The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1719

"Exactly!" two others chimed in supportively. "Even cholera wouldn't warrant such drastic lockdowns! You're creating too big of a commotion—how do you think the higher-ups will perceive this? Are we supposed to write a report to justify this?"

"We absolutely must write a report. I suspect this disease's transmission is even more dangerous than cholera," Nigel said as he lifted his gaze.

"Although everyone insists there's no evidence of human-to-human transmission, this is a highly contagious, large-scale illness based on our professional judgment. We need to come up with the right plan to prevent more people from getting infected."

His statement caused even the hospital director, Lennon Haroth, to lose his cool. "We're here to discuss solutions! What are you talking about?"

A voice on the video call intervened, "Enough. Dr. Alistair is still young and doesn't understand the gravity of calling for regional lockdowns in a city. Such suggestions are unnecessary. Focus on treatment instead. If you're worried, improve the isolation measures."

Nigel was about to say more when Lennon turned to him sternly. "Dr. Alistar, this is a direct order. You'd do well to remember that."

Standing there, listening to these dismissive remarks, Nigel clenched his fists. He understood that speaking further could result in him losing his chance at a promotion, or even being dismissed from the hospital entirely.

Yet, as a doctor committed to saving lives, he couldn't stay silent.

"This approach won't contain the transmission at all because we haven't identified the source. How was the first person infected? What about their family? Who were their close contacts? Until we trace this back, effective control isn't possible.

Nigel took a deep breath. "I'm not going home. Based on the transmission pathways we've seen, I'm likely already infected. Mr. Haroth, you've been in the same areas I have, so we're no different. I can't risk infecting my family."

"You haven't gone home or rested in days! Why are you being so stubborn?" Lennon stood far from him, fully dressed in protective gear. "Let me say this one more time. The hospital can't keep you here. Go home."

Nigel lowered his gaze slightly. "Mr. Haroth, you know it as well as I do. The likelihood of human-to-human transmission is over 80 percent. That's why you're wearing that protective suit while talking to me. I can't leave. If I do, I'll be endangering others."

"Nigel Alistair! This isn't your house! You're really pushing it!" Lennon's eyes turned cold. "Let me make it clear one last time. Go home and rest, or I'll have the relevant departments deal with you."