Who Knew My Assigned Mechanic Husband Was a Big Shot? novel Chapter 67

Sloane glanced around and pointed toward a secluded seating area on the manicured lawn.

"We can sit over there, Director Thorne."

They walked over and sat down.

Thomas's smile was probing, like a sugary coating masking a bitter pill. "Sloane, since you transferred to Metro General, I've been incredibly supportive of your career, haven't I?"

Sloane nodded slowly. "You've been a great mentor. You've given me amazing surgical opportunities."

"I'm glad you see it that way," he chuckled nervously, his eyes darting across the empty lawn. A thin layer of sweat broke out across his receding hairline as he struggled to find his words.

"Director Thorne, please just tell me what you need," Sloane offered. "If it's within my power, I'll do it."

"Oh, it's definitely within your power." He leaned in slightly. "That research paper you've been finalizing... you're almost ready to submit it for publication, correct?"

"Yes." A heavy knot of dread formed in Sloane's stomach.

"And that paper is entirely based on Liam Lucas's tumor resection, right? An operation that I oversaw as the lead surgeon."

"That's true. Without your approval, I wouldn't have been allowed anywhere near that OR." Sloane had always struggled with a deep-seated imposter syndrome.

"Then logically speaking," Thomas said smoothly, "my name should be listed as a co-author on that publication."

Sloane went completely rigid. She had spent countless nights writing every single word of that complex paper herself.

Thomas kept smiling, but his tone hardened with obvious coercion. "You know, we have an upcoming joint surgical fellowship with Capitol Medical. I'm currently deciding which of our doctors will receive that prestigious placement."

As the department head, he had total control over the fellowship nominations.

Weighing her entire career against the paper, Sloane finally forced a nod. "You're right, Director Thorne. Your name should absolutely be on the paper. You were the lead surgeon, after all."

Thomas exhaled, looking incredibly relieved. "You're a brilliant doctor, Sloane. Stick with me, and your future here will be limitless."

Watching his retreating figure, Sloane felt a sickening mix of anger and defeat.

*

After the retreat ended, Sloane didn't head straight back to her apartment. She took a cab directly to Panda Auto Works.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify