Chapter 4

Inside the office, the deputy director studied me for a long while before he finally asked, slowly, "Is there really something wrong with Cornelia Pruitt?"

"I'm not sure."

He blinked, then frowned. "You're not sure, and you still put it that firmly? You think the certification exam is a game?"

"Deputy Director Whitney, whether there's a problem with Cornelia Pruitt's exam records will take time to check. But there's definitely something wrong with her father."

"Something wrong with Cole Pruitt?"

"Yes."

"What kind of problem?"

"An unauthorized procedure. He threw away a human life."

"Roderick Delgado!"

Whitney's expression turned sharp in an instant. "Do you have any idea who Cole Pruitt is, or how much weight he carries?"

"Slandering a renowned, deeply respected hospital director, a man who also serves as honorary chairman of this state's medical association, do you understand how serious a charge of defamation that is?"

"Director, I'm not slandering Cole Pruitt. Give me a few days."

"I'll prove it to everyone."

"All that talk of saving lives, of the revered elder statesman, the towering authority in medicine, is nothing but a mask. Behind it he's a man of loose morals, chasing fame, a butcher who threw away someone's life without a second thought."

Whitney stared at me, stunned.

"You..."

"I only need a few days. If I can't prove Cole Pruitt is a hypocrite hiding behind a saintly face."

"Then I'll accept any punishment you hand down."

The next day.

Asher Lawrence's request to open an internal audit into me was shelved for the time being.

When Asher heard the news, it shook him.

He assumed someone powerful was backing me.

He rushed to report it to Cole Pruitt, the director of Deren Hospital.

Once Cole got the news.

After talking it over with the deputy director.

He sent the deputy director to invite me to a family dinner.

I knew what Cole was after.

He wanted to use the chance to size me up.

He might even try to bribe me.

To make me pass his daughter's certification.

I didn't refuse.

That evening, the deputy director came to pick me up in person.

I put on a suit and went to the Pruitt house for the dinner.

When I arrived at the Pruitt house.

Looking at the familiar gate and courtyard in front of me.

My mind drifted for a moment, unsteady.

Eighteen years.

I had come back again to this place, so full of childhood memories, and of the deepest despair and grief I had ever known.

A few minutes later.

I finally came face to face with Cole Pruitt, his temples gone gray.

Two women stood beside him.

One was about his age, older, yes, but poised and elegant, refined down to the smallest detail.

The other was young, so beautiful it took your breath away. Clearly, she was Cornelia Pruitt.

Maybe because I'd been so young when I left all those years ago.

Eighteen years without seeing me.

Cole Pruitt didn't recognize me at all.

He looked me up and down, then smiled and put out his hand. "Mr. Delgado, I've been hearing about the youngest chief examiner they'd sent. Now that I meet you, it's true, accomplished so young, and quite the striking figure."

Listening to Cole Pruitt heap praise on me without holding back.

I couldn't help but smile.

Just then.

Asher Lawrence's voice came suddenly from behind me. "Director Pruitt, there's nothing wrong with your daughter's exam records at all."

"This guy deliberately failed Miss Pruitt."

"He's pursuing a personal vendetta!"