Chapter 3 No More Intersections

It was Terry!

Isabella instinctively took two steps back and quickly put on her mask.

Elora immediately stood up, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, just a small misunderstanding."

"And who might this lady be?" Terry's gaze quickly shifted to Isabella.

Isabella smirked, though her face remained impassive behind her mask and gold-rimmed glasses.

"Miss, there's nothing more today. Let's not waste each other's time. Please remember to follow public order next time. Oliver, Amelia, let's go."

Isabella left without looking back, dragging her children with her.

Elora was furious but didn't dare say anything.

Terry watched Isabella's retreating figure. She seemed familiar, but he couldn't place her.

He turned back. "You said you prepared a gift for Dr. Abigail Garcia?"

Elora, embarrassed, replied, "Terry, Dr. Garcia has seen everything. I'm afraid she won't like anything I prepare."

Terry's face showed displeasure. He glanced at his watch. "Let's go pick her up. The information says her plane has landed."

Without another word, he left, not sparing Elora another glance.

Two hours later.

In a top-tier private hospital's conference room, a high-level international medical seminar had just concluded.

Isabella was surrounded by several experts from different countries, discussing various issues.

Her makeup was flawless, her demeanor cold and exceptional.

She wore a well-tailored white coat, a stark contrast to the timid, gaunt housewife she had been five years ago.

After seeing off the international researchers, her assistant approached with a phone. "Dr. Garcia, a Mr. Lopez has been trying to reach you. He says he's an old friend and has an urgent matter."

Isabella took the phone, and a somewhat familiar voice came through. "Dr. Garcia, this is Charles Lopez. Do you remember me?"

They had met at a medical seminar two years ago.

Because their specialties were similar and they were from the same country, they exchanged contact information.

"I have a favor to ask. The chairman of Avery Technology Corporation has had a severe heart attack. The local experts are at a loss. You might be the only one who can help."

The chairman of Avery Technology Corporation?

Wasn't that Terry's grandfather?

Isabella walked to the window, looking at the bustling traffic below, her expression unchanging.

"Mr. Lopez?" Her voice was calm. "I'm sorry, my schedule is full, and I can't take on new patients. Please find someone else."

She was about to hang up.

She had a surgery scheduled soon and didn't want to waste time. Her children were waiting for her to come home for dinner.

"Dr. Garcia, money is no issue! Name your price, and we'll do our best to meet it," Charles said urgently.

"It's not about money," Isabella said coolly. "I don't have the time. My time is reserved for more critical patients. That's all."

She hung up decisively.

Half an hour later.

In the VIP consultation room, Terry and the hospital leadership were anxiously waiting, with Elora glancing around nervously.

"How much longer until she's done?" Terry was getting restless, frequently checking the time.

After rushing from the airport, Abigail had gone straight into a meeting and then into surgery. He still hadn't seen her.

Terry was growing increasingly frustrated.

"Terry, Dr. Garcia's schedule is packed today," Said Gregory Harris, the hospital director.

He was Elora's father and naturally spoke more familiarly with Terry.

"Can't she prioritize us? We'll pay whatever it takes!" Terry's patience was wearing thin.

"Dad!" Elora whispered, supporting Terry, "We brought Dr. Garcia here specifically for us. Why should we wait on her?"

Gregory shook his head. "Elora! Dr. Garcia was invited by government officials. Our hospital is just hosting her. Besides, I heard she dislikes being disturbed. If you need her help, show some respect."

"Who does she think she is? Terry personally invited her, and she still..." Elora's words were cut off as the surgery room door opened.

"That's Dr. Garcia!" Gregory reminded.

Isabella walked in, and Terry was momentarily stunned.

The woman before him was breathtakingly beautiful, with a cold elegance. Though she wore a mask and gold-rimmed glasses, her presence was commanding.

For some reason, her eyes reminded him of his ex-wife, Isabella. Her every move brought Isabella to mind.

"Dr. Garcia, this is Terry Carter. His grandfather's condition is critical, and he's a major shareholder in our hospital." Gregory began.

Isabella raised a hand, gracefully interrupting him.

Elora recognized Isabella as the woman from the airport and was momentarily shocked.

Wearing heels, she quickly approached Isabella. "What are you doing here?"

She glanced at Isabella's white coat, a smirk forming on her lips. "This is the VIP consultation room. What are you doing here?"

Still fuming from earlier, Elora was displeased to see Isabella again.

Before Isabella could respond, Elora had an idea and turned to Gregory. "This hospital is the best in Empire City. Terry invested here for its professional expertise. We can't let just anyone in."

Gregory was puzzled by Elora's hostility towards Isabella. Wasn't she the one they had invited?

Isabella crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow, completely ignoring Elora.

She raised a hand and turned to Terry. "Mr. Carter, Mr. Lopez already explained your grandfather's situation. My answer remains the same. I'm sorry, but I can't take the case."

Terry was taken aback by her direct refusal.

His emotions flared up. "Name your price! I'll meet any demand!"

Isabella ignored him, turning to leave.

"Are you still upset about the airport incident? If so, I can apologize."

"Terry!" Elora was anxious.

Isabella stopped, chuckled softly, her eyes briefly showing a hint of sarcasm. "Mr. Carter, isn't it a bit late for an apology? Besides, I don't need your apology."

Terry met Isabella's gaze. "Then why refuse? Saving lives is a doctor's duty. Refusing to help is unprofessional."

Her calm eyes made him uneasy.

"Whether I'm professional or not is not for you to judge."

Isabella slightly turned, signaling for them to leave. "Please don't waste time with me. It won't help your grandfather's condition."

Terry, seeing her resolute attitude and recalling her impressive background, weighed his options.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he quelled his anger.

Empire City had other heart specialists. A doctor who didn't prioritize saving lives couldn't be a good one.

"Alright, we won't bother you," Terry said coldly, standing up and leaving.

Elora, looking furious, followed him out.

Watching them leave, the slight ripple in Isabella's eyes faded.

He was still as self-centered as ever, always putting his interests first. Over the years, he hadn't changed a bit.