Chapter 467 You Lack the Ambition
Sandra hesitated, wanting to reach out and thank her. Amelia gave her a warm handshake and a gentle smile. "No need to be so formal. It's what we do. Just keep an eye on Maria's health when you get back to Tideport City."
Sandra nodded seriously. "Actually, we're planning to move to Southern Town for Maria's recovery. We're not going back to Tideport City. I'm bringing my parents along – it's better for Maria to be away from our old environment."
Amelia got why Sandra was hesitant about going back. After all the drama with Constance and the threats from Rodolfo's mistress, Sandra had every reason to want a fresh start somewhere safe. Elijah had already tried to squeeze money from Sandra for Rodolfo's mistress and her unborn kid, but Sandra was determined to keep that mess far away from Maria.
"Are your parents cool with moving to Southern Town?" Amelia asked, knowing how older folks often prefer to stay in familiar places.
Sandra quickly replied, "Yeah, they are on board. As long as Maria's okay, they're willing to live anywhere."
Hearing that, Amelia felt a lot more at ease.
Just then, Jessica's voice chimed in from behind Amelia. "That's good, staying away from those jerks. You and Maria can start fresh."
Sandra nodded in agreement before heading back to Maria, who was calling for her from the ward. Amelia turned to find Jessica beside her. "I'm heading back to Tideport City tomorrow. Got some stuff to handle there. Maria will be in your care for the next couple of weeks," Jessica informed her.
"Got it," Amelia said, acknowledging Jessica's plans.
Jessica glanced at Amelia, noticing how tired she looked. "Don't let Frederick get you down. Lose one, and there'll be another. This hospital is yours now. You've got money, looks, and Anna. Men are just a distraction. Don't let them drag you down."
The rumor mill had been buzzing about Frederick possibly marrying someone else while Amelia stayed focused on her work. Their only real connection now was Anna.
Jessica was all about emotional independence. If she ever married, it would be for significant benefits. She never invested emotions in men and couldn't understand women who felt sorry for them.
Amelia paused, surprised that Jessica was comforting her. If it had been the Jessica from a while ago, she would've mocked her instead.
Amelia smiled slightly and responded to Jessica. "You're right."
Jessica chuckled. "I've been here all this time, and you haven't treated me to a meal. How about dinner tonight?"
Amelia smiled. "I can't say no to that. I'll invite the whole treatment team. It might be the last time we're all together before Maria is discharged."
"That sounds perfect," Jessica responded, flashing a rare, genuine smile.
As the day wrapped up, Amelia sent the restaurant address to their group chat. No one from the treatment team missed out on the dinner. Jessica sat beside Amelia, enjoying a few drinks with the professors, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol.
Suddenly, Jessica raised her glass and bluntly announced, "Dr. Davis, I really don't like you."
The room went dead silent. Amelia's colleagues exchanged awkward glances, their previous merriment snuffed out in an instant.
Ulysses frowned, his voice stern. "Jessica, you're drunk! Stop talking nonsense."
Jessica waved away his concern with a tipsy grin. "Nah, I'm not drunk. I meant what I said. But also, I don't dislike her anymore."
"Jessica!" Ulysses warned again.
Amelia didn't feel any embarrassment or displeasure because of Jessica's words; she still had a smile on her face.
"Dr. Brown is going back to Tideport City tomorrow. Who knows when we'll meet again. I'd really like to know why Dr. Brown doesn't like me."
Seeing this, others quickly chimed in.
"Dr. Brown's just joking."
"Yeah, Dr. Brown must be really drunk."
Others around the table tried to lighten the mood, but Jessica plowed on. "You make the rest of us look bad by not having any ambition. I used to despise you for it." Jessica continued. "In our world, the weak get swallowed whole. You've got advantages—looks, money, family—but you lack the ambition to hold on to them."
Amelia fell silent, absorbing Jessica's shocking honesty. Everyone around them shifted uncomfortably. Ulysses leaned forward, his tone stern. "Amelia is highly skilled. How can she be considered weak?"
Jessica didn't back down. "Skills are one thing; life's bigger than that. So yes, I used to think you were weak, but not anymore. I hope the next time I meet you, you'll be stronger."
After a reflective pause, Amelia smiled softly. "Thank you, Jessica."
Jessica's expression softened. "Sometimes, harsh words are needed. Try to see it that way."
Amelia nodded. "I will. And I promise, the next time you see me, I'll be someone you like."
No one had ever told Amelia she was too weak before. As Jessica said, she had a good family background and a capable sister. Brittany treated her like a granddaughter. The resources readily available to her were things others might never achieve in a lifetime.
Amelia lacked confidence in her relationship with Frederick, so she didn't notice the subtle changes in his attitude, nor did she think deeply about it. If it were someone else with such good resources and a nurturing environment, they would have seen the problem long ago.
Though her medical skills were indisputable, they couldn't shore up her entire life. She realized that she needed to be more assertive, not just for herself but for Anna and her future.
Her living environment was anything but ordinary, and she often crossed paths with sharp individuals who had navigated the cutthroat world of business. If she wasn't strong enough, she could be left with nothing.
In her current struggle with Nancy and Layla, she couldn't just comfortably hide behind Rachel and Frederick.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
