This time, his response was firm. “Mr. Wilder, I’m truly sorry, but the appointment was scheduled in advance and everything’s already set. It just can’t be changed at the last minute.”
Noticing Dylan’s expression turning cold, he quickly tried to soften the blow. “But please don’t worry. We’ll do our absolute best for Miss Gilmore’s mother as well. If Miss Gilmore is concerned, I can even help contact a more renowned hospital for a second opinion.”
As the last glimmer of hope faded, the light drained from Noreen’s eyes.
“Noreen, wait outside for a moment,” Dylan told her.
Noreen left the room in a daze, barely aware of her surroundings.
Dylan turned back to Dean Grayson, his gaze sharp. “Dean Grayson, let’s be honest. What would it take for you to perform Rosalind’s surgery?”
“Mr. Wilder, there’s been a misunderstanding. I really can’t help you with this,” Dean Grayson replied, his tone apologetic.
Dylan understood instantly. He didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Would you mind telling me who’s putting you in this difficult position?”
Dean Grayson hesitated, unable to give a straight answer.
There were only a handful of prominent families in Rivercrest City, and even fewer whose influence rivaled that of the Wilder family.
It didn’t take much for Dylan to piece it together. “Is it Seth?”
Dean Grayson neither confirmed nor denied it, but his silence spoke volumes.
Dylan nodded, resigned. “I understand. Thank you for your time.”
With nothing else to say, he left the hospital without so much as a word to Noreen.
She could sense, too, that their chances were slim. Left with no other options, she started researching expert medical teams online, hoping to find an alternative.
Meanwhile, Dylan headed straight to the Aurelion Group to find Seth.
When he arrived, Bianca was there as well.
“Dylan! This is a surprise,” Bianca greeted him cheerfully.
1/3
“I’m here to see Seth,” Dylan replied.
“He’s in his office. I’ll take you to him,” Blanca offered, leading the way
Seth had already guessed this confrontation was coming–Dean Grayson had called him an hour earlier to say Dylan was seeking a spot with the expert medical team.
But Seth had already promised that opportunity to Bianca. He wasn’t about to change his mind.
Dean Grayson, caught in the middle, could only turn Dylan down as politely as possible.
Dylan got straight to the point as soon as he saw Seth. “Can you give me the expert team’s appointment slot?”
Seth didn’t budge. “Sorry, Dylan. I can’t give up that slot.”
Bianca, realizing what this was about, quickly explained, “Dylan, Seth arranged that for me. My mom’s in the hospital–she really needs it.”
“So you’re the one who took the slot?” Dylan asked, his voice tight.
Bianca nodded. “Yeah. Who are you trying to help?”
Dylan didn’t answer, only giving Seth a long, complicated look before leaving in a rush.
That evening, Rosalind said she wanted some fresh air, so Noreen bundled her up and wheeled her outside for a walk.
The sunset painted the city in a brilliant wash of scarlet and gold–a rare jht for early winter.
Not far away, Bianca was also out for a stroll, pushing Yvonne’s wheelchair. Noreen, not wanting to run into them, changed direction.
Bianca, absorbed in conversation with her mother, didn’t notice Noreen at all.
“Mom, just relax and wait for the surgery,” Bianca was saying. “The team operating on you is world–class. There’s very little risk.”
Yvonne looked reassured. “We’re so lucky Seth pulled this off. You must thank him properly for me.”
Bianca grinned. “Seth says we don’t need to stand on ceremony.”
“Well, he’s right. Especially since you two are practically family already.”
2/3
“Oh, Mom…” Blanca blushed..
“I’m not wrong, am I? Anyone can see Seth truly cares about you. Your dad and F both see it.”
The mother and daughter’s voices faded as they moved farther away.
But under the shade of a tree, Noreen stood frozen, her face drained of color.
She never imagined it would be Seth who helped Bianca snatch away the appointment slot they so desperately needed.

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