Chapter 278: The Show Begins–Gemma, Just for the Gossip
The young nurse was about to speak-
Then Ashton yanked her collar, choking off her words.
Air. She couldn’t get enough air.
Her instincts kicked in. She clawed at Ashton, pounding his chest in desperation.
“What the hell is going on?!”
“Ashton, let her go!”
“Where’s my child?!”
Just then, the Doltons‘ people arrived.
Jarrett had rushed over as soon as he heard. Now, he was just in time to save the struggling nurse.
“Ashton, are you out of your damn mind?”
He wanted nothing more than to punch his brother right now.
How could he be this reckless?!
“Jarrett, let me gol My kid is still in there–I have to see him!”
Madeline’s face paled.
“My grandson?”
“Did Gemma do something to my grandson?!”
“Let me in!”
Her panic sent her blood pressure skyrocketing.
She nearly fainted.
Abigail caught her just in time.
“Mom, are you okay?”
Jonathan stormed toward the operating room door. The nurse, despite being injured, stood firm, blocking his way.
“You can’t go in.”
Jonathan’s face darkened. His grandson was inside–who the hell did she think she was to stop him?
“Move, or I’ll end you.”
The nurse trembled Tears streamed down her face, but she held her ground
“No! The patient is still in surgery! I came out to tell you it was a success–you just need to wait a little longer.”
No one believed her.
“If anything happens to that child, can you take responsibility?! Get out of the way!”
The sheer pressure of the Doltons‘ authority crushed down on her.
She was already terrified–now she feared for her life.
Just as they were about to force their way in-
A swarm of reporters appeared out of nowhere.
“You’re the family of Dr. Kelestine’s patient?”
“Has the surgery ended?”
“Was it successful?”
“Are you trying to barge into the operating room?”
“Did something go wrong during the procedure?”
“You seem pretty anxious are you causing trouble for the hospital?”
Cameras flashed, microphones shoved forward–All aimed at the Doltons.
The Doltons valued their reputation above all else.
Now, with the press watching, no one dared to make a move. Their earlier aggression vanished
Christine, who hadn’t had a chance to speak before, finally seized her moment…
“Everyone, the patient inside is my child.”
One sentence and the reporters zeroed in on her.
Settung
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Chapter 278: The Show Begins–Gemma, Just for the Gossip
Questions rained down like bullets.
The Doltons‘ faces turned grim.
The old couple’s blood pressure spiked.
Abigail didn’t care-
She had been hoping the child and Gemma would destroy each other. Christine? She hadn’t factored into the equation.
After all, Ashton had always kept this woman hidden, never daring to let the Doltons see her.
But today-
Jarrett frowned. Things were spiraling out of control.
Ashton had been so worried about the baby, he hadn’t thought about the bigger picture.
Now, Christine had stepped into the spotlight-
And she was in danger.
Reporters surrounded her, making it impossible for Ashton to get close.
His gut twisted. The panic burned like oil poured onto fire.
He moved instinctively–only for Jarrett to grab his arm.
Jarrett gave him a warning look.
Jarret
If he stepped in now, he’d only make things worse.
A child of unknown parentage? The Doltons could spin that a thousand ways to protect their name.
But if the mother was present–and her status was messy?
That was another story.
Ashton clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay put.
Christine’s voice trembled with emotion. “My child is still in surgery. They just want to see him as soon as possible. There’s no trouble here–please
don’t misunderstand.”
The reporters weren’t fools.
They might not have recognized her at first, but they knew the Doltons from financial news.
“Wait—you’re a Doltons daughter–in–law? Which one is your husband?”
“Did you just give birth? Why didn’t the Doltons announce it?”
“Why wasn’t there a wedding?”
“Was this an arranged marriage?”
The conversation shifted. Forget Dr. Kelestine. Forget the surgery.
The Doltons‘ family drama was the real story.
The reporters are clever.
Gemma was well–known for her skills already. The success of this surgery was just another gem on her crown.
If they could land an exclusive, they’d either get a fat hush–money payout, or a career–making scoop.
Christine stammered.
‘LL
The more she hesitated, the worse it looked.
The reporters pressed harder, backing her into a corner.
Tears welled in her eyes. Just when she looked ready to collapse, the operating room doors swung open.
Doctors and nurses emerged, pushing a hospital bed. The baby lay there, post–surgery.
“This is a hospital, not a circus!”
The lead surgeon’s sharp voice cut through the chaos.
Silence fell.
Gemma stepped out, removing her mask. “Is Parrish here?”
Christine’s head snapped up, eyes shining with desperate relief. “Yes! I’m here!” She rushed to Gemma.
Gemma smiled. “Congratulations. The surgery was a success. The baby’s stable now just needs proper care moving forward.”
“Thank you, Dr. Kelestine.”
Christine meant it.
She had gambled, and won!
Seming
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Chapter 278: The Show Begins–Gemma, Just for the Gossip
The Doltons stood frozen for a moment-
Then Ashton’s heart nearly leaped out of his chest.
The baby was safe!
The surgery was successful!
Gemma… hadn’t done anything to hurt him.
His gaze locked onto her. Only then did he notice–she wasn’t alone.
Of course.
There had been plenty of eyes in the OR. Even if Gemma had wanted to harm the baby, she wouldn’t have had the chance.
Still, she had saved him. And that, Ashton owed her.
The rest of the Doltons exhaled, tension easing.
Gemma glanced around. “Did you invite all these people?”
Christine shook her head, looking small and helpless.
“N–no.”
The reporters snapped back to attention. They rushed forward–ready to ask about the surgery.
Gemma held up a hand. “Our hospital will hold a press conference. No questions right now.”
Translation: Not answering. Move along.
But the reporters had already moved on to the real story.
“Dr. Kelestine, who is the baby’s father?”
The Doltons stiffened.
Before Gemma could respond, Christine suddenly broke down, sobbing.
“I can’t say… I can’t say…”
“Are you trying to drive me to the grave?!”
Setting
