Chapter 488 All Depends on Her Mood
Brooklyn got back to the hospital just in time for the meeting. As usual, she grabbed a notebook to take minutes and joined the other surgeons in the elevator heading to the conference room.
But today, the vibe was definitely different.
She had barely stepped out of her office when Sienna and Thalia Seraphine from cardiology greeted her with enthusiasm.
Sienna chuckled, "Hey, Dr. Mitchell, did you hear about Dr. Rivera? It just goes to show that you never really know someone."
"Yeah, back when you weren't here, everyone in the hospital, doctors and nurses alike, treated her like a goddess. Especially the nurses who worked with her—they were always on edge. But now... well, look at her," Sienna continued with a smirk.
Thalia nodded in agreement, clutching her notebook. "I always say, what goes around comes around. We had no idea Dr. Rivera was that kind of person. Who would've thought? A socialite from the Rivera family, with all that money, getting involved in such shady dealings. If it were just a medical malpractice case, that'd be one thing, but black market dealings? That's a whole new level of disgrace."
"People bring their own downfall," Sienna added.
"Dr. Mitchell, it's rare to find a doctor like you who genuinely cares about patients. You're the face of Aucester Hospital now!"
"Absolutely, Dr. Mitchell. Our surgical department is counting on you!"
Brooklyn listened to their gossip without showing any emotion. As they walked, more doctors joined in, and the topic of Piper exploded. Initially, the criticism was mild, but soon, stories emerged about Piper's harshness, like making interns stay up for two days straight to write reports.
Someone even mentioned Piper firing a couple for dating in the hospital office.
The gossip was endless.
Brooklyn was truly taken aback by how many enemies Piper had made. Now that Piper was out of the picture, everyone seemed to be venting their pent-up frustrations.
Any lingering guilt Brooklyn felt quickly vanished.
"Dr. Mitchell, with Piper gone, the cardiology department will need a new head. Who do you think it will be?" a female doctor asked curiously from behind.
Standing in the elevator, Brooklyn's tall figure in her white coat remained calm and composed. "Choosing a department head is up to the hospital leadership, not me. Besides, cardiology and surgery are separate. Let's focus on our own responsibilities."
"Hehe, Dr. Mitchell, we're just curious. We heard you knew Dr. Rivera before. Did she ever bully you? When you were at Aucester Hospital, you were her subordinate, right? She must've given you a hard time."
Brooklyn smiled faintly. "I have a poor memory. It's been so long, I've forgotten."
"Oh, Dr. Mitchell, you're too forgiving!"
"You don't get it. Dr. Mitchell's strength lies in her kindness!"
"Exactly, kindness and beauty! Dr. Mitchell is the true goddess of Aucester Hospital!"
Brooklyn didn't respond, nor did she engage further in their conversation. She wondered how much of the praise was because she was Sebastian's wife.
The elevator chatter continued until they reached the top floor. As soon as the doors opened, Brooklyn was the first to step out.
At the same time, the adjacent elevator opened, and Zach, along with a few other surgeons and some cardiologists, stepped out.
Everyone nodded in silent acknowledgment and murmured as they headed to the conference room.
Zach and Brooklyn ended up walking side by side. Almost in unison, they asked, "How are you?"
They both laughed. Zach said, "I'm good. How about you?"
"Same as you."
After the brief exchange, they shared a knowing smile and entered the conference room.
The meeting began with the first agenda item: the heart rescue project. Brooklyn, as the project leader, gave a comprehensive overview of recent work.
The second agenda item, as expected, was the selection of a new cardiology department head. Typically, the leadership would choose based on each candidate's abilities and performance, but putting it to a vote was unusual.
Brooklyn noticed Samantha in the cardiology section, glaring at her with a look that could kill.
Brooklyn averted her gaze, not giving Samantha another glance.
The hospital director smiled politely. "As you all know, Dr. Piper was arrested for actions that tarnished the hospital's reputation. With the cardiology head position now vacant, today's meeting will include selecting a new head. Everyone has a nomination, and the process will be fair and transparent."
