The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 305

The mention of the old professor immediately brought the highly respected Professor Lucas to mind. My initial intention to just let things slide vanished, replaced by an intense flare of anger.

They could talk about me all they wanted, but they had absolutely no right to drag Professor Lucas's name through the mud for their petty gossip.

Stepping forward, I said coldly, "I know everyone is very concerned about Dr. Sterling's suspension. But since the hospital has established The Hospital Inquiry Board, they will certainly clear Dr. Sterling and Dr. Zeller's names. They'll also uncover the identity of the anonymous whistleblower. So until the investigation is concluded, I'd suggest you watch what you say. After all, legally speaking, making baseless claims constitutes defamation, doesn't it?"

My tone was light, but my stance was rock-solid. The moment I finished, the few people who had been laughing just seconds ago suddenly looked panicked. Only Zelda remained unfazed, scoffing in return. "What, is Dr. Hayes threatening us? Ha, having a sugar daddy backing you really does make a difference."

She shot me a highly suggestive glare.

"That's way out of line, Zelda! Our Dr. Hayes was hired by the Department of Anesthesiology through formal procedures. How can you say something like that?" Amber was livid, fiercely defending me.

"If she was hired legitimately, then wasn't our Zoey too?" Zelda rolled her eyes aggressively, entirely abandoning any basic workplace decorum.

I supposed my previous tolerance was exactly what made them think they could trample all over me. I spoke up, "Dr. Zeller must have her own exceptional qualities to be chosen by Dr. Sterling. Similarly, I earned my spot in Anesthesiology through my own merit. We're all at this hospital to save lives. I suggest we stop wasting precious time on this pointless bickering."

Leaving them with that, I grabbed Amber's arm and walked away.

Only after we were out of their sight did Amber give me a huge thumbs-up. "That's our rising Anesthesia Star! Logical and sharp, you totally shut down those gossips! That was brilliant!"

But I couldn't find it in me to be happy.

All I could do was comfort myself with the fact that the truth would eventually come to light.

But when I returned to the locker room, the motion-sensor lights flickered on the moment I pushed the door open. In the harsh fluorescent light, a grotesque, bleeding red oozed across my locker.

The words "Death to the Academic Fraud" were plastered on with medical tape, the letters jagged and twisted like centipedes. The bright crimson pigment dripped down the metal surface like tears of blood—the shade was identical to the Bio-stain we used in the OR.

When I reached out to touch the locker door, my fingertips met a sticky residue. The sharp, acidic stench of superglue was mixed with the familiar smell of hospital disinfectant.

The door had been glued completely shut.