Chapter 2

Intimidated by Julian’s commanding presence, Vanessa instinctively let go of my arm.

I took two steps back, rubbing my throbbing arm.

Julian looked directly at Vanessa.

"Mrs. Pendelton, this is a public venue. We can speak like civilized people."

"Civilized?" Vanessa laughed as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world.

"My marriage is ruined because of her. How do you expect me to be civilized?"

"I'm telling you right now, if you don't pay me two hundred thousand dollars today, I will expose you guys on TikTok and Instagram! I'll tell everyone that Vance Medical Center employs home-wreckers with zero ethics!"

Julian’s face completely darkened.

"Mrs. Pendelton, you can say whatever you want, but you will face the consequences."

"Extortion and malicious defamation can easily land you in federal prison."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable, terrifying authority.

Vanessa’s confidence visibly wavered, but she kept a stubborn front.

"I... I'm telling the truth! I have witnesses!"

She pointed at the table of relatives.

But those relatives immediately looked down, not daring to make eye contact with Julian.

Julian ignored her and turned to me.

"Dr. Miller, back to the hospital."

"CEO Vance, I..." I wanted to explain.

"We will talk in my office."

I bit my lip and followed him out.

Behind us, Vanessa screamed in frustration.

"Trying to run? No way! Julian Vance, don't think you can do whatever you want just because you run this place!"

"You're covering up for your subordinate! I'll sue you along with her!"

...

Back at the hospital, the silence in Julian’s office was suffocating.

He sat behind his massive desk, staring at me blankly, saying nothing.

His stare made me incredibly anxious.

"CEO Vance, today was a complete misunderstanding."

"Vanessa... I think she might have some severe psychological issues."

He finally spoke, his tone impossible to read.

"Chloe, how long have you been at this hospital?"

"Five years."

"Five years. And how many patient disputes have you handled?"

I lowered my head. "Dozens of various sizes."

"Then tell me, did you handle today's situation well?"

I had no words.

"Arguing with a patient's family member in a public restaurant... you dragged the hospital's reputation through the mud."

"I wasn't arguing! I was trying to explain!" I couldn't help but defend myself.

"Explain?" He let out a cold laugh.

"Did your explanation work? Did she listen?"

"She's a lunatic, and you tried to reason with her?"

"Then what was I supposed to do? Just let her slander and extort me?" My eyes welled up with tears of sheer frustration.

"You should have called the police immediately, or contacted the hospital's security department."

He stood up and walked over to me.

"Instead of making yourself the main character of a public circus."

"Chloe, you are the youngest chief attending physician in our department. You are on the fast track to being a partner."

"I expect you to protect your reputation."

My heart fluttered. What did he mean by that?

Was he warning me, or was he... caring for me?

Before I could wrap my head around it, there was a frantic knock on the door.

Dr. Richard Davis from Medical Affairs poked his head in, his face pale.

"CEO Vance, we have a major problem."

"That woman, Vanessa Pendelton, brought a mob. They’ve completely blocked the main lobby!"

Third Chapter