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CHAPTER-24 The Challenge of Conviction

ALARIC'S POV

I storm out of Estella's cabin, seething with anger. How she's changed—no longer the innocent Ella I once knew. Her audacity, challenging me not to interfere with my grandmother's surgery, infuriates me. Despite causing my grandmother's condition, she dares to stand her ground. I head toward Dr. Vincent's cabin.

Dr. Vincent, just arriving at the hospital, is briefed on my grandmother's condition. He expresses gratitude for Estella's presence, praising her for saving my grandmother's life. I nod, hiding my true feelings. 

When I request Estella not participate in the surgery, Dr. Vincent is taken aback. He mentions he could only allow another skilled doctor if there's a good reason. 

As a guardian, I insist on my right to choose the doctor. But he reminds me that my right only applies with valid reasons.

 Disheartened, I turn to leave, reaching for the door. Just then, Dr. Vincent cautions me against meddling in surgery decisions. He asserts that he alone decides who participates, and he won't let Estella step down; she's one of the best in the hospital. Frustrated, I storm off to a nearby balcony to collect my thoughts.

Anger pulses through me as I reach the hospital balcony. I refuse to let Estella take part in the surgery. I quickly call my assistant, conveying my instructions. Ending the call, a smirk plays on my lips. Dr. Vincent and Estella may think they can thwart me, but they don't understand who Alaric Easterwood truly is.

ESTELLA'S POV

As I reach home, the weight of the day's events still heavy on my mind, I find Charlotte pacing in the living room, her brow furrowed in concern as she mutters into her phone. The sound of the door closing draws her attention, and she whirls around to face me, rushing towards me with worry etched on her features.

"Estella, are you okay?, Why are you so late?, Is everything alright?" Her words spill out in a rush, concern evident in her voice.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts, recalling how I had called her before finishing my duties at the hospital, only to be delayed by the sudden emergency. With a weary nod, I reply, "I'm fine, just a bit tired."

"No, you're not okay," You look tense she insists, her eyes searching mine. "What happened? Tell me everything."

With a heavy sigh, I sink into the nearest chair, Charlotte taking a seat beside me, her gaze fixed intently on me, waiting for an explanation. I recount the events of the day, the tension in my chest easing as I decide to share the burden with my best friend.

"It's been quite a day," I begin, and proceed to recount the tumultuous events that unfolded at the hospital.

"You know how I am assisting Dr. Vincent in an important surgery," I begin, painting a vivid picture of the bustling hospital ward, the faint hum of machinery blending with the urgency in the air. "We were tasked with a critical case, and as I made my way to meet the patient's guardian.

"And guess who the guardian turned out to be?" I continue, a bitter edge creeping into my voice. "Alaric Easterwood." 

I never expected to come face to face with Alaric after so long."

Charlotte's eyes widen in surprise. "Alaric? You saw him after all this time?"

I nod, a bitter taste lingering in my mouth. "Yes, he was there as the guardian of the patient we were operating on and you won't believe who is the patient?.

I pause, memories of our tumultuous past flooding back to me. "Its his grandmother, of all people."

Charlotte listens intently, her expression a mix of empathy and concern. She's always been my rock, my confidante in times of turmoil.

A bitter smile tugs at my lips as I recount my encounter with Alaric. 

"He's changed so much, Charlotte I explain, frustration lacing my words. "But instead of gratitude, he chose to confront me, blaming me for his grandmother's condition and  still he had the audacity to challenge me, to question my abilities as a doctor."

"It was like stepping back in time," I confess, the weight of the memories pressing down on me. "He thinks he can control everything, dictate who can be involved in the surgery," I explain, frustration bubbling within me. "But I won't let him dictate my actions, not this time.

Charlotte's expression softens with sympathy as she reaches out to squeeze my hand in support. "I'm sorry, Estella. You don't deserve to be treated like that, especially after all you've done for your patients." But you know you're an incredible doctor, right? Don't let anyone make you doubt yourself."

 She assures me, her gaze unwavering as she meets my eyes. "And no matter what he believes, you're still the same compassionate, dedicated doctor I've always known."

I offer her a grateful smile, the warmth of her understanding easing the tension coiled within me. "Thank you, Charlotte. It's just... difficult, seeing him after all this time. He still sees me as the culprit, despite everything."

Charlotte nods in understanding, her eyes filled with empathy. "Well, you know you have me here for support. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

Her words are like a balm to my weary soul, and I'm grateful for her unwavering friendship. "Thank you, Charlotte. I don't know what I'd do without you."

As we sit together in the quiet comfort of the living room, the weight of the day's events slowly begins to lift, replaced by a sense of gratitude for the friend by my side. Her words offer a glimmer of solace in the face of uncertainty, a reminder that despite the challenges that lie ahead, I'm not alone in this journey. 

With Charlotte by my side, I find the strength to face whatever may come, determined to rise above the doubts and accusations that threaten to cloud my path.

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