Chapter 148 He Is Just a Patient
Janet clearly saw the disdain in Cordelia's eyes.
Her expression shifted slightly. She had carefully prepared her speech and thought through how to handle the follow-up questions, but standing before Cordelia, not only did she fail to provoke any reaction, she had practically walked right into being humiliated.
Over the past three years, Janet had gained a large following of loyal fans.
She had been carefully crafting an image of herself as a wealthy young lady from a well-off family.
Her fans believed she came from a good family background and praised her constantly.
So for these three years, Janet had basically been lifted up by her fans' adoration. Sometimes, after hearing so much praise, she almost believed she really came from that kind of background.
But the deep-rooted insecurity couldn't be completely shaken off.
Standing before Cordelia, she finally understood what it meant to pale in comparison.
The things she showed off were what she desperately wanted to achieve, yet these same things were what Cordelia didn't care about at all, things she could casually toss aside.
Cordelia put down her water glass, her jewel-like eyes sweeping over Janet.
She picked up the medical book from the desk again and said leisurely.
"I thought after three years, talking with Ms. Martin again would bring some valuable and meaningful topics, but I didn't expect it to still be this garbage-like conversation. What a huge disappointment."
"The last commendation ceremony—did Ms. Martin perhaps squeeze in through some kind of connections?"
Janet's expression stiffened at these words.
To attend the commendation ceremony, she had worked very hard all last year, actively organizing activities beneficial to fruit farmers.
She could have made a lot of money, but for the sake of the ceremony, she made almost nothing in that area last year.
She deliberately guided the fruit farmers she helped to write recommendation letters and made contracts to continue selling fruit for them next year, which got her the chance to attend the ceremony.
Janet gritted her teeth, staring at Cordelia with displeasure.
"Dr. Stone seems to have forgotten that you're the one who took someone else's spot to attend the ceremony. I was genuinely recommended."
Cordelia raised an eyebrow, her smile faint as she glanced at Janet.
Janet probably didn't listen to a single word of the speech Cordelia gave at the ceremony.
Otherwise, she wouldn't think Cordelia's attendance was improper.
Hannah came to invite Cordelia to lunch and heard Janet at the door mocking Cordelia for attending the ceremony by taking Jake's spot. She couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"The professional barriers between different industries are really thick. Looks like Ms. Martin needs to improve her knowledge, otherwise she'll make a fool of herself without realizing it, while still thinking she's making sense."
Cordelia did attend the ceremony by taking Jake's spot, but Janet didn't know the specific reasons.
The commendation ceremony was just a stepping stone arranged by the city, giving her a chance to meet authoritative figures in Shadowpine's medical community and get a basic understanding of them.
Competition for talent between cities has always been fierce. The academic research Cordelia brought back from Astoria could benefit the people and bring huge profits.
If this medical research could be developed in Shadowpine, it would be all benefits and no harm to the city.
Shadowpine didn't want to lose her or the value she could create.
When the contract expires, Cordelia would be able to attend more than just the city's commendation ceremony.
So at this moment, Hannah looked at Janet like she was looking at an idiot.
Janet's face went pale, grinding her teeth secretly.
She couldn't handle Cordelia alone just now, and now with the sharp-tongued Hannah in Cordelia's office, she naturally didn't want to continue this confrontation.
If she kept going, she would be the only one at a loss.
"I got a bit emotional just now. I hope Dr. Stone won't mind. Since Dr. Stone can't control Alaric's condition either, I'll leave now."
"Sorry for disturbing you."
After speaking, Janet walked out of Cordelia's office.
As she passed Hannah, Hannah couldn't help but glance at her and said to Cordelia with disgust.
"She's disturbed you several times, and I don't see her showing any real embarrassment. So shameless."
Janet heard Hannah's words and paused for a moment, but didn't stop completely. She gritted her teeth and continued leaving.
Cordelia smiled faintly, looking at Hannah's indignant face, and said.
"Just like Evelyn said, entertainment delivered to our doorstep."
Hannah nodded in agreement. "Evelyn's got a point."
"Without her, we'd really be missing out on a lot of jokes."
Cordelia pressed her lips together lightly and glanced at the time. "Amber and my father are on their way. I've reserved a table at a nearby restaurant. We'll head over for lunch in a bit."
Hannah nodded.
When Cordelia first returned to the country, Hannah was on a business trip, and later she was extremely busy, so she had only seen Amber on her phone and hadn't really met her yet.
Before leaving the hospital, Cordelia went to Alaric's ward.
The IV drip was nearly empty. When Cordelia walked in, she saw Alaric already asleep on the hospital bed.
If she hadn't remembered to come check, blood would probably flow back into the tube later.
She walked over to remove the needle, and the moment her hand touched the back of his hand, Alaric's eyes flew open.
Cordelia was bent over, her beautiful face right before his eyes.
Alaric froze for a moment, his gaze lingering on Cordelia for a long time. Only after she finished did he look away.
Cordelia removed the IV drip and said softly.
"Robert didn't bring you lunch today?"
Because of Ruth's health, Cordelia hadn't told Ruth about Alaric's hospitalization last night, to avoid worrying her and affecting her health.
Alaric raised his hand to check his watch, his expression growing distant.
"He's very busy with work today."
Cordelia raised an eyebrow.
"Then I'll pack you some food you can eat."
Alaric didn't respond to Cordelia's words.
Cordelia didn't need his response and turned to leave his ward.
Outside the door, Hannah saw everything. When Cordelia came out, she immediately linked arms with her and led her away from Alaric's ward.
"If it were me, I probably wouldn't bother with him."
Alaric had treated Cordelia that way back then, even forcing her to leave home while pregnant.
Cordelia knew Hannah was standing up for her. She couldn't help but smile lightly and said, "After all, he's my patient. If he starved to death under my care, wouldn't that be a huge sin?"
Their voices faded as they walked away, and Alaric's expression grew darker.
He was just a patient to her?
Alaric felt a tightness in his chest, a breath stuck in his throat that he couldn't swallow.