Chapter 141



The room fell into a tense silence as the doctors exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke. Turner broke the quiet with a soft chuckle.

“Mr. Rodgers, how could you even ask that? You’re the deputy director of the hospital. Who would dare have an issue with you? You’re overthinking this.”

Caiden glanced at Turner for a brief moment before looking away. After a pause, he continued, “Perhaps I worded that poorly. What I should have asked is… Do you all believe that Belinda got into the Grand Plains General Hospital solely because of my connections and not due to her own abilities?”

The other doctors remained silent, uncomfortable under the weight of his words. Turner, now unable to hold back anymore, decided to speak up directly.

“That’s exactly what I’m thinking about! Mr. Rodgers, you know as well as anyone how Belinda got in. She joined outside of the scheduled exam period, bypassing the usual process.”

“Of course, people are going to feel displeased about that. Our hospital has always prided itself on fairness and merit. Without real skill, no one should be allowed to work here. Just look at my student, Kylee. She has been here for over a year and is still just an intern because she didn’t pass the qualifying exam. It’s tough, but that’s the rule. Rules are meant to be followed.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze sharpening as he turned to Belinda, his voice laced with sarcasm. “But this one… She just used her connections with you to get into our hospital and even secured a permanent position. Is that really fair?”

Caiden’s lips curled into a slight smile as he replied, “So, Turner, what do you suggest we do about this?”

A spark of satisfaction flashed in Turner’s eyes as he seized the opportunity. “Here’s my proposal—let Belinda perform a solo surgery using the virtual surgery system in our department. If she succeeds, her capability will be proven, and no one will ever question her qualifications again. How does that sound?”

Caiden’s gaze remained unwavering. “And if she doesn’t succeed?”

Uncover new worlds at g alnov els ;com Turner’s smile deepened, his eyes gleaming with calculated intent. “If she fails, then she should pack her things and resign. And the person who brought her in—you, Mr. Rodgers—should face consequences as well.”

Caiden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What kind of consequences?”

Turner leaned forward, his voice low and deliberate. “How about forfeiting your year-end bonus? Do you think that’s fair?”

The room fell silent, the weight of Turner’s words sinking in. Forfeiting Caiden’s year-end bonus was no small matter. The amount at stake was enormous, and the suggestion felt almost too bold.

Caiden, however, remained unfazed. His expression was unreadable.

Belinda couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. Turner had played his cards well—trying to manipulate both Caiden and her in one move.

As Caiden stayed silent, Turner’s gaze sharpened. He continued, “So, Mr. Rodgers, what is it going to be? Do you agree to do this or not?”

“And what kind of surgery do you have in mind for Belinda, Turner?” Caiden asked, his tone calm but carrying an underlying edge.

Turner didn’t hesitate, leaning forward as he spoke with an air of certainty. “After giving it some thought, I suggest a type-B aortic dissection surgery. It is suitable for minimally invasive techniques and complex enough to truly test a doctor’s skill and expertise.”

The other doctors in the room exchanged quick, concerned glances, their eyes betraying a mix of disbelief and shock. It was true that type-B aortic dissection surgeries were less risky than their type-A counterparts, but even so, the procedure was far from easy. Especially for Belinda—a resident physician who had never performed surgery on her own before.

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