Ethan paused briefly before turning around, his expression neutral as he recognized the approaching figure.
Kylee hastened toward him, her face lit up with a warm smile. “Mr. Clark, are you here to see Jessica? I can take you to her,” she offered, her tone saccharine.
Ethan met her with a cool, disinterested gaze. “Is there something you need? Just say it,” he replied bluntly.
Though taken aback by his cold demeanor, Kylee maintained her smile, though it wavered slightly. “Actually, I do have a small favor to ask. Could you pass along a message to Jessica for me?”
She hesitated, then continued with an air of mock sincerity. “Even though she secured her position here at Grand Plains General Hospital through her connections with the deputy director, I think she should be aware that her abilities aren’t quite up to par. The hospital conducts monthly evaluations, and if she fails those, she might face dismissal. That would be… embarrassing for her.”
Kylee pressed her lips together momentarily, then added, “It might be better for Jessica to resign voluntarily. That way, she could focus on improving her skills before attempting a comeback. After all, relying on connections can only take her so far.”
Ethan listened silently, his face a mask of indifference. Then, his eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of mockery glinting in them.
He raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly are you suggesting here?”
Momentarily flustered, Kylee quickly collected herself. “Oh, nothing specific! I just thought you’d be able to convey this advice to Jessica. She might listen if it comes from you, Mr. Clark.”
Ethan chuckled softly, a humorless sound that sent chills through Kylee. “You work in the same hospital, yet you want me to deliver this message? What am I, a courier? Why not tell her yourself?”
His voice turned icy, cutting through her façade.
Ethan knew the truth. Over the years, Jessica had been manipulated by Kylee, her so-called sister, who hid her true intentions behind a mask of concern.
Kylee’s face tightened, her confidence wavering under Ethan’ piercing gaze.
After a brief pause, she said in a softer tone, “Jessica won’t take my advice seriously if it comes from me. But she might listen to you. She respects you, Mr. Clark.”
Ethan’ lips curved into a sardonic smile, his eyes cold. “Miss Wright, let me make something clear: as long as Jessica is my wife, no one would dare dismiss her.”
Kylee’s eyes widened, shock rippling across her face. She had assumed Ethan held little regard for Jessica, just as she did.
But now…
Ethan’ disdainful look made her stomach twist. Though he might not love Jessica, his tolerance for underhanded tactics like Kylee’s was nonexistent.
Seeing through her transparent attempt to smear Jessica’s reputation and manipulate his perception, Ethan felt a surge of impatience and contempt.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his tall figure exuding an air of authority and command.
Kylee stood rooted to the spot, her frustration simmering.
She had met Ethan first! It should have been her, not Jessica, by his side.
Her thoughts turned bitter, and anger bubbled within her as she blamed Carola. If Carola hadn’t introduced Jessica to the Clark family years ago, none of this would have happened.
Jessica, the illegitimate child who had lived in the shadows, wouldn’t have had the chance to meet Ethan, much less marry him.
Kylee’s eyes darkened with determination.
She resolved to find a way to take Ethan away from Jessica.
________________________________________
Meanwhile, Jessica was in her office, poring over patient files. The glow of her desk lamp highlighted her focused expression.
Her phone buzzed, interrupting her concentration.
Glancing at the caller ID, a small smile softened her features. She picked up the phone and said warmly, “Hello…”