Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 85

Her parents were still young and healthy, so even if they drank a strong tonic, the worst that could happen would be a little discomfort. But her grandfather was another matter entirely.

His health was fragile, his heart and brain already showing signs of trouble. She had helped him with his circulation a few days ago, but even so, he had to watch what he ate and get plenty of rest.

A regular bowl of high-quality ginseng soup wouldn’t have put him in danger, but the herbs from the auction were on a whole other level. And Lucinda had thrown all three types in the pot at once, without any kind of preparation or processing. For someone as delicate as her grandfather, that stuff could be lethal.

Dr. Simpson looked unconvinced. “But we’ve never tried something like this.”

“Right. What if something goes wrong? Are you ready to take the blame?” another doctor asked, clearly against the idea. He honestly couldn’t figure out why the Norwoods had brought in a young girl to handle something this serious. Part of him wondered if the family just didn’t care whether the patient lived or not.

Before Lydia could say anything, Dr. Hady stepped in. “Dr. Simpson, trust me. She knows exactly what she’s doing.”

No one else could compare to her.

She might be young, but she was the most important mentor Dr. Hady had ever had. At first, he’d thought Mr. Norwood’s surgery was a fifty-fifty gamble. But now, with Lydia here, he was sure they’d pull it off.

While the others were busy arguing, Lydia had already finished helping her grandfather’s blood and energy flow more smoothly. She carefully gathered up her silver needles and looked at Dr. Hady. “Let’s get ready for surgery.”

Dr. Hady tried to hide just how excited he was as he nodded. “Yes, ma’am!”

No one else in the room could understand how much of an honor it was to watch his mentor handle a full operation. He was sure that after this, his own skills would level up in a big way.

Dr. Simpson and the other doctors watched as Lydia pulled on her sterile gloves, all business. It was clear she was really going to take the lead. With Dr. Hady backing her and the Norwood family’s trust, there was no point arguing anymore. All they could do was take their places and do their jobs, hoping for the best.

She made a swift, steady incision along Mr. Norwood’s chest. Bright red blood welled up, vivid and startling. Dr. Hady was right there, clearing it away.

Lydia moved quickly but with total confidence, cutting through to the heart and exposing the blocked artery. She used fine forceps to clamp the vessel, holding it steady, then stitched a new vessel in place, giving the heart a new path for blood to flow.

Her hands were steady, her movements almost graceful, each step smooth and sure, like she was playing an instrument she’d mastered long ago. Any challenge the surgery threw her way, she handled like it was nothing.

Dr. Simpson and the others were so tense that sweat rolled down their faces. More than once, they thought Lydia’s techniques were far too risky and almost stepped in, but every time, she pulled it off perfectly.

It took her just two hours to finish. Lydia had done it all three times faster than most surgeons could even dream.