?<strong>Chapter 119:</strong>


    Belinda calmly took a sip of her oatmeal, her expression unchanged. A faint, sardonic smile yed on her lips.


    Belinda blinked, understanding the situation. So that was how it was. Initially, only the doctors in the Cardiac Surgery Department knew that she had secured her position at the hospital through her connection with Caiden. But now, the rumor had spread like wildfire throughout the Grand ins General Hospital, thanks to some deliberate gossip.


    Despite this, Belinda remainedposed.


    After breakfast, she headed back to her department. As she changed clothes in the locker room, another resident doctor entered.


    “Belinda.”


    The woman, Braelynn Warren, was thirty-three and also part of Darlene’s team. She and Belinda shared a friendly rapport.


    “Braelynn.”


    Belinda acknowledged her with a nod.


    Braelynn came closer to Belinda, lowering her voice. “I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter today, mostly about you. They say you’re only working here because of Mr. Rodgers, and they’re not happy about it.”


    Belinda continued buttoning her doctor’s coat, her expression unfazed. “Yes, I’ve caught wind of it, too, over breakfast.”


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    “And what are your thoughts?” Braelynn inquired, looking concerned.


    Belinda shrugged slightly, maintaining her calm demeanor. “There’s not much to think about. I just need to focus on my work.”


    Impressed, Braelynn patted her shoulder. “You handle pressure well. If it were me, I’d be falling apart.”


    She nced around cautiously and then leaned in closer. “I think Dr. Ortiz might have something to do with this,” she said.


    Belinda turned to look at Braelynn, her interest piqued by the mention of Turner.


    Braelynn spoke in a hushed tone, ncing around before continuing. “You’re new here, Belinda, and you might not yet know much about Dr. Ortiz. He is exceptionally talented in the OR and knows his craft well, but he can be quite set in his ways. Ever since you suggested Dr. Star for the Larkin surgery, he has been dissatisfied with you. Plus, your connection with Mr. Rodgers doesn’t help—Dr. Ortiz has never seen eye to eye with Mr. Rodgers.”


    After a pause, she said, “Considering these two points, it’s no surprise that Dr. Ortiz might hold a grudge against you. And with the rumors now circting hospital-wide, it’s likely someone’s stirring the pot on purpose.”


    Belinda gave a small nod, her face betraying no emotion. “I appreciate the heads-up, Braelynn.”


    “Don’t mention it. We’re all in the same team, after all.” Braelynn gave a supportive smile before leaving.


    Belinda’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. She suspected Kylee’s involvement in this orchestrated gossip. She believed Kylee and Turner were likely nning something else as well. Since they had started spreading rumors about her getting into Grand ins General Hospital because of her connection with Caiden, Belinda knew the whisper campaign was far from over.


    With a strategic calm, she prepared for whatever was next, certain that Kylee and Turner would escte their tactics. After adjusting her clothes and checking her appearance onest time, she stepped out of the locker room and into the doctors’ office.


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