Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 458

Julian nodded. "That's acceptable."

Director Reynolds gave him a hard look, his tone carrying a heavy edge.

"Julian, let me ask you straight. Are you really going to throw yourself into the fire at a time like this?"

Julian met his mentor's gaze.

Director Reynolds had guided him for years, from a medical resident to an attending, all the way to a lead surgeon. He was the man who criticized him the harshest, but also protected him the fiercest. Right now, his words were more of a warning than a reprimand.

Julian looked down at the documents on the table.

The cover read: Stellaris Compliance Review Supplementary Materials.

Inside, there was no mention of Wren's personal struggles or the Langford family's dirty laundry. It only contained protocols, risk assessments, authorizations, withdrawal mechanisms, and pediatric advocacy.

"Director, I'm not inserting myself into her personal affairs," he said quietly. "I'm already in this project. If I back out now, it might protect me, but it will make the patient advocacy, clinical collaboration, and child authorization efforts all look like a facade for a personal favor."

He paused.

"I won't let that happen."

Director Reynolds stared at him for a long time before finally setting down his pen.

"Then we proceed by the book. You provide the statement of clinical facts, and the final opinion will be co-signed by our department and the Ethics Office."

Director Lambert nodded. "Additionally, the hospital will simultaneously issue a public statement clarifying that Daisy York's participation as a patient consultant was officially documented, and that Dr. York is not involved in Stellaris's data management or business decisions. The hospital also reserves the right to pursue legal action regarding the unauthorized personal photos used in the anonymous email."

Julian lowered his eyes. "Thank you."

After the meeting ended, Director Reynolds called him out into the hallway.

At the far end of the corridor was a window overlooking the hospital's rear courtyard. A few trees had just sprouted fresh leaves, swaying gently in the wind.

Director Reynolds handed him a cup of hot tea.

"You've always seemed so mild-mannered, but when someone actually crosses your bottom line, absolutely no one can hold you back."

Julian took the cup. "I apologize for the trouble, sir."

"As long as you know," Director Reynolds glared at him. "But honestly, that anonymous email was a filthy tactic. Using a patient's family member and a doctor's personal life as ammunition... we can't let that kind of culture take root."

Julian stayed silent.

Director Reynolds studied him. "Are you serious about Wren Whitaker?"