The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 76

So that was what the head nurse was hinting at.

I let out a quiet breath of relief and shook my head. "I think I'll pass. I don't have enough seniority yet; it wouldn't be appropriate."

Plus, the thought of being stuck on a business trip with Ferris gave me an instant headache.

"Stop selling yourself short," the head nurse scolded, sounding genuinely frustrated with me. "What do you mean, 'not appropriate'? You've been the standout intern in your entire batch. When a good opportunity comes around, you have to fight for it! Besides, VIPs from St. Jude's Medical Center attend this conference every year. Don't you want the chance to network and learn from the best?"

Capital General in the north, St. Jude's in the south. These two hospitals were absolute titans in the field of neurosurgery. During my med school competitions, I had been fortunate enough to debate and discuss cases with students from St. Jude's, so the prospect of learning from them was undeniably tempting.

"I won't force you," the head nurse said, noting my hesitation. "Just think it over."

On one hand, it was an incredibly rare educational opportunity. On the other, it meant dealing with Ferris. It was a massive headache.

But to my surprise, before I even had the chance to seek out Dr. Evelyn Yates, she called me directly.

I was summoned to her office.

Before I could even take a seat, she cut straight to the chase. "I assume you've heard about the Skye City conference. What are your thoughts, Selena?"

I blinked, caught off guard, and didn't immediately respond.

Usually, when a supervisor asked a question like that, they were practically handing you the opportunity on a silver platter.

Sure enough, Dr. Yates continued, "Our department happens to need a data coordinator for the trip. Are you confident you can handle the responsibility?"

I stared at her in shock. It felt like winning the lottery, and I genuinely didn't know if I should accept.

After all, Ferris would be there.

Seeing my silence, Dr. Yates spoke with earnest weight. "I heard about the patient dispute from Dr. Logan. Listen to me, Selena. A truly exceptional anesthesiologist doesn't just need flawless clinical skills; they need unbreakable psychological resilience. Consider this trip part of your ultimate test. Do you understand?"

I looked at her blankly for a second before her profound intentions finally clicked into place. After a brief pause, I nodded firmly. "Dr. Yates, I'm ready."

I had anticipated running into Ferris at the conference, but I never expected to literally bump into him at the airport.

And I certainly hadn't expected Zoey to be glued to his side.

As the absolute poster boy for Capital General, handing all the prime opportunities to his 'Little Mischief' was guaranteed to spark vicious gossip.

It was the exact reason Vivian had strictly forbidden me from joining Capital General in the first place.

Someone as brilliantly calculating as Ferris had to know the risks.

Yet, he brought her anyway.

A sudden, agonizing tearing sensation ripped through my chest. I hurriedly averted my eyes and turned to leave, but before I could take a step, a disgustingly sweet voice rang out behind me.

"Oh, it's Selena! Where are you flying off to?"