Seven Years a Fool One Day a Queen (Kristine and Colton) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

When Eliza finally found her mother’s attending physician, Dr. Philip Quinn, he had just received the scan results.

Noticing she was the patient’s daughter, he immediately began explaining.

“Do you see this shadow? That’s where the tumor is.” He pointed to the gray blotch on the film. “Its location is very unfavorable. The surgery

would be extremely difficult, and risky.”

Eliza’s heart plummeted, dread clawing at her chest.

“At the moment, we can’t determine if it’s benign or malignant. We’ll need to wait for tomorrow’s biopsy. But you should be mentally prepared either way.”

Dr. Quinn was concise, his voice steady, but every word landed like a weight.

“If…” Eliza’s voice shook, “…if it turns out malignant, what then?”

No matter how strong she usually was, in the face of life and death, she suddenly felt small and helpless.

Dr. Quinn frowned. “Even if it’s benign, removal at this site is very difficult. And with her pre–existing conditions, our hospital may…” He adjusted his glasses, looking apologetic.

It felt like a boulder was crushing Eliza’s chest; she could barely breathe.

“What about other hospitals?” she pressed.

“You mustn’t panic,” he said. “Normally I’d advise transferring to the country’s top cancer hospital. But there’s another chance. It may be

complicated.”

“I’m not afraid of complications!” Eliza’s voice was firm. As long as it saves Mom, I’ll do anything.

“Tomorrow, an international team of specialists will be here for a visiting clinic. Among them are world–class experts in this exact field. If your mother’s case is chosen as one of their study subjects, then surgery could be possible.”

Hope flared in Eliza’s chest. “How do we get her chosen?”

“That depends on luck,” he admitted honestly. “You know how scarce this level of medical resource is–everyone’s watching, hoping. Competition will be fierce.”

Eliza thanked him sincerely.

If she wanted to fight for her mother’s chance, she had to be fully prepared.

After she left, a colleague entered. Glancing at the scans on the lightbox, he remarked, “What a coincidence, two patients in a row with tumors in the same spot.”

Philip nodded. “Yes, first time I’ve seen it. But Regina Doyle’s condition is far better. Her tumor is benign, no underlying diseases, surgery success rate is higher.”

The colleague compared the films, chuckling dryly. “If it were me, I’d pick the easier case. These overseas experts want clean, successful results to pad their CVs. They’ll go for the sure win.”

Ugly words, but the truth. Philip couldn’t refute him.

Seven Years a Fool. One Day a Queen

5.9%

Chapter 20

The colleague patted Philip’s shoulder. “You should be ready to make the call too.”

Meanwhile, in the ward, Caesar was gently feeding Regina ginseng soup.

Her illness had drained her complexion, left her weak. He coaxed her patiently until she finished the bowl.

She asked to go out for some air, so he wheeled her outside.

A short distance behind them, Medea strolled with Calvin.

“See how much my parents love each other?” she said softly, starting the conversation.

Calvin gave a brief acknowledgment.

“My friends say my personality is so good. Really, it’s thanks to growing up in a happy, healthy home. I don’t have the flaws children from broken families do–those people can be sensitive, insecure.”

She paused deliberately, then added, “Like Secretary Grant. I heard her family background wasn’t good. It’s kind of pitiful.”

Calvin’s response was curt, edged with impatience: “Why bring her up for no reason?”

Medea gave an innocent smile. “Just a wave of sympathy, I suppose.”

Eliza, of course, stayed at the hospital to care for her mother. But she had rushed over empty–handed, so she needed to slip home for some

things.

She told the nurse, then hurried to the elevator. Time was tight.

The doors were nearly closed when she called, “Hold the door!”

She pressed the button and managed to slip in before it shut.

Relieved–until she saw who was inside.

Medea blinked in surprise. “Secretary Grant? What are you doing here? I thought you went back to the office.”

Beside her, Calvin remained cold as ever, no flicker of reaction, his gaze on Eliza no different from that on a stranger.

For courtesy’s sake, Eliza answered simply, “A family member is sick.”

“Oh? What a coincidence. My mom’s hospitalized here too,” Medea said lightly.

Eliza didn’t want to chat. She just wanted to grab her things and rush back before the nurse shift changed. She stepped fully inside anyway–better to share a small elevator than waste precious minutes.

The car descended. Eliza fixed her eyes on the doors, face expressionless.

Behind her, Medea chattered to Calvin.

“Calv, where should we eat later? Back to Still Waters? I really like it there–the ambiance, the dishes.”

“Then we’ll go there.” Calvin’s tone was indulgent, pliant.

In seven years, Eliza had never seen him so accommodating. For Medea, he was utterly compliant.

Of course, Eliza thought bitterly. She’s his first love.

The elevator was quick; before they could drift into another round of sweet talk, it reached the ground floor.

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