Jessica turned her head slowly, her eyes locking onto Enzo with an icy precision. “I just want you to stay away from me,” she said, her tone measured but firm.
The notion of friendship with Enzo was preposterous. The very thought felt alien and absurd to her. She couldn’t fathom associating the word friend with someone like him.
Without another word, Jessica picked up her cup of honey water, preparing to leave. Her movements were deliberate, radiating calm authority. But before she could take a step, Enzo moved to block her path effortlessly, standing firm as if daring her to challenge him.
Jessica’s gaze rose to meet his, her calm voice sharpened to a blade. “If you don’t want another black eye like the last time, I suggest you step aside.”
The memory of the punch she had delivered to him flashed across Enzo’s mind, and his confident expression faltered. His breath hitched as tension thickened in the air. For a moment, it seemed like he might hold his ground, but then, with a reluctant sigh, he stepped aside, not daring to push her further.
Without sparing him a second glance, Jessica swept past him, her strides smooth and unbothered. Enzo watched her retreating figure, a small, amused smile tugging at the corners of his lips. There was something oddly intriguing about the way she dismissed him so completely, treating him as if he were utterly inconsequential.
________________________________________
Back in her room, Jessica placed her cup of honey water on the table and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. The soothing spray of water eased the lingering discomfort in her body, washing away the tension of the evening. By the time she emerged, wrapped in a soft robe, Ethan had already returned.
Jessica cast him a brief, indifferent glance before moving to the sofa. She sank into its cushions with an air of quiet composure, sipping her honey water leisurely.
Ethan didn’t waste time on pleasantries. He stepped closer and sat down across from her, his gaze sharp. His voice was low, carrying a rough edge. “What’s going on at the hospital? What’s with the rumors about you?”
Jessica met his eyes, a flicker of suspicion flaring in her gaze. Then, with a small, teasing smile, she leaned back slightly. “Oh? Are you concerned about me?”
Ethan scoffed sharply, his eyes narrowing. “Don’t flatter yourself.” His tone turned icy, each word laced with mockery. “If you get fired, it won’t just be your reputation on the line—it’ll drag the Clark family’s name through the mud as well.”
He leaned forward slightly, his posture rigid. “If you’re not truly qualified for your position and only got the job because of the deputy director’s connections, I suggest you resign now. Spare the Clark family any further embarrassment.”
His words hit like a cold slap, devoid of sympathy. Yet Jessica’s reaction was far from what Ethan had anticipated. She exhaled slowly, then let out a soft, almost amused laugh. “You don’t need to concern yourself with my career, Mr. Clark,” she said, her tone light but edged with steel.
Setting her cup down, Jessica rose from the sofa with quiet elegance. “If you’re done with the lectures, I’ll take my leave.”
Ethan’s gaze followed her as she walked away, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features. Her reaction was unexpected—not that of someone overwhelmed by the weight of hospital rumors. If anything, she seemed confident, almost unnervingly so, as though she already had everything under control.
As the thought settled in his mind, Ethan’s frown eased slightly, though the questions lingering in his mind remained unanswered.
________________________________________
The Next Day
In the director’s office at Grand Plains General Hospital, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension.
“Liam, you wanted to see me?” Caiden asked, stepping into the room with his usual calm demeanor. His presence exuded quiet authority as he closed the door behind him.
Liam Glyn, the hospital’s director, handed Caiden a letter. “Take a look at this,” he said curtly, his tone betraying his unease.
Caiden unfolded the letter and scanned its contents. As he read, his lips curled into a cold smile, though a shadow darkened his expression. It was an anonymous complaint letter, a direct attack on both him and Jessica. The writer accused Caiden of abusing his position to secure a job for Jessica, who they claimed was unqualified. The demand for an explanation and accountability was unmistakable.
Liam’s gaze was fixed on Caiden, his tone grave. “What do you have to say about this?”
Caiden’s voice was steady as he replied, “Liam, I consulted you before bringing Jessica on board. I was upfront about her unique situation.”
Only Caiden and his trusted assistant knew Jessica’s true identity within the hospital. To everyone else, she was merely a skilled professional with a mysterious background.
Liam’s brow furrowed, and he let out a heavy sigh. “You did mention it, but I never anticipated it would stir up this kind of trouble. Rumors are spreading like wildfire, and the staff is buzzing about it. We can’t ignore this. You’ll need to address it—quickly and decisively.”
Caiden nodded, his expression calm but resolute. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Good,” Liam said, his tone softening slightly. “Make sure it’s handled properly. We can’t afford to let this spiral any further.”
“Understood.” With that, Caiden left the office, his mind already racing with plans to neutralize the situation.
He strode purposefully through the hospital’s hallways, heading straight for the Cardiac Surgery Department. His every step carried the weight of determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was prepared to face them head-on.