Chapter 23
Rumors had started swirling about Asclepius turning up in Oticester, but Landon couldn't find a single solid lead to confirm it. The whole thing felt like chasing shadows.
His day had already taken a turn for the worse,and those nonstop spam calls were only making his mood darker.
He had every intention of ignoring his phone,but that relentless ringing wormed its way into his head,grating on his nerves.
Normally, Landon's temper burned hot, but something about performing surgery always brought him back down to earth, like the one thing that could truly steady him.
Finally fed up, he snatched up his phone, fully prepared to give the caller a piece of his mind.
Nearby, the hospital director did his best impression of a statue, hoping he wouldn't become the next target of Landon's outburst.
People in the hospital all knew Landon's reputation-he didn't care if one was rich, powerful, or just another doctor; if someone got in his way, this person was in for a tongue-lashing.,
Some wondered aloud how someone with Landon's reputation could be so abrasive, as if every harsh word chipped away at his legendary status.
Landon couldn't care less about the whispers or what anyone thought of his blunt approach. He believed in settling things directly, never backing away from a confrontation.
Nobody ever criticized him to his face, though.With his status as one of the top surgeons in the world, it wasn't worth the risk of making him an enemy.
Everyone knew there was no telling when they-or someone they loved-might need his steady hands in a life-or-death moment.
When it mattered most, Landon's skill in the operating room could tip the balance between hope and despair.
Outside of surgery, Landon was unpredictable, his temper never far from the surface. But the moment he stepped up to the operating table, everything about him changed.
In the operating room, he was the embodiment of calm and control, his focus razor-sharp, and his record for saving lives unmatched.
Landon braced himself as the line connected,expecting nothing but another pitch from a persistent caller and preparing to let his frustration boil over.
He knew telemarketers had it rough, but their endless calls day after day left him with no patience.Even blocking them felt like a losing battle.
"Landon..." the caller began.
The familiar voice on the other end stopped Landon cold. Every muscle tensed with disbelief and hope. Without thinking, Landon blurted out, "Asclepius!"His voice shook, and emotion prickled at the corners of his eyes.
It was really her-Asclepius. She was alive, and she was reaching out.
The hospital director, who had been quietly eavesdropping and half-expecting Landon to snap,nearly jumped at Landon's reaction.
When Landon spoke the name, the director almost stumbled in shock.
Was it possible? Asclepius was reaching out to Landon? Why on earth would he be contacting Landon directly? Was Landon the one Asclepius had chosen?
But Landon was healthy, and Asclepius was famous for taking on only the most complicated, unsolvable medical cases.
As the director tried to make sense of what he'd just heard, Landon couldn't hide his happiness. His entire attitude shifted, and even through the phone, his respect was obvious.
Not even a meeting with the president had ever pulled this much genuine warmth from Landon.Could it truly be Asclepius on the other end of the line?
The director felt a jolt of excitement run through him,his heart pounding so hard he was sure everyone could hear it. Sweat slicked his palms as the possibility sank in.
Meeting Asclepius in person was something most doctors only dared to hope for.
"I've got it covered. Leave the rest to me," Landon responded, his voice steady and sure.
After hanging up, Landon fixed the director with a grave look. "Get an operating room ready. I want the area clear-no one gets close except my team and me."
The director nodded so. many times it looked like he might sprain his neck. "Absolutely, right away." Still, he couldn't shake his curiosity and ended up asking, "Will Asclepius be performing?"