Chapter 97


    Chapter 97


    The next day at work, a nurse came for Leanne, saying Selina’s eyes were bothering her


    again.


    Leanne was in the middle of a retinal examination on a patient and responded without lifting her head,


    “Her eyes have been fine for a while now. Don’t fuss over her.”


    “But she insists they’re ufortable, feels like she’s going blind, and wants you to check on her,” the


    nurse pleaded, exasperated by the diva’s antics. “Dr. Castillo, could you please


    take a look?”


    “I’ll stop by once I’m done here,” Leanne said.


    The nurse walked away, visibly relieved.


    After finishing the retinal examination, Leanne headed to Selina’s room.


    Upon opening the door, she found Selina sitting in bed, happily munching freshly cut fruit. Spotting


    Leanne, she chirped, “Leanne, there you are!”


    She didn’t look the least bit unwell.


    Leanne remarked, “Can’t go a day without causing a scene, huh?”


    Selina did


    Lear


    gaze shifting toward the couch.


    gaze and noticed the man sitting there.


    of polite elegance cloaked in a dark coffee-colored coat with a high-neck ater. He nodded respectfully,


    “Dr Castillo, I’m Selina’s brother, Jeremy


    was taken aback for a moment before managing to say, “Nice to meet you.”


    my said. “Sorry about that. She can be quite a handful. Thanks for putting up with


    Leanne replied politely. “She is indeed a handful.”


    Jeremy smiled. “I’ve been traveling for work, but she’s mentioned you often. She likes you.”


    Leanne eyed him curiously. “Do I know you from somewhere? Have we met before?”


    “I went to school with Curtis,” Jeremy replied..


    “Oh.”


    That meant he had been to the Richardson family’s gatherings, perhaps even their wedding.


    Chapter 97


    A bit socially awkward, Leanne found it hard to make small talk with strangers beyond a few sentences.


    After her “Oh,” she fell silent.


    For some reason, the atmosphere felt oddly like a blind date setup.


    Sitting on the bed, Selina rolled her eyes between them and sighed.


    “Jeremy, didn’t you bring a gift for Leanne?”


    Jeremy yfully tapped her on the back of her head and reached for a paper bag on the couch,


    handing it over.


    Leanne waved it off. “Our hospital has a policy against epting gifts.”


    “It’s just a mug, nothing expensive.” Jeremy opened the box to show her. “I passed a small town


    famous for its pottery on my trip, and Selina wanted a souvenir, so I got a few things.”


    Indeed, it was just a mug with a beautiful crackle pattern at the bottom, which Leanne quite liked.


    Trying to make it easier for her to ept, Jeremy suggested considerately, “Think of it as a gift from


    Selina.”


    “Just take it,” Selina interrupted. “Otherwise, Mom will be here with a Hermes bag for you


    tomorrow.”


    Leanne epted


    With Selin


    Soon


    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    spr


    “I’ll take the mug then. Thank


    you. It’s pretty.”


    ed, the ophthalmology department became much quieter.


    of the professional advancement assessments came out. As word tion was on, rumors swirled, with the


    principals remaining


    e hospital director expressly prohibiting discussion as if to hide.


    the hospital spected, but it was clear that the matter involved Leanne and


    epotism of the hospital director nting a rtive with a less prestigious ucational background was an


    open secret within the hospital.


    Comparing the new results with the previous ones, it was evident where the problemy.


    “What else could it be? It’s scandalous! Sandra was promoted due to her skills while Dr. Castillo was


    denied. Even I can’t stand by that, let alone Dr. Castillo herself!”


    “It should’ve been Dr. Castillo’s spot. Our hospital needs to address these corrupt practices!”


    After the results went public, other department doctors sincerely congratted Leanne.


    Chapter 97


    Initially, Leanne worried that the incident would be the talk of the hospital.


    Surprisingly, not a whisper had escaped.


    That suited Leanne just fine, making her life easier. Back in her office, she suggested, “How about we


    dine out tonight? My treat.”


    Sandra had been in a foul mood for days, carrying a face as if the world owed her a fortune, making the


    office so quiet that people could hear a pin drop, except for the mming of her folders.


    “What’s there to be smug about?” Sandra sneered. “No one gives a damn about it!”


    Leanne didn’t even nce at her. “I didn’t n on inviting you, so don’t tter yourself.”


    Sandra was left speechless.


    In the office, it was customary for someone promoted to host a dinner. Amy led the cheer. “Then I’m


    ordering the most expensive thing on the menu!”