Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 419

Three days later, Stella prepared to operate.

A sterile operating room and two assistants had been prepped exactly to her specifications.

The assistants were familiar faces: Dr. Warren and Dr. Lowell, the same surgeons who had assisted with Julius's legs.

Having witnessed her masterful surgical skills before, they were absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to watch her work again.

Since they had collaborated previously, their synergy was even better this time. A single glance from Stella was enough for them to know exactly what instrument she needed.

On the day of the surgery, everyone from the Vaughn family—except for Vincent—gathered outside the OR, alongside Julius and Jason.

Two hours later, Stella emerged.

Timothy practically lunged forward. "Stella, how did it go?"

Pulling down her mask, she offered a reassuring smile. "The surgery was a complete success. Grandpa is going to be just fine."

"Thank God," Timothy breathed, overwhelmed with relief. "Thank you, Stella. Thank you so much."

He and his sister had lost their parents at a young age. His uncle and aunt had raised them as their own, pouring their hearts into their upbringing.

The siblings had grown up calling them Mom and Dad.

If anything had happened to Wilfred, it would have shattered the family.

The rest of the Vaughns were equally ecstatic. Grandma Fidelia pulled Stella into a tight embrace, weeping tears of joy, unable to form words.

"Grandma, don't cry," Stella murmured, gently patting her back. "The surgery went perfectly. You should be happy."

"These are happy tears! Thank you, Stella. If it weren't for you, my heart would have broken entirely."

She and Wilfred had fallen in love in college and married right after graduation. They had spent decades by each other's side. If he had left her, she might never have found happiness again.

Yvette gently pulled Fidelia back. "Mom, alright now. Stella just finished a major operation and must be exhausted. Let her rest."

Refusing to swallow her pride, she believed she could prove her worth and secure massive profits for the company on her own. So, she clocked in every day.

But while her ambitions were grand, reality was brutally unforgiving.

The corporate world had quickly taught her a harsh lesson.

After nearly a month on the job, she hadn't closed a single deal.

Her deeply ingrained arrogance and abrasive attitude had not only alienated new prospects but had actively offended several of their legacy clients.

Those clients had threatened to sever ties with the Lowells entirely.

This had sent her father into a rage, leading to a vicious dressing-down.

His harsh words still echoed in her ears.