Chapter 76

Valda snatched the thermal container away without a word. Seeing the untouched soup, her eyes narrowed.

“When Cedric first told me about this, I didn’t believe him, but now I see, you really are shameless,” Valda said, her raised voice drawing the crowd’s attention.

Leroy remained unfazed, glancing at her. “The patient is already weak, yet you brought spicy soup. Aren’t you making things worse?”

Everyone immediately understood.

Valda froze, then began to rant. “How should I know if you were doing this on purpose? The person in there is your ex-wife, the CEO of Payne Group. You’re just saying this to win her back!”

She had everyone’s attention again. Growing more arrogant, she continued, “Most of you don’t know this, but Dr. Olson is divorced. Yet, he’s still clinging to his ex-wife. Isn’t that suspicious?”

She mocked him. “I don’t understand how someone like you became a doctor. How could you still cling to her?”

The people around exchanged doubtful glances. They didn’t believe her.

“Isn’t Dr. Olson the hospital’s youngest and most promising doctor?” someone murmured.

“He doesn’t seem like that type of person,” another added.

“Maybe this woman is just making this up,” a third whispered.

Gradually, everyone realized what was happening.

“Isn’t she obviously here to humiliate Dr. Olson?”

“How could someone like her be in a hospital?”

Leroy looked at Valda. “Mrs. Reid, this is a hospital, not a place to slander people. If you don’t believe me, ask Scarlett. I’m sure she’ll tell you everything.”

He turned and walked away.

Valda’s confidence wavered. How could she ask Scarlett? She had worked hard to earn Scarlett’s trust for Cedric. If she messed this up, all her efforts would be wasted. She glanced at the thermal container and frowned, thinking of the wasted food.

Meanwhile, Cedric calmly reviewed documents at the company.

“Is this what power feels like?” he mused, gazing out the window at the view Scarlett had once admired.

A knock echoed at the door. He turned to see Grace.

“Ms. Farmer, I’ve done exactly as you asked—nothing at all,” Cedric said, grinning at Grace.

Grace frowned. “Stop that smug look,” she snapped. “The board hasn’t decided anything yet. That’s good news for us.”

Grace sighed.

Cedric remained unconcerned. “Ms. Farmer, I’m following your instructions. Nothing will go wrong.”

His words only increased Grace’s anxiety. In the past, he would have already caused trouble. His patience made her curious. He maintained his smile.

“Ms. Farmer, when can you arrange for my mother and the others to start working here?” he asked, watching her closely. Grace frowned.