Fractured Bonds

9 -Jacob (Part Two)

Contd from Three Years Ago.

She glared at me. Emma Sinclair just glared at me. What did I do so wrong? Should I have offered my hand to that woman's lawyer? I just don't feel like I should fraternise with the enemy, even if it is for a second.

Emma is a sharp and determined woman. She adjusts her glasses and meets Arthur's eyes with a steely gaze.

"Arthur, let's cut to the chase. What does your client want?"

Arthur began speaking in a steady manner, "Mrs. Williams is seeking $2 Million in damages for the wrongful death of her husband due to negligence post surgery, after she was assured that he would recover. She is also pursuing the revocation of Dr. Pendragon's medical license."

3 Million Dollars?! Has this woman lost it? On top of the money, she plans to take away Mike's license. I'm about to lose it when Emma, cold and firm, says, "We understand the gravity of the situation, but $2 Millions is excessive. We are prepared to offer $500,000 as settlement."

Louise Williams, finally speaks up, with tears in her eyes, "I trusted you, Dr. Pendragon. Your negligence cost him his life. I lost my husband, the love of my life."

Mike, sitting next to me, looks down, "Mrs. Williams, I am deeply sorry for your loss. However, your husband had an underlying condition that we were unaware of before the surgery. If we were made aware of it, we would have taken precautions suited to his condition. Additionally, the hospital was overwhelmed with patients, there was a shortage of doctors. I had to rush to another patient as soon as I was done with your husband's surgery."

Arthur's expression was resolute as he uttered the next sentence, "The overcrowding and shortage of staff do not excuse the fact that you forgot to issue a post-surgery scan. That scan could've detected the embolism early and saved Mr. Williams' life."

The way he said it, shattered me. I cannot even imagine how Mike is feeling right now.

Emma shakes her head. "We acknowledge the oversight, but the circumstances were extraordinary that night. We have concerns about Mrs. Williams due to her history with trespassing. Our final offer is $1 Million, and we request that you not appeal to revoke Dr. Pendragon's license. "

Louise stood up, her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, "This isn't just about money. It's ensuring that no other family has to suffer like mine. We'll see you in court, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you never practice again."

Arthur and Louise leave the room, the tension lingers even though they're gone, a clear sign that this negotiation has failed.

Emma turns to Mike and me, her expression thoughtful. "Truth be told, Louise Williams was reluctant to accept our invitation for a settlement negotiation. We can only assume she came here resolved not to accept anything."

I rise from my chair and gently tap Mike on the shoulder. "I guess we'll be seeing her at trial next?"

"I guess so," Emma replies. Mike has been silent since Louise's outburst. On one hand, I'm concerned about him; on the other, I know he's already thinking of ways to strengthen his case.

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