The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 214

Everyone stood up and began filing out the door.

Dr. Jenson called out, "Dr. Vance, please stay behind for a moment."

Riley sat back down.

A moment later, only Riley and the director remained in the conference room.

Dr. Jenson's strict expression softened as he looked at her. "Dr. Vance, you did a tremendous service this time. Dr. Sutherland is retiring at the end of the year. I want you to shadow her closely so you'll be ready to take over her position. Since you just started, I didn't announce this in front of everyone."

Riley furrowed her brows. She had no desire to become a department head. "Dr. Jenson, I have no intention of going down the administrative track. I'd actually like to apply to participate in the research institute's senior projects to gather data and experience, preparing for a future youth science grant application."

A flash of surprise crossed Dr. Jenson's eyes, but remembering that she was already a medical doctor and Senior Attending at such a young age, it made sense. Forcing a medical genius onto an administrative track would indeed be a waste of her talents. He quickly understood her choice.

"Alright. Since you want to focus on academic research, the hospital will fully support you. I approve your application."

"Thank you, Dr. Jenson."

"However, since you just joined, I can't transfer you directly to the research institute just yet. You'll have to work hard and juggle both the department and the institute. Once you've built up enough data and results on the research side, I'll officially move you over."

Working in the department meant taking on patients, and taking on patients meant seeing more cases, which was vital for her research. Though it would be exhausting, she was more than willing. "I'll follow your arrangements."

"Also, regarding Jenna's case—it's already blown up, and a lot of eyes are on it. Her follow-up treatment is officially in your hands now."

"Understood."

Dr. Jenson nodded. After a few seconds of silence, he tentatively asked, "Do you happen to know Zach?"

Last time, Pierce Landon had demanded Riley's fellowship be revoked. But shortly after, Zach had issued an order for a special recruitment drive, and Riley just so happened to be on that list.

After the jumper incident, Zach had ordered severe punishment for those responsible, explicitly praising the hospital for having a 'compassionate angel of mercy'. Wasn't he clearly talking about Riley? She was the only one who had risked everything to save the patient, earning that exact title online.

Yet Riley claimed she didn't know Zachary Chambers at all. Was it really all just a massive coincidence?

Not long after Riley returned to the department, Dr. Grosse approached her.

"Dr. Vance, I'm treating the department to dinner tonight. First, to thank you for properly handling Jenna's situation. And second, to officially welcome you to our department."

Since she arrived, Dr. Grosse had been nothing but cold to her. Riley hadn't understood why at first, but putting together Holly's warnings and the director's comment about Dr. Sutherland retiring, she had figured it out.