Chapter 70

At that moment, Scarlett lifted her gaze, briefly dazed. However, as soon as she saw the person before her, her composure returned swiftly. She asked, "Didn't you already check on me? Why are you here again?" A hint of annoyance flashed across her face.

Hearing this, Zoe let out a cold snort but quickly forced a respectful expression onto her face.

"Ms. Payne, please don’t misunderstand. We’re just concerned that you might forget and accidentally eat something dirty again," Zoe said, quickly stepping forward. "Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet, so you should avoid spicy food or anything that could irritate your throat. And don’t engage in any strenuous exercise. Just make sure you stay happy and relaxed." Zoe rattled off these instructions in one breath.

A mocking smile spread across Scarlett’s face. "Oh, did the hospital forget to give me these instructions earlier? Or did you only remember them now that something went wrong?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Zoe’s face stiffened. Scarlett’s sneer deepened at Zoe’s reaction.

"Now the hospital wants to make amends?" Scarlett scoffed, her words leaving Zoe deflated.

"Enough," Leroy, who had been quietly listening from the sidelines, said, stepping forward. Zoe tried to speak again, but Leroy stopped her and gently pulled her aside.

"Ms. Payne, we acknowledge that our hospital made a mistake. Please allow us the chance to make things right."

Although Leroy’s attitude was sincere, Zoe frowned slightly at his words and muttered something under her breath. Scarlett cast a quick glance at her.

"Dr. Olson, you’re a renowned physician. How could you make such a mistake? Or maybe you’re just treating me differently?"

Scarlett’s lips curled into a smug smile as though she had already won. Leroy frowned, clearly surprised by her words. Zoe’s expression darkened. "Ms. Payne, even if the hospital shares some responsibility, don’t you know your own body better than anyone? You’re in such poor health, yet you don’t take better care of yourself. And now you’re blaming Mr. Olson? It’s the people around you who should be held accountable."

Zoe pouted while Scarlett raised an eyebrow once more.

"Dr. Olson, is this the level of service your hospital provides? How could you treat a patient this way?"

Scarlett’s words caught Zoe off guard. Before the latter could respond, she met Leroy’s gaze and fell silent.

"You can leave now," he ordered.

Leroy understood Zoe’s temperament. She was always kind to other patients, so why was she behaving so differently with Scarlett? He turned back to Scarlett.

"I apologize for today’s incident. Please accept my sincerest apologies on behalf of the hospital," Leroy said calmly.

Scarlett felt a sudden pang of sadness. To Leroy, she was just another patient.

"Dr. Olson, didn’t you say you wanted to give your hospital a chance? Well, here’s your chance. Cedric has been busy lately, so I’d appreciate it if you could take good care of me."

With that, Scarlett closed her eyes and settled into a moment of rest. Leroy was taken aback. After a moment of reflection, he realized he was at fault. He conceded with a sigh. "Please rest well, Ms. Payne," Leroy said before turning to leave.

Scarlett opened her eyes as the door closed, and a wry smile curved her lips. She couldn’t help but long for a meal cooked by Leroy.