?<strong>Chapter 54:</strong>


    He added after a brief pause, “Naturally, obtaining a medical license is a standard requirement.”


    A heavy silence fell over the room, though the air remained thick with unspoken doubts. To some, this seemed like an obvious case of favoritism.


    Once Josh left, the doctors returned to their work, though the murmurs hadn’tpletely died down. Kylee, attempting to mask her envy, approached Belinda with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.


    “Belinda, why didn’t you tell me earlier about your new role here? I was out there offering you an assistant’s job, not knowing you had already secured a higher position. It made me look quite foolish,” she said, her tone carrying a mix of resignation and subtle me.


    Belinda smiled softly, her demeanor calm. “I thought it would be a pleasant surprise, Kylee. Isn’t it wonderful news? Aren’t you happy for me?”


    Kylee momentarily stiffened before quickly nodding. “Absolutely, I’m happy for you, Belinda! I thought it would be difficult for you to find a suitable position so quickly after returning to the country. You must have really impressed the deputy director to arrange a special exam just for you. That’s quite an achievement—it’s never been done before!”


    Though her words seemedplimentary on the surface, they subtly implied that Belinda had leveraged connections to advance.


    Belinda maintained herposed demeanor, responding with a smile. “Yes, I have a good rtionship with Mr. Rodgers. He also mentioned that you and Dad have often visited his home, seeking concessions during your exams. He asked me to tell you that you shouldn’t do that again, or else he’ll have no choice but to consider your dismissal from Grand ins General Hospital.”


    Knowing that everyone in the office already assumed Belinda had secured her position through connections, she realized no exnation could change their opinions. Embracing this perception, she decided to use it to her advantage. If Kylee wanted to use her of nepotism, perhaps it was time to turn the tables.


    Following Belinda’s revtion, the office fell eerily silent. All eyes turned to Kylee, whose expression had be rigid, confirming the truth of Belinda’s statement. This realization caused everyone to reassess Kylee, who had always prided herself on meritocracy and disdain for nepotism. Now, her fa?ade was crumbling.


    Heat crept into Kylee’s cheeks from the unexpected exposure. She was taken aback that Caiden had shared such information with Belinda, let alone that Belinda would disclose it publicly.


    Before Kylee could respond, Belinda stood up and said, “I need to change.” She then walked to the locker room.


    Throughout the morning, almost no one interacted with Belinda. Even Darlene, Belinda’s supposed mentor, treated her with noticeable coldness.


    But Belinda remained unaffected. By noon, Harold called, asking her to join him for lunch. With a long lunch break ahead, Belinda agreed and set off for the restaurant.


    Upon opening the door to the private room, she stopped short when she saw Lucas lounging on the couch. At that moment, her phone rang—Harold on the line.


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