Chapter 99 Confrontation

From the banner first appearing at the hospital entrance, it only took half an hour before this matter skyrocketed. Nicole sat in the office, locked the door, and turned off her phone.

Every minute was tormenting, the comments growing harsher and viler. The only relief was that her personal information didn't involve her brother and mother.

They were looking into Darian, but nothing came up. All fingers pointed at her, but there wasn't much to worry about.

Someone knocked on the door, shouting from outside, "Dr. Creed, open the door. Don't keep it closed, let's figure out a solution together."

Nicole took a deep breath. She wasn't hiding, she just wanted some peace to avoid making decisions that could further impact the hospital.

She opened the door to see Olivia. All the doctors comforted Nicole.

Nicole smiled at them, "I'm really fine, I just wanted some time alone. I'm done now, so I'm going to see Lanny Brunson."

Her tone was cheerful with a calm attitude, which eased the concerns of her colleagues a bit.

Nicole went to Lanny's ward, where the latter was looking at her phone.

Seeing Nicole, she was surprised but not entirely. However, there was a hint of avoidance in her eyes.

"Ms. Brunson, I believe you've seen the online comments," Nicole got straight to the point, "I hope you can help me clarify the facts."

Lanny put her phone away. She hesitated before saying, "I'm sorry, Dr. Creed, but I may not be able to help you."

Nicole was slightly surprised. However, she didn't panic. "May I ask why?"

Lanny hesitated. "On this matter, I can stay silent and not help anyone."

"I understand." Nicole realized that many things change rapidly, and not everyone could always keep their promises. Besides, a day's kindness could turn into a hundred days of gratitude. Lanny hadn't officially divorced yet, so they were still connected.

Nicole didn't press Lanny, only telling her to rest well before leaving. Outside, Olivia stood there with a worried look. Nicole shrugged casually at her, "Dr. Frederic is free today? I remember you have surgery in the afternoon, right?"

"What did she say?" Olivia could guess Nicole's intention in visiting Lanny.

Thinking Olivia was concerned about her, Nicole said, "You don't need to worry about my affairs, so just focus on your own work."

"It's not just your affair now," Olivia's expression turned serious. "You're a part of the hospital. When one person makes trouble, everyone can't just think about themselves."

"I will handle it."

"How?" Olivia frowned, her tone getting heavier. "Now the whole outside world is going crazy from that old lady's words, but you haven't responded at all. Now the relevant departments are also getting involved in the investigation. Do you realize how much pressure the hospital is under now?"

When Lanny refused to help her, Nicole already felt a bit anxious and distressed. With Olivia pressing her, she felt even more agitated.

"I said I'll find a way to solve it," Nicole's tone also became firmer. "Do what you need to do."

"Nicole, do you not realize the weight of the problem? Do you know how much the hospital's image will be affected after this incident? Those who come here are all prominent figures, and if you let your husband hit a client, who'd dare come to our hospital in the future?"

Olivia was furious. "I know your husband comes from a wealthy family, and you're proud of that. You may not care about this job, but you can't just let all of us pay for what you guys did!"

The more Nicole listened, the more she couldn't understand. She wanted to argue with Olivia, but she found it a waste of time. Doing that wouldn't help with the situation outside.

"I don't want to argue about this with you right now,"

Nicole walked past, but Olivia grabbed her. "Nicole, you better handle this matter nicely. If the hospital has problems because of you, you'll be the culprit. You won't deserve to stay here!"

People were already gathering outside. Nicole glanced at her colleagues' strange looks, understanding they'd face difficulties together, but they'd also resent her.

They were different from public hospitals, where many people came to give birth with high bonuses. Bright Horizons Medical Center was one of the best private obstetrics and gynecology hospitals in the city and even the country.

Just walking in would cost at least five figures. This was all tied to everyone's interests, so there would still be resentment even if it's hidden in front of others.

Nicole looked deeply at Olivia and removed her hand. "I caused this, so I'll resolve it."

Under many people's gazes, Nicole walked to the hospital gate. She was wearing a white coat, looking alone and fragile.

Anna couldn't bear it and wanted to follow, but Olivia stopped her. "Director Hector, you better not go. If the media catches you, those netizens will definitely start attacking you as well. She's different from us; worst case scenario, she quits and goes home to her husband. We can only rely on ourselves."

Anna hesitated. Nobody dared to show up in front of the media, afraid of getting "famous." However, Anna still felt sorry when seeing Nicole's frail figure.

When Nicole appeared at the gate, she immediately caught everyone's attention, the flashlights constantly focusing on her.

Someone whispered, "She looks even prettier in person. She seems kind and gentle, not like someone who'd do such a thing."

Their colleague replied, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

The media swarmed in with cameras pointed at Nicole, firing sharp questions. She stood there, calmly looking at them. Everyone was speaking for Lucien, questioning why she did what she did.

Nicole waited for them to finish before calmly saying, "Can I speak now?"

After waiting a bit, the whole place fell silent. She softly said, "I can explain about today's incident now..."

She systematically recounted the events and outcomes, of course, without mentioning that the child was deformed.

"You're lying! It was clearly your fault for not notifying the family and causing the child's death."

"Whether they were notified can be checked in the records. The ambulance, hospital; they all have records," she remained composed.

"But you let your husband hit an old lady. What do you have to say about that?"

"Sir, may I ask if you have a spouse?"

The male reporter nodded.

"Okay, if I were to slap your wife, would you stand by and do nothing?" Nicole countered.

He furrowed his brow. A female reporter next to him took over, "A gentleman wouldn't hit a woman; especially an elderly woman who just lost her grandson."

"Are you saying that if someone held you down and slapped you, your husband would just stand by and let it happen?" she asked.