Chapter 10 The Scheming Ex and Rose’s Defiance
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“Rose” Ethan said with complete self–righteousness, “You’re a doctor. Easing a patient’s suffering is your duty. That woman. needs you–what’s wrong with helping her?”
He flashed his usual charming smile, which clearly worked on the socialite. But when it came to Rose, who didn’t bother putting on an act, the woman’s attitude instantly soured.
She glanced at Rose’s badge with disdain and said coldly, “Rose Marshall. You’re negligent with patients. Just wait for my complaint.
Rose had dealt with her share of difficult patients and didn’t feel she’d done anything wrong, so she brushed it off. After finishing rounds, she left as usual.
But during lunch, Dr. Noel called both her and Ethan into his office.
He praised Ethan enthusiastically. “Dr. Ethan was incredibly patient during rounds today. The patient was so impressed, she jput
put in a commendation for him. We’ve decided to fast–track his promotion. Keep it up, Dr. Ethan–your future looks bright.”
Ethan gave a polished smile. “Thank you, Dr. Noel. I’ll keep working hard.”
When it came to Rose, however, Noel’s tone changed to one of disappointment. “Do you realize who you offended today?”
Rose opened her mouth to defend herself, but then thought better of it. If someone wants to accuse you, they’ll always find a reason. So she stayed silent.
Noel sighed heavily. “You’re usually the most empathetic doctor in the department. Why’d you have to cross her? That woman’s the wife of our hospital’s biggest donor. She says your detached attitude was unacceptable and demanded disciplinary action. I begged her to reconsider–she agreed to give you one more chance. For now, you’re off your regular rotation. You’ll be assigned to personally care for her in the inpatient ward. Whether you can redeem yourself. that’s up to you.”
Rose’s pride flared. She hated sucking up to powerful people. Her face stiffened.
“Dr. Noel, she’s not my direct patient. I’m not obligated to prioritize her. Her complaints don’t match the facts.”
Ethan cut in, agitated. “Rose, why are you being so stubborn? Don’t you get it? It doesn’t matter who’s right–you still need to apologize. Do you really want to risk the hospital’s funding over this? If we lose that sponsor, our equipment budget gets slashed, doctors lose jobs, patients suffer–do you want that on your conscience?”
Rose shot him a glare. “Ethan, if you’re so desperate for credit, don’t step on me to get it.”
He fell silent, face darkening.
Noel’s eyes flicked between them, clearly picking up on the tension. “Rose, sometimes in life… we have to bow for a bowl of
rice.”
Rose turned and walked our.
Ethan chased her, “Rose!”
She turned around—and the look she gave him was colder and more distant than he’d ever seen.
He hesitated, then Raid, “I didn’t think my words would get you in trouble. I know we’ve broken up. lose your job because of me.”
She glared. “You’re just afraid if I lose my job, I’ll come knocking for the money you owe me
Ethan bristled. “You think that little of me?”
but I don’t want you t
you to
Rose didn’t want to believe he was that kind of person. But he kept showing her just how low he could go. She realized she’d never really known him.
“Honestly, the truth might be worse,” she muttered, then turned and walked away without a backward glance.
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Chapter 10 The Scheming Ex and Rose’s Defiance.
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Ethan stood frozen, watching her go, a pit forming in his stomach. The Rose who once loved him had vanished–slipping away like sand through his fingers.
Back at her office, Rose found that her consultation shift had already been canceled.
She looked out at the hallway, where other doctors bustled with patients. She’d always loved this job–how had it come to this?
Her phone chimed.
It was a message
from Houston.
Rose, you asked how to repay me…
She had texted him that morning, touched by the new clothes and gifts he’d sent her. Now, her face flushed in embarrassment.
She dodged the question: “Houston, did you arrive safely?”
Have you eaten?
“Don’t forget to rest
Message after message went out. Then her phone lit up with an incoming call–Houston,
She answered instantly.
His voice was low and amused. “What’s with all the texts today? Someone’s got time on her hands.”
Rose giggled. I guess I’m just bored.”
“Oh! Aren’t you usually seeing patients right now?”
“I got suspended Her tone was light, trying to downplay it. “A patient filed a complaint. The hospital took me off rotation to calm things down.”
“What happened?” Houston asked. He didn’t care about the money–he cared about her. This job mattered to Rose, so it mattered to him.
“She’s the wife of one of the hospital’s biggest sponsors. She said I neglected her, and the hospital pulled me from patient care. Rose tried to keep her voice casual.
Houston didn’t buy it. “Was she your patient?”
“No.”
His voice turned cold. “So they’re bullying my wife just because she’s not well–connected?”
Rose quickly tried to calm him down. “Houston, it’s fine. Even if I weren’t a doctor, I’d find something else to do.”
His tone dropped several degrees colder. “Are they trying to force you out?”
She didn’t want to cause trouble. “Dr. Noel wants me to apologize. If she forgives me, this all blows over.”
TH
“You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t apologize!
Rose blinked
Houston’s black–and–white morality was suddenly so attractive–so different from Ethan’s compromising and manipulation.
“I just don’t want to drag the hospital down,” she whispered.
“But I don’t want you bowing to unreasonable people”
Her voice softened. “Okay. I’ll listen to you.”
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1:48 AM
Chapter 10 The Scheming Ex and Rose’s Defiance
He sounded pleased. “Good girl.”
They said a few more words before he hung up. Then, Houston turned to his assistant.
“Pull the sponsorship list for Crestview Health Institute. I want the report.”
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His assistant, Jordan Hayse, immediately opened his laptop. As one of the world’s top hackers, breaking into Crestview’s records didn’t even take him a minute.
He quickly pulled up the results.
And then stared at the screen, stunned..
“Sir.. it’s your father. Noah Clarke is the hospital’s top sponsor
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