Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Everyone in the office understood the unspoken rules, so a hush fell over the room.

With tears smudging her mascara, Amy lamented, “We’re screwed! Why does ev

everyone in our department have such strong connections and we’re the only ones without any pull? After Dr. Smith’s term is over next year, the year after that, we might get the director’s nephew or something. When will it ever be our turn?”

Later that afternoon, after Ruben finished a surgery, Leanne sought him out.

“Ruben, I don’t understand why I didn’t pass my promotion assessment,” she inquired with frustration and expectation.

As anticipated, Ruben gave her the old bureaucratic shuffle.

“Leanne, no one doubts your capabilities. If it were solely up to me, you’d get promoted without a second thought. But the thing is, I don’t have the final say.”

With a mug of coffee in his hand, Ruben said hypocritically, “The hospital has a limited number of slots this year, and all the other promotions went to doctors with more seniority. It’s just a matter of waiting your turn, right?”

“What about Sandra, then?” Leanne pressed. “We started at the hospital at the same time. She’s not as qualified or accomplished as I am, so what’s the reason for her promotion over me?”

“Now, that’s not fair to Sandra. She’s a fine doctor, just like you. Both of you started at the same time and are equally skilled. What difference does it make to who gets promoted first? It’s her turn this year, sure to be yours the next.”

Leanne was known for her steady temperament. She wasn’t one to fight over things, and even if someone tried to sabotage her, she’d shrug it off as if nothing happened. To Ruben, she was like a malleable ball of putty, easy to handle. But this time, Leanne shot back with a question he didn’t expect.

“If it doesn’t make a difference who gets promoted first, then why isn’t it me?”

Ruben was stumped and not pleased. “You know what your problem is? You’re too proud, always wanting to be the center of attention. There’s only one spot. Why should it be just for you? Look at Sandra, how modest she is.”

“That’s because she’s not qualified,” Leanne retorted, not mincing her words this time. “Being the first to land a job at our prestigious hospital after graduating from a third-tier college, she’s quite exceptional. I won’t comment on the quality of education at her alma mater, but just focusing on her performance, how many blunders has she made in the past two years? How many medical mishaps has she caused?”

“She ought to be modest. She botched a simple foreign body removal surgery, leading to a

Chapter 90

patient’s bacterial infection. If it weren’t for your protection…”

“What are you getting at!” Ruben slammed his fist on the desk, standing up in a fury and pointing at her. “Let me tell you, keep this attitude, and you won’t get the promotion next year, either! I’m laying it out straight for you today!”

Leanne clenched her lips tightly.

Her chances for a fair promotion were slim as long as he was in charge.

I

Ruben scoffed, “Think about what I said! Now get out!”

Exiting the office, Leanne bumped into Sandra.

“So the director gave you a dressing down, huh?” Sandra gloated, her arms crossed in

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satisfaction. “You shouldn’t have puffed yourself up in front of me. Now that I’m the attending physician, you should show some respect.”

Leanne gave Sandra a cold gaze. “Ruben and the director might help you become ant attending physician, but can they secure you a post as an associate director or director? Being a doctor ultimately comes down to professional skills. Ruben won’t stay in ophthalmology forever, and the director will retire someday. You’d better improve your professional competence. Others can help you temporarily but not for a lifetime.”

Sandra flushed with rage and retorted, “You’re just jealous I got promoted before you! So, what if Ruben’s got my back? The hospital director is my uncle. I can walk all over you as long as he’s in charge. If you’re so capable, go find your connections!”