Chapter 8 - The Confrontation with Reality
The peaceful evening was briefly interrupted when an unexpected guest arrived at the front door.
It was Dr. Harrison, the lead pediatric specialist who had originally overseen Ethan’s case at the private clinic—the very doctor who had dismissed Lily’s initial warning with a patronizing smirk.
He stood in the grand foyer, holding a bottle of expensive wine, looking thoroughly out of place among the diverse crowd of neighbors and medical staff.
"Mr. Vance," Dr. Harrison said, offering a tight, nervous smile. "I... I received an invitation to the foundation gala. I wanted to drop by and see how Ethan was recovering."
I set my coffee cup down on the console table and walked over, my expression completely neutral.
"He's recovering wonderfully, Doctor," I replied evenly. "In fact, his new medical team at the community clinic has him completely stabilized without needing half the toxic pharmaceuticals your specialists prescribed."
Dr. Harrison swallowed hard, his eyes darting toward Lily, who was laughing across the room. "Yes, well... about that little girl. The hospital board conducted an internal review of our diagnostic protocols based on your son's case. We realized our oversight regarding orthostatic vitals was... regrettable."
"Regrettable?" I repeated, the cold edge returning to my voice. "Doctor, your oversight almost killed my son because you were too arrogant to listen to a nine-year-old child who possessed more observational intelligence than your entire medical degree paid for."
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The doctor flushed crimson, nodding mutely. He placed the wine bottle on the table and excused himself into the night without another word.
Some mistakes could not be smoothed over with professional apologies. But I didn't have time to dwell on prideful doctors anymore; my life was occupied by far more important things.
