When Caiden stepped into the department office, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The doctors present exchanged confused glances, their curiosity piqued by his sudden appearance.
“Mr. Rodgers,” one of the doctors ventured cautiously, “is there something we can assist you with?” His voice carried a mix of respect and bewilderment.
Caiden’s tone was resolute as he gave his instructions. “Call in all the doctors on duty today, as well as the department head. We’re having a meeting.”
The doctor nodded quickly. “Yes, Mr. Rodgers.”
Word spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before every available doctor had gathered in the office. The room buzzed with a low hum of whispered conversations, but as Caiden entered and took his seat at the head of the table, silence fell. All eyes turned to him.
Seated among the group, Jessica raised an eyebrow slightly, her sharp intuition warning her that the latest attack on her reputation had taken a new turn. Someone had made a calculated move, and now it was time to face the fallout.
Caiden’s gaze swept across the room, his expression calm but commanding. “Now that everyone is here, I’ll get straight to the point,” he began, his voice steady and deliberate. “I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors circulating within the hospital lately. So let me ask—does anyone here have an issue with me?”
The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Uneasy glances passed between the doctors, but no one dared to speak.
Finally, Turner broke the silence with a soft, almost mocking chuckle. “Mr. Rodgers, how could you even ask such a thing? You’re the deputy director of this hospital. Who would dare have an issue with you? You’re overthinking things.”
Caiden’s gaze flicked briefly to Turner before moving on. After a pause, he spoke again, rephrasing his question. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear. What I meant to ask is—does anyone here believe that Jessica got into Grand Plains General Hospital purely because of my connections, rather than her own abilities?”
The silence that followed was tense, suffocating. Many of the doctors shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their reluctance to respond palpable.
This time, Turner couldn’t hold back. He leaned forward, his expression sharp and determined as he spoke. “That’s exactly the issue, Mr. Rodgers. You know as well as anyone how Jessica joined us. She bypassed the scheduled exam period and skipped the standard recruitment process. Naturally, people are going to question that.”
He paused, his voice gaining momentum as he continued. “Our hospital has always upheld a standard of fairness and meritocracy. Without real qualifications or proven skill, no one should be allowed to work here. Take my student, Kylee, for example. She’s been here over a year and remains an intern because she didn’t pass the qualifying exam. It’s harsh, but those are the rules. Rules that everyone is expected to follow.”
Turner turned his gaze to Jessica, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “But her? She leveraged her connection with you to secure a permanent position, bypassing every standard we hold dear. How is that fair?”
Caiden remained unruffled, his lips curving into a faint, enigmatic smile. “I see. And what do you propose we do about it, Turner?”
A spark of satisfaction gleamed in Turner’s eyes as he seized the opening. “Here’s my suggestion: let Jessica perform a solo surgery using the department’s virtual surgery system. If she succeeds, her capability will be undeniable, and no one will question her qualifications again. But if she fails…” His voice trailed off deliberately before he continued, “…she should pack her things and resign.”
Turner’s gaze sharpened as he added, “And as for you, Mr. Rodgers, the one who brought her into the hospital—you should face consequences as well.”
Caiden’s expression didn’t waver. “What kind of consequences?”
Turner leaned forward, his tone measured but brimming with calculation. “How about forfeiting your year-end bonus? That seems fair, doesn’t it?”
A hush fell over the room. The weight of Turner’s proposal sank in, and a ripple of unease spread among the gathered doctors. Everyone knew the magnitude of Caiden’s year-end bonus—it was no small sum. Turner’s suggestion bordered on audacious.
Despite the boldness of the challenge, Caiden’s face remained impassive, his unreadable expression revealing nothing of his thoughts.
Seated quietly, Jessica observed the exchange, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. Turner had played his hand well, attempting to corner both her and Caiden in a single move. But she knew better than to underestimate Caiden’s ability to counter such tactics.
Turner’s confidence grew in the silence. He pressed further, his tone edged with provocation. “So, Mr. Rodgers, what will it be? Do you agree, or do you plan to avoid the issue entirely?”
The room seemed to hold its collective breath, waiting for Caiden’s response.
Caiden’s sharp gaze settled on Turner, and a faint glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. “You’ve certainly put some thought into this, Turner,” he said evenly. “But let me make one thing clear—I don’t avoid challenges. I’ll accept your proposal.”
A ripple of surprise spread through the room at Caiden’s calm acceptance.
Turner’s satisfaction was evident, but Jessica couldn’t suppress her inward amusement. Turner had no idea what he was up against.
Caiden turned his attention to the room, his tone cool but authoritative. “Prepare the virtual surgery system. We’ll conduct this test tomorrow. Let’s put an end to these baseless rumors once and for all.”
With that, the meeting concluded. Jessica remained composed, but her mind was already calculating her next steps. This was more than just a challenge—it was a chance to silence her critics and prove her worth on her own terms.