Chapter 90
Chapter 90
Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
Everyone in the office understood the unspoken rules, so a hush fell over the room.
With tears smudging her mascara, Amymented, “We’re screwed! Why does ev
everyone in our department have such strong connections and we’re the only ones without any pull?
After Dr. Smith’s term is over next year, the year after that, we might get the director’s nephew or
something. When will it ever be our turn?”
Later that afternoon, after Ruben finished a surgery, Leanne sought him out.
“Ruben, I don’t understand why I didn’t pass my promotion assessment,” she inquired with frustration
and expectation.
As anticipated, Ruben gave her the old bureaucratic shuffle.
“Leanne, no one doubts your capabilities. If it were solely up to me, you’d get promoted without a
second thought. But the thing is, I don’t have the final say.”
With a mug of coffee in his hand, Ruben said hypocritically, “The hospital has a limited number of slots
this year, and all the other promotions went to doctors with more seniority. It’s just a matter of waiting
your turn, right?”
“What about Sandra, then?” Leanne pressed. “We started at the hospital at the same time. She’s not
as qualified or aplished as I am, so what’s the reason for her promotion over me?”
“Now, that’s not fair to Sandra. She’s a fine doctor, just like you. Both of you started at the same time
and are equally skilled. What difference does it make to who gets promoted first? It’s her turn this year,
sure to be yours the next.”
Leanne was known for her steady temperament. She wasn’t one to fight over things, and even if
someone tried to sabotage her, she’d shrug it off as if nothing happened. To Ruben, she was like a
malleable ball of putty, easy to handle. But this time, Leanne shot back with a question he didn’t expect.
“If it doesn’t make a difference who gets promoted first, then why isn’t it me?”
Ruben was stumped and not pleased. “You know what your problem is? You’re too proud, always
wanting to be the center of attention. There’s only one spot. Why should it be just for you? Look at
Sandra, how modest she is.”
“That’s because she’s not qualified,” Leanne retorted, not mincing her words this time. “Being the first
tond a job at our prestigious hospital after graduating from a third-tier college, she’s quite
exceptional. I won’tment on the quality of education at her alma mater, but just focusing on her
performance, how many blunders has she made in the past two years? How many medical mishaps
has she caused?”
“She ought to be modest. She botched a simple foreign body removal surgery, leading to a
Chapter 90
patient’s bacterial infection. If it weren’t for your protection…”
“What are you getting at!” Ruben mmed his fist on the desk, standing up in a fury and pointing at
her. “Let me tell you, keep this attitude, and you won’t get the promotion next year, either! I’mying it
out straight for you today!”
Leanne clenched her lips tightly.
Her chances for a fair promotion were slim as long as he was in charge.
I
Ruben scoffed, “Think about what I said! Now get out!”
Exiting the office, Leanne bumped into Sandra.
“So the director gave you a dressing down, huh?” Sandra gloated, her arms crossed in
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satisfaction. “You shouldn’t have puffed yourself up in front of me. Now that I’m the attending physician,
you should show some respect.”
Leanne gave Sandra a cold gaze. “Ruben and the director might help you be ant attending
physician, but can they secure you a post as an associate director or director? Being a doctor
ultimatelyes down to professional skills. Ruben won’t stay in ophthalmology forever, and the
director will retire someday. You’d better improve your professionalpetence. Others can help you
temporarily but not for a lifetime.”
Sandra flushed with rage and retorted, “You’re just jealous I got promoted before you! So, what if
Ruben’s got my back? The hospital director is my uncle. I can walk all over you as long as he’s in
charge. If you’re so capable, go find your connections!”