Brooklyn observed the room full of murmuring staff, twirling her pen silently.
"Dr. Mitchell, what are your thoughts on this matter? I'd like to hear your opinion," the deputy director suddenly asked, shifting everyone's attention to Brooklyn.
Brooklyn's pen continued to spin. The deputy director's attempt to curry favor was quite obvious.
"As the project leader, I'm part of Aucester Hospital but not a formal employee. Even if I were, I'm in surgery, not cardiology. It's not my place to interfere."
The deputy director quickly waved his hand, smiling. "Oh, come now. Cardiology and surgery are one family. Dr. Mitchell's opinion is invaluable. Please, share your thoughts."
Brooklyn realized the director's public selection process and his request for her input were to ensure the new head wouldn't feel threatened by her.
The thought was both amusing and exasperating.
Brooklyn's eyes softened with a hint of apology as she smiled calmly. "You're putting me in a tough spot. Everyone here is a core talent of Aucester Hospital. Anyone could excel as the department head. How can I choose? You and the director are the leaders. Whoever you decide on will be the best choice, and I'll fully support them."
Brooklyn's words were reassuring. The director's unease dissipated.
"Then, as per tradition, the current deputy head will be promoted to head. How does that sound?"
The director looked to Brooklyn for approval.
Brooklyn smiled again.
"Great, then it's settled for cardiology."
The rest of the meeting was filled with lengthy reports. Brooklyn's mind wandered until she finally heard the word "adjourn."
As the meeting ended, congratulatory voices filled the room, followed by a rush of people leaving. Brooklyn closed her notebook and followed the crowd.
Zach quickly caught up to her. "Brooklyn, do you have a moment? I'd like to talk."
Brooklyn shrugged, feeling a bit tired. "Sure."
They found a quiet spot in the hospital's café. Zach stirred his coffee, gathering his thoughts. "You probably know what I want to talk about, right?"
"Piper?"
Zach nodded, looking a bit regretful. "I didn't expect her to do something like this. If I had known, maybe I could've stopped her."
"Zach, do you think Piper going to prison for this is worse than going to prison as a murderer?"
Zach looked puzzled. "Is there a connection between the two?"
Brooklyn shook her head, then nodded, her smile tinged with irony. "It might not seem related, but think about it. Why did Piper go to prison? Why did it happen so quickly? And why couldn't someone like James intervene?"
A realization dawned on Zach. "You're right. Sebastian didn't need a reason to get rid of Piper. The charges against her are just an excuse to make her disappear."
Sebastian had orchestrated everything to ensure Piper's downfall. Anyone trying to help her would become his enemy.
Brooklyn watched Zach's expression change. "Looks like you understand now."
Zach sighed, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Sebastian doesn't tolerate anyone hurting you. He won't let anyone off the hook."
There was no sarcasm, only envy. Zach envied Sebastian's ability to protect Brooklyn, even using extreme measures.
Brooklyn mused, "I wonder what kind of man I married."
"Whatever kind he is, it's clear he truly loves you. He wouldn't do all this if he didn't. He's taking all the risks to make sure you're not wronged. Brooklyn, I'm happy for you. You made the right choice."
Brooklyn sensed the lingering bitterness in his words and felt a pang of guilt. "Zach, it's time for you to find someone, too. There are plenty of great doctors here. Let me help you find someone."
Zach rubbed his temples, looking a bit troubled. "Actually, I need your help with something else."
"What is it?"
Brooklyn was always willing to help Zach.
"My parents set me up with a date. She's arriving in Libertya soon, and they insist I meet her. Can you help me get out of it?"
"Help you? How?"
The idea of Zach on a date was amusing.
Zach looked pained. "I don't want to deal with this right now, but she's the daughter of my parents' friends. Can you pretend to be my girlfriend to get me out of it?"
The request was cliché, but Zach rarely asked for help.
"Alright, I'll help you." Then Brooklyn realized, "Wait, did you bring up Piper just to segue into this? When did you start playing these games?"
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