I Stopped Loving Him When He Let Me Bleed Out novel Chapter 13

Then, he saw it.

The lunchbox that held so much of Finn's tentative hope.

It was carried right back out, exactly as it had gone in.

The young nurse happily opened it, the savory aroma wafting into the hallway.

Another nurse hurried over.

"Wow, that looks incredible. Who sent it?"

"I don't know. Sienna seemed really annoyed by whoever it was. Anyway, she didn't want it, so it's a bonus meal for me."

The young nurse's voice drifted down the corridor, light and casual, dismissing his effort as if it were entirely insignificant.

All his heartfelt intentions meant absolutely nothing to her.

The realization hit him like a physical blow to the face.

A burning sting spread from his cheek to his temples, igniting a fire down his neck and deep into his chest, twisting his insides into agonizing knots.

Finn leaned against the wall and slowly slid down, crouching in the darkest corner.

The motion-sensor lights clicked off.

He let the absolute darkness swallow him.

Suddenly, he heard voices whispering nearby.

"Did you hear? Sienna Sterling is screwed this time."

Finn's head snapped up.

"She was a shoo-in for the Lead Physician spot. It was practically guaranteed, but someone else took it at the last second."

"That bad? You mean the ER workaholic? Sienna?"

"Yeah, her. She was too cocky and pissed off Director Sawyer's people. She's in deep trouble now."

"Do you think she can survive here?"

"Who knows? It all depends on her attitude. If she swallows her pride, begs a little, and learns to keep her head down, maybe. But if she stays stubborn, this system will chew her up and spit her out."

-

At four in the afternoon, the ER lobby was chaotic.

The words hit her like a bucket of ice water.

He was accusing her of falsifying data.

Sienna's fingers curled into fists inside her coat pockets.

She raised her chin and met Sawyer's gaze directly. Her voice was steady, but every word carried the weight of steel.

"Director Sawyer, my consultation records are entered in real-time. Every single entry in the system is traceable. If you're suggesting 'duplicate counting,' please provide the evidence."

Sawyer's smile faltered for a fraction of a second.

"We are currently verifying the data."

"Then you shouldn't draw conclusions before the verification is complete." Sienna gave him no room to retreat. "You stood in front of Director Dayton and called my data an 'anomaly,' suggesting 'duplicate counting.' If that spreads, who takes responsibility for my reputation?"

Sawyer's expression darkened.

He clearly hadn't expected a young doctor to challenge him so openly.

"Sienna Sterling, is it?" He enunciated her name sharply. "Are you telling me how to do my job?"

"I am defending my reputation." Sienna refused to back down. "You are an executive in Medical Affairs. Your claims should be backed by facts. If you have proof, I welcome an investigation. If not..."