Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 14

**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 14**

As Ophelia stood before Aaron, she caught a glimpse of the fear that danced in his eyes, a flicker that ignited a smirk on her lips. With an almost dismissive motion, she shrugged off the weight of his concerns, turning with an elegant grace that seemed to defy the tension in the air. “Mr. Caldwell,” she announced, her voice steady and commanding, “I’m going to operate on your grandfather now.”

Aaron’s brow furrowed, confusion mixing with disbelief. “I’m leaving him in your hands. If any member of the Vossen family comes looking for me, tell them I refuse to reconcile.” Her words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in authority.

“Understood,” Alaric replied, his nod accompanied by a smile that belied the tension in the room. He appeared unfazed by Ophelia’s authoritative demeanor, as if he had long accepted her unique position.

Yet, for Ryan and the other hospital staff, the scene was nothing short of astonishing. ‘In all of Dunhollow, who would dare to command Alaric Caldwell so boldly? Just who is this girl?’ they pondered, their curiosity piqued by her audacity.

“Ophelia, come back! That’s my surgery!” Aaron’s voice broke through the murmurs, his earlier shock morphing into desperation. He clung to the notion that this operation was his golden opportunity to prove his worth, yet here he was, unceremoniously cast aside.

Alaric, his patience wearing thin, delivered his order with icy precision, “Throw him out.”

“Yes, sir,” Ryan and the others responded in unison, swiftly moving to escort Aaron out. He fought against their grip, struggling fiercely, but his efforts were futile against their collective strength.

Before long, security personnel led him out of the hospital, handing him over to the police, while Alaric’s lawyer trailed closely behind in the police vehicle, ensuring that every detail was managed with utmost care.

Meanwhile, Ophelia was deep in concentration, pouring her energy into Zachary’s surgery throughout the afternoon. By the time she emerged from the operating room, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a blanket of night across the world outside.

In the hospital lounge, Alaric paced anxiously, flanked by Elijah and Emeric, both of whom were resolute in their commitment to remain by Zachary’s side. Alaric’s usual demeanor of control was replaced by a rare display of tension; he glanced at his watch repeatedly, a habit that betrayed his unease. His face, usually a mask of confidence in the boardroom, was now grave and drawn.

Though Connor had vouched for Ophelia’s skills, she was still a college student, untested in the eyes of many.

Sensing Alaric’s growing concern, Connor took a leisurely sip of his coffee, a playful smile dancing on his lips. “Alaric, don’t stress so much. When I had surgery, Ophelia was in the operating room for hours,” he reassured, his tone light. “Your grandfather’s case is more complicated, so it’s normal for the surgery to take longer. Just trust her; if she can’t save him, then I doubt anyone else can.”

Alaric nodded, though his expression remained serious. “That may be true, but if she fails to save my grandfather, she will have to answer to me.” The weight of responsibility was heavy on his shoulders, especially given the solemn promises Ophelia had made when she accepted the case.

Just as the tension reached its peak, Ophelia stepped through the door of the lounge, her presence commanding immediate attention.

“Mr. Caldwell, you’re probably going to be disappointed. I won’t be responsible for your grandfather,” she declared, her tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of exhaustion.

Connor, upon seeing her, sprang to his feet. “Ophelia! You’re out. How’s Zachary?” His concern was genuine, but he quickly noticed the pallor of her complexion and the weariness etched into her features. “Ophelia, are you okay?” he asked, his voice softening.

“I’m fine,” she replied, waving off his concern with a dismissive gesture, though her body spoke of the toll the lengthy surgery had taken. It was a feat that would have drained the energy of anyone else, but she had pushed through, driven by sheer determination and willpower.

Alaric’s expression darkened at her words. “Not responsible? What do you mean by that?” His voice held an edge, a mix of concern and frustration.

Removing her surgical mask, Ophelia addressed both Connor and Alaric, “The surgery was successful. Now all that remains is the standard post-operative recovery at Dunhollow Hospital for six months. I have no further responsibility.”

She sank into a chair, pouring herself a cup of coffee, her movements deliberate and calm.

Taking a sip, she smiled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. “Connor, your coffee really does wake me up.”

At that moment, Alaric’s assistant Ryan entered, bringing with him the latest updates.

Only after confirming the surgery’s success did Alaric finally let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Since it’s a success, let’s pay Ms. Vossen the final installment.”

Ophelia’s heart skipped a beat as she remembered her recent name change. “I’m no longer a Vossen. My last name is Rowle now. If you’re transferring the money, please send it to my new account.”

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