the operating room, Lucian stood in Madilyn's way.
“Don't worry, Mr. Farwell. I won't act so irrationally. I just want to stay closer while I wait for the good news from Roxanne. My mom will be fine, right?” Madilyn asked.
Not knowing what to say, Lucian nodded and watched her sit down on the chair.
Madilyn clasped her hands together and began mumbling a prayer.
One could only imagine how anxious and powerless she felt as the daughter of the woman lying on the operating table.
Lucian could vaguely hear the commotion coming from the operating room.
Chaos had broken out inside.
“Her blood vessels ruptured! We can't stop the bleeding!”
“What do we do, Dr. Jarvis?”
“Pass me the hemostat! She's bleeding too much. This is going to cause an infection!”
Roxanne's forehead was beaded with sweat even though her assistant had just wiped it for her moments ago.
While everyone else in the operating room was in a state of panic, she kept her composure and hurriedly put the hemostat in place.
At the same time, she picked up her needle.
Twenty minutes later, the doctors stared at Roxanne with their jaws dropped.
She had stopped the bleeding and removed the tumor, and she was now repairing the blood vessels.
As more blood started to flow into Lorraine's heart, it began beating faster and stronger.
Under the mask, Roxanne's lips curled up slightly.
It was only then that she felt exhaustion taking over her body.
After cleaning up the blood, she asked the other doctors to finish up the final stitches.
The surgery was a success.