Chapter 186 Going Against the Grain

Chapter 186: Going Against the Grain

Charles's gaze cut through the room like a blade, fixing on the assistant: " The surgery was a success, wasn't it?"

The assistant pressed on under pressure, muttering, "That was pure luck. What if she'd killed the patient? Professor Schmidt was the one taking all the real risks."

Professor Schmidt shot his assistant a sharp look: "Enough! Dr. Johnson's technique—"

"Professor Schmidt." Charles's cold interruption silenced him. "I brought you all here as a courtesy. If anyone has a problem with how this surgery was handled or thinks credit wasn't given where it's due, say it to my face. There's no need for these underhanded tactics."

Brad's expression darkened: "Mr. Windsor, what exactly are you implying? Do you suspect we planted those posts?"

"I've already traced the source. The IP address originates from this very administrative building." Charles threw a document onto the table. "As for who was behind it, I think certain people know perfectly well."

The office atmosphere plunged to arctic levels.

Just then, the door burst open.

Diana entered carrying a medical report, seemingly oblivious to the tension as she walked straight to Joseph: "Dr. Jones, Mrs. Young has been successfully extubated. She's conscious and all indicators are normal. Here's the latest report."

She then turned to the assembled experts, offering a slight bow: "Professor Schmidt, Dr. Thornton, thank you both for your cooperation during surgery. Regarding the online rumors, they don't concern me personally. If you find them troubling, I can petition the administration to list you both as co-first authors on all subsequent academic reports and related papers, with myself relegated to final position."

Her words sent shockwaves through the room.

Professor Schmidt's face flushed crimson as he shot to his feet: "Dr. Johnson, that's insulting! I've practiced medicine for decades and saved thousands of lives—do you think I need to steal credit from you? I'll get to the bottom of who posted that garbage! And as for first authorship, nobody but you deserves it!"

Charles watched Diana, his eyes flickering with pain.

Same old Diana. She'd rather eat crow than let him fight her battles.

But he absolutely would not allow anyone to trample on her achievements.

Despite Diana's claims of indifference, the scandal snowballed.

Some online trolls actually showed up at the hospital with signs demanding "Academic fraudsters have no right to practice medicine." The circus seriously disrupted normal hospital operations.

Sitting in his car watching the chaotic crowd outside, Charles's expression turned glacial.

"Is everything ready?"

Nathan nodded: "All set. The administrative employee who made the post has confessed—he was paid by someone claiming to work for you to discredit Ms. Johnson. As for the surgical footage... we got Dr. Foster's permission and extracted the ten most crucial minutes."

"Release it." Charles's voice was ice-cold. "I want those slanderers to face legal consequences."

An hour later, Hopewell Hospital's official account posted a video with the caption:

Formal Statement Regarding Celeste Young's Surgery

The footage showed that when monitors screamed alarms and expert panic suggested abandoning the original plan, Diana's hands remained utterly steady. The camera zoomed in on her suturing—every stitch was surgical perfection.

The video's second half featured personal clarifications from Professor Schmidt and Brad.

Professor Schmidt appeared agitated in his segment: "I've practiced for forty years and never witnessed such masterful anastomotic technique. Dr. Johnson is undoubtedly exceptional and professional! When the rest of us were ready to throw in the towel, she pulled off a miracle with pure skill and guts. Anyone continuing to spread lies about her qualifications is insulting my entire career!"

The video's release caused an internet uproar.

Previously vocal critics immediately fell silent.

"Holy shit, is she even human? Had to watch that in slow-mo just to see what she was doing."

"Where are all the haters who said she stole credit? Schmidt himself set the record straight. Y'all look stupid now."

"All you idiots saying she's just some rich guy's pet project—watch the damn video. That's what real skill looks like. With technique like that, what capital wouldn't beg for her services?"

The reversal came swiftly and brutally. Malicious rumor-mongering accounts deleted themselves en masse.

But Charles wasn't finished.

That afternoon, Windsor Group's legal department issued a statement directly filing lawsuits against dozens of slanderous account holders and the original poster, seeking damages exceeding ten million dollars with absolutely no settlement considerations.

In the hospital office, Diana watched the video on her computer screen, wearily rubbing her temples.

She knew only Charles would use such an aggressive and expensive method to clear her name.

The door opened, and Charles entered.

He looked at her, his eyes carrying barely detectable hopefulness: "Diana, the online situation is handled."

"Charles, you were too high-profile." Diana released her mouse. "I'm just a doctor. I don't need this kind of attention."

"You don't need it, but you deserve respect." Charles approached her desk, bracing his hands on the surface and leaning forward to meet her gaze. "I won't watch you do everything right only to be slandered by gutter rats."

"I also don't need you using company resources to help me. It damages your corporate reputation." Diana said.

Charles stepped closer, studying her profile: "Diana, you still care about me, don't you?"

Diana's hands trembled slightly before she coldly retorted: "I don't. I just don't want to owe you anything."

"Diana, I'm the one who owes you. I'll work to make amends." Charles spoke earnestly.

Diana stood up, her cheeks flushing: "Charles, I don't want to discuss this."

Charles knew when to back off—he couldn't push too hard.

"Fine, I won't say more. Come with me to see grandmother. She's been asking to see you."

Diana initially wanted to refuse, but knowing Celeste would need emotional support during recovery, she picked up her stethoscope and followed.

In the ICU room, Celeste looked reasonably well despite her oxygen mask. Seeing Diana enter, her eyes moistened as she tremblingly tried to reach out.