Charlotte froze, her body stiffening as she stared at him in disbelief. You think Im targeting her?

So, this was about Claire? He had come to confront her over Claire?

Shes your superior. Regardless of the situation, you shouldnt humiliate her in front of others. Julians tone was brisk, detachedstrictly business. Not a trace of their bond as husband and wife seeped through.

Charlotte swallowed the ache in her chest, forcing herself to laugh. Have you forgotten? Im the chief surgeon. Dont I have the authority to hold her accountable?

Then perhaps youve forgotten, Julian replied, his smile tilting into something half-mocking, that I also have the authority to replace the chief surgeon.

Her heart felt as if it had been struck with a blunt object, the impact reverberating through her entire being, leaving it trembling.

It didnt matter, though.

Shed already filed for a transfer.

Whether he replaced her or not was no longer her concern.

Dont bring this up again

If Mr. Hawthorne wants a replacement, she cut him off mid-sentence, her voice steady, then replace me.

The smile evaporated from Julians face, darkening into something unreadable as he fixed his gaze on her.

It used to be that she only addressed him as Mr. Hawthorne in front of others.

In private, never.

And shed never been this distant, this cold.

What did you just call me? he asked.

Mr. Hawthorne, she replied with unnerving calmness, her tone measured, deliberate. Then, with a faintly biting edge, she countered, Isnt that what you wanted me to call you?

His brows knitted into a frown, his lips pressed as if holding back words he couldntor wouldntsay.

Before he could respond, a nurse rushed over, her expression flustered. Dr. Sheridan, theres troublesome patients family member got into it with Director Winslow!

Charlotte hadnt even had time to react before Julian disappeared, leaving her with a view of his retreating back.

He didnt hesitate. Not for a moment.

Watching the way he surged toward the commotion, the urgency in his stride, Charlottes lips twisted in a faint, bitter smile.

Hed never been that anxious about her. Not once.

When she arrived at the scene, voices clashed. A heated argument had erupted outside a patients room, and she caught Claires distressed cries above the din.

Pushing through the cluster of people, Charlotte was greeted by a tableau that seared into her mind: Julian shielding Claire, his hand catching the wrist of the enraged family member who had been about to strike. Claire clung to him, trembling, her face pale and frail, as if carved of porcelain.

The patients family member, all bravado suddenly drained, stammered in astonishment, Who who the hell are you?

What cant be settled with words? Julians voice was low, charged with authority, as he shoved the man away. Why resort to violence?

You should ask her! The man jabbed an accusatory finger toward Claire, his voice laced with rage. My son just came out of surgery, barely hanging onto his life, and this so-called doctor had the nerve to flinch, saying his wound made her sick! If she cant handle it, what the hells she doing in this profession?

Claire shook her head fervently, tears glistening as she turned her pleading eyes toward Julian. Julian, no, thats not itI wasnt feeling well this morning. I mustve eaten something bad, I was nauseous. It wasnt because of the patient. Please, you have to believe me.

He nodded once, his voice softer now. Ill take care of this.

Turning back to the furious father, Julians tone remained calm yet firm. Shes unwell, not deliberately disrespectful. How about thisIll cover your sons hospital bills. Lets put this behind us.

Appeased by the offer, the family members indignation subsided. His lips twitched as if he wanted to say more, but at last, he muttered, Fine. Lets leave it at that. With a disapproving grunt, he turned and shuffled back into the room.

Such bad luck, the man muttered under his breath before disappearing inside.

Im so sorry, Julian, Claire said softly, her voice quivering. Her wide eyes brimmed with sorrow and gratitude as she gazed up at him. I didnt mean to cause trouble for you. I... I justwhat if hed hurt you? Id never forgive myself.

Julian gave her a small, reassuring smile. As long as youre okay.

Director Winslow, is Mr. Hawthorne your boyfriend? one of the onlookers quipped, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Eyes cast downward, Claire shook her head demurely, a shy smile playing on her lips. No, were not Please dont say things like that...

Oh, come on. You and Mr. Hawthorne look perfect together!

The others joined in, chuckling and chiming their agreement.

Julians gaze drifted across the gathering crowd, landing squarely on Charlotte.

The moment their eyes met, her chest tightened, the bitter taste of irony clawing at her throat.

Her husbandher Julianlooked perfectly suited to someone else.

Her presence here was redundant.

She didnt belong anymore.