Not Your Doormat Anymore

"You looked so drained when you got back, it seemed like you were about to crumble," Kourtney said, her voice full of concern.

"I didn't know how to console you, but I wanted to lift your spirits. In my eyes, you're the best doctor and the best boss anyone could wish for, so don't lose hope." Her tone was soft and gentle.

Her words of encouragement sent warmth through my body and made my heart race. I gave a quiet hum in response.

She let go of me and offered a sheepish smile. "I just acted on impulse. I really do hope you feel better," she said shyly.

"Good luck!" She shot me a thumbs-up, and I smiled in return.

I stood corrected-she was the only one who supported me, and that alone was enough.

...

After receiving training from Lindsey at the company, I asked to meet with Jason. It had been almost a week since I last saw him, and he looked even more worn out than before.

He looked especially drained when he faced me. I sat behind my desk while he stood stiffly in front of it.

"Jason, I'm done with the task you gave me last time. What's next?" I smiled as I looked at him.

Jason clasped his hands but kept a steady tone. "Mr. Ranford, with you being so capable and having Ms. Harper by your side, I'm afraid there's nothing more I can teach you."

"Jason, don't say that. You've been here for a long time. Your experience and abilities are unmatched. My dad always thought highly of you and trusted you a great deal. And so do I."

I walked over and patted him on the shoulder. "Jason, we've got a long road ahead as partners. I hope you won't let me down."

He wiped the sweat off his forehead and said, "Yes, of course. I'll do my best to support you, Mr. Ranford."

After I sent Jason away, Lindsey entered my office.

"We'll find out in a few days if he's really sincere," she said.

I nodded in agreement. He acted like he was willing to work with me, but then again, a seasoned

businessman like him would know how to put on a show. Only his actions would reveal whether his loyalty was real or not.

Before Jason could pull anything, I got a call from Central Hospital.

"We intended for you to reflect on your actions during your suspension, but what t did you do? You went behind our backs and performed surgery at another hospital. Dr Ranford, since you're not taking the hospital's rules seriously, we've decided to dismiss you. From now on, you don't need to report for work."

Dr. Crowell had made the call himself. After dragging it out with sarcasm, he told me his decision.

I listened calmly. Before I had taken the patient into the operating room yesterday,

I had already known this was coming.

It was a well-known fact that

hospital doctors were prohibited from performing surgery at

non-parther hospitals. Knowing Samuel, he wouldn't have passed up the opportunity to report me especially since he had been at the hospital too.

When I returned home in my sorrowful state yesterday, I had actually been mourning the end of my career as a doctor.

What I hadn't expected was for Kourtney to notice my pain and try to comfort me.

Her care had warmed me enough that I felt nothing when I got the call today.

As the call ended, my hopes and dreams of being a doctor were crushed and buried deep within me.

When I opened my eyes again, I had gathered my thoughts. The most important thing now was taking over Ranford Corporation.noveldrama

Jason had waited for years, and he wouldn't go down without a fight.

That afternoon, rumors spread like wildfire that I was terrible at managing a

company and had made unreasonable changes to employee roles.

Mira rushed into my office, showing me a video on her phone.

Lindsey's expression turned serious.