The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 58

Covered in a cold sweat, he groaned, "Save... the machine..."

The frantic villagers rushed forward, trying to lift the debris.

"Don't touch it! Back off and give him air!" Miles barked, dropping to his knees to assess the damage.

Claire held back the panicked crowd, giving him room to work.

He stopped them. "Don't lift it straight up! The weight is distributed wrong. Get crowbars, lift from the sides."

"I have some in my truck!" Julian sprinted off.

Claire knelt in the mud, desperate to help but unsure what to do.

Seeing Silas's agony, her heart ached. She murmured soothingly, "Dr. Zimmerman is here. You're going to be okay."

Following Miles's orders, Julian and a few men carefully pried the metal off.

The arm was mutilated, bone exposed. It was critical.

Vivian took a step forward, then shrank back, looking conflicted.

Miles inspected the wound with lightning speed. "Severe trauma to the right forearm. Nerves and vessels are severed. We can't save it."

"We have to amputate immediately to stop the bleeding and prevent infection."

Silas's eyes shot open. "No! No! If I lose my hand, how will I weave? What about the mill? What about everyone else?!"

"I'd rather die... I'd rather die than lose my arm..."

Tears welled up in the villagers' eyes.

"Silas, if we don't cut it off, you'll die!"

"Yeah, it's better to live! You've got years left..."

Claire's throat tightened, but her voice was steady.

"Silas, I told you I'd save Westhaven Mill, and I don't break my promises. Trust me. You have to live so we can save it together."

Tears streamed down Silas's face. "Girl... this is my life!"

Miles had his surgical kit ready. "Every minute we wait increases the risk."

Silas looked at Claire, finally giving a weak nod.

"Miles!" Vivian cried out anxiously. "Are you sure? If something goes wrong out here, you could lose your medical license."

"The conditions are terrible. There's a clinic miles away. Let's just take him there."

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