55
Jessica turned to see Kylee approaching her with a warm smile.
“What are you doing here, Jessica? Looking for me? Come on, let’s head inside,” Kylee said cheerfully, taking her hand and leading her into the bustling inpatient section of the Cardiac Surgery Department.
The doctors in the office greeted Kylee with bright smiles as they entered.
When their eyes landed on Jessica, many of them looked visibly impressed.
“Kylee, is this your friend?” one of the doctors asked curiously.
“She’s my younger sister,” Kylee said with pride, beaming as she introduced Jessica.
“Oh, your sister? No wonder she’s so beautiful!” The revelation of their relationship heightened the enthusiasm in the room.
The staff was well aware of Kylee’s influential family background. Though Kylee wasn’t yet a permanent staff member, her connections made everyone eager to leave a good impression.
Kylee turned to Jessica, her tone gentle but tinged with concern. “Jessica, what brings you here today? Have you decided to join me as my assistant?”
Before Jessica could answer, a middle-aged female doctor interjected, “Kylee, is your sister going to work with us, too?”
Kylee nodded eagerly. “Yes! Like me, she graduated from medical school. However, she hasn’t taken her licensing exam yet, so she’ll be interning under my guidance for now as my assistant.”
Kylee’s explanation painted a picture of concern and support, and it highlighted Jessica’s career interruptions after her marriage to Ethan. For years, Jessica had sacrificed her ambitions to support Ethan, and later, her move abroad further delayed her career.
Just then, Jessica spoke up, her tone calm and unwavering. “I’m not here to be your assistant.”
The room fell silent, the bustling energy replaced with awkward tension.
Kylee’s expression faltered briefly before she forced a smile. “Jessica, are you still upset with me? I understand if being an assistant seems beneath you, but it’s a practical step. If you went to another hospital, you’d still start as an intern. Here, I can ensure you’re treated well. You’ll gain experience, and when you’re ready, you can take the licensing exam. Afterward, I can help you secure a position with my mentor. Doesn’t that sound like a good plan?”
Kylee’s tone was soft and seemingly filled with concern.
To the onlookers, it appeared Kylee was offering Jessica a thoughtful opportunity, only to have it rejected. This irritated those eager to stay in Kylee’s favor.
“Kylee is going out of her way to help you,” one of the middle-aged female doctors said sharply. “She’s planned everything for your benefit. What more could you want? Even as her assistant, you’d have the prestige of working at Grand Plains General Hospital. Do you know how many people dream of that chance?”
“Exactly,” another chimed in. “With your qualifications, you’d only be an intern elsewhere. If not for Kylee, you wouldn’t even get in here. Yet, here you are acting ungrateful, as if you’re being wronged!”
Jessica’s lips curled into a scoff. She met their condescending gazes and replied firmly, “Who said I needed her help to get into Grand Plains General Hospital?”
The boldness of her statement left Kylee and the doctors momentarily speechless.
“Excuse me?” one of the doctors sputtered. “Do you think this hospital is just some ordinary place you can stroll into? Even Kylee is only the director’s apprentice, not a full staff member. And you think you can work here without help?”
The second doctor crossed her arms, her tone dripping with condescension. “It’s good to be ambitious, young lady, but you need to keep your feet on the ground. You’re aiming too high.”
________________________________________
A Twist
Before Jessica could respond, a voice interrupted.
“Mr. Campbell, what brings you here?”
All eyes turned to see a man entering the office.
The newcomer was Josh Campbell, assistant to Caiden Rodgers, the hospital’s deputy director.
The doctor who had been chastising Jessica immediately changed her expression, rushing to greet Josh with a flattering smile. “Mr. Campbell, does Mr. Rodgers have any new instructions for us?”
Josh didn’t acknowledge her, his sharp gaze scanning the room until it settled on Jessica.
