A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 324

Chapter 324

The first voices of doubt came from within.

Joseph was called into Mason’s office. A few of the hospital’s senior specialists were already there, and they immediately confronted him.

“Dr. Hart, did you deliberately blow this anemia case out of proportion? This is going to spark unnecessary panic, and you’ll be held responsible for it.”

“Exactly. You’re dead wrong on this one, Dr. Hart. The patient is simply anemic. Your theory that someone is using his plasma to extend another person’s life is just ridiculous.”

“Dr. Hart, you’re wasting medical and legal resources. You’ve put Jenton University Hospital right in the eye of the storm, and that’s a seriously irresponsible thing to do!”

Joseph listened to their ranting patiently. He waited until they’d said their piece before replying, “I’ll admit that I’m no different from all of you. I’m also quick to condemn others in the name of ethics and morality.

“After all, it’s the easiest way to claim the moral high ground and put yourself in an untouchable position.”

Before the specialists could refute him, he quickly continued, “But my theory is real. Blood transfusions can slow aging. If an exchange transfusion alone could add ten or twenty years to one’s life, assuming one didn’t have any pre-existing illnesses, wouldn’t you consider it?”

“Watch what you’re saying, Dr. Hart!” one of the older specialists shot back.

He was clearly intrigued, but he couldn’t very well agree with Joseph out loud.

“My theory is sound! If you can prove me wrong with some solid, convincing evidence, then I’ll leave Jenton Úniversity Hospital!”

When it became clear that they had nothing of real substance to throw at him, Joseph simply left.

The second he got back to his department, Grace called. After a bit of small talk, Mavis got on the line.

“Dr. Hart, I’ve been following this new case your local police just opened. Can an exchange transfusion really extend a person’s lifespan?”

“I’d come across reports about it before, but I thought it was too unethical at the time, so I never looked into it.

“Recently, though, I revisited the subject and studied it in depth. It turns out it’s actually possible. Of course, blood type compatibility is a huge factor.

“The closer the blood relation, the better the match, and the more pronounced the anti-aging effects. It’s a total paradox, though, one that goes against basic human ethics.”

“So, in exchange for a few extra years of life, one would have to sacrifice one or more of one’s descendants. It is indeed ethically unacceptable and not something that should be encouraged.

“So, in your professional opinion, do you think Owen could have used this method to live to 120 years old, Dr. Hart?”

“Managing a family as massive as the Zahn family for so many years would have taken an enormous toll on Owen.

“For him to still be alive does seem rather unusual. Still, I don’t know him personally. I’ve never met the guy or seen his medical records, so I can’t say for sure.”

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“Speaking of the case, a special task force will be arriving soon to investigate it thoroughly. We’ll need you to lend your medical expertise whenever necessary.”

“Sure thing,” Joseph said before hanging up.

He figured the people at Croma were taking this case so seriously because of its potential connection to longevity. After all, those old individuals with immense power in their hands would be the first to want a longer life.

After work, Cora called him. As soon as he answered, she said, “Honey, come home tonight. The kids and I all miss you.”

“Cora, we’re way past that. Why even bother with this act? Even if you’re not sick of it, I am!”

Joseph was just about to hang up when Cora exclaimed, “Let’s talk business then! I heard from somewhere that someone’s out to get you. And it’s because you’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest. Did you save someone you weren’t supposed to save?”

“Heh. There’s already a line of people who want me dead. You and your parents would love nothing more than to see me in the ground, so what’s one more? And if you’re asking whether I stirred up a hornet’s nest, then I certainly did.

“So consider this a warning. If Natalie and the other two really belong to the Zahn family, you’d better keep a close eye on them. The Zahn family may be after their blood since an exchange transfusion can extend a person’s lifespan!”

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