Chapter 28

Sherlyn

The hospital's chief executive officer was right in front of me. His name was Roberts and he has been in the position since the time of my husband. I was seated while he stood. He was a tall man with a beastly aura.

"I deserve an explanation for what happened yesterday, don't I?" I asked him calmly.

"I am sorry, ma'am," He replied.

"Stop it!" I shouted angrily. "I need an explanation rather than an insincere apology. How on earth could the VIP room be accessed forcefully. Is that the kind of system we are building? Where is the hospital's pride as the best hospital in the country?"

He said nothing. He must have thought this was his best option. However, it made me angrier.

"Do you know why I didn't fire you even though you were fiercely loyal to my husband?" I asked him carefully.

"I'm not sure..." He muttered. "However, I think it might be because I am good at my job."

"Exactly," I replied with a smirk on my face. "I fired almost every executive that was loyal to Marcus Greenfield but I left you because you were great at what you do. I am the CEO and you served as the COO. You were doing such a good job that it would have been a waste to fire you."

"Thank you for your compliment, ma'am," He bowed slightly.

"But would you explain what you have been doing so far?" I turned to him. "You have been mismanaging things in recent times. Do you no longer need your job?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am," He said again.

"Stop apologizing!" I shouted angrily. "Tell me yes or no, you incompetent human. This is your last chance. Disappoint me one more time and you will be fired instantly."

"Yes, ma'am," He bowed.

"You said May had assistance from a doctor, right?" I asked carefully.

"She did. The doctor's name is Susan and since you have requested to see her, she will be here in no time," Roberts informed. "However, don't you think it would be better to use your office at the hospital than your personal home?"

"Is that such a bad thing?" I clenched my fists.

"It's not a short distance so I thought..." He had begun to say.

"Let me do the thinking, old man!" I told him firmly. "You should think about better things."

"Okay, ma'am," Roberts responded. "With your permission, I will leave right away."

"Go away! I'm sick of seeing your face!" I exclaimed.

"One more thing..." Roberts said carefully. "I changed the doctor in the VIP room."

"You did something like that without my permission?" I stood up, alarmed. That means they had found out Marcus's condition too.

"Dr. Charles didn't come to work, that's why. He took a sick leave so I put a trusted doctor in charge, don't worry," Roberts replied quickly. He sounded a little scared but all would be well. It made me feel as if I was bullying him.

"Just go!" I shouted. Roberts left hurriedly and as I sat for a moment, Emma rushed in.

"Did you hear?" Emma asked instantly. "Charles didn't come to work and it's strange. He has never missed a workday. He must be really sick!"

"So what should I do about it?" I asked. Even though I was worried too, I decided it would be best not to show it. Emma looked into my eyes as if she was trying to uncover the truth.

"I will go visit him!" Emma informed me.

"Why would you do that?" I asked. I wasn't expecting an answer. "You should just focus on Conan. Men are jealous beings. How do you think Conan would feel if you went to visit another man?"

Emma looked like she had something on her mind after I mentioned Conan. However, she snapped out of it soon.

"They say jealousy would bond people. When Conan realizes that I have plenty of options, he will take me more seriously..." Emma replied. "I'm sure I know more about men than you do. I have read books and I have..."

"You think books tell you the truth about men!" I interrupted. "If that's what you believe, you are in for a rude awakening. You learn about men from your experiences with them. At your age, I had a number of suitors who thought I was more precious than gold. I can't say the same about you."

"What do you mean by that?" Emma sounded angry. However, I didn't stop.

"You are the one chasing men. Talk about Conan and Charles. A high value woman makes men chase after her instead," I replied. I knew I was sounding like a relationship coach. Emma stared at me in disgust. I raised my eyebrows at her and the expression vanished from her face.

A call came in from the gate. Susan was here.

"Direct her to our living room. I am already waiting for her," I told the security personnel. Emma sat down properly. I guessed she wanted to stay and watch. She was going to be my successor so there was no reason she couldn't stay. Susan entered and she was offered a seat. She sat opposite me and I spent a few seconds looking at her.

"You are a beautiful young woman, do you know that?" I asked carefully.

"Thanks for the compliment, ma'am!" Susan replied formally. She didn't smile nor did she look excited at all.

"I didn't bring you here to waste your time. I'm sure you know you did something serious that deserves termination of your employment," I muttered.

"Do you plan to fire me?" Susan asked dryly.

"It all depends on you, little one," I smiled at her.

"I am Susan, ma'am. I am not your little one," Susan replied savagely. The smile disappeared from my face now. She would be a stubborn one to convince.

"I am willing to let you remain in the hospital if you join hands with me. You can be rude for all I care but I'm sure you know your career is over the moment I fire you..." I stared at her. "You can pick May if you want. However, you should know the only job she can offer you is an inhouse doctor in her husband's mansion."

"The pay must be better," Susan replied. However, I knew I was getting to her.

"Of course," I smiled. "However, is that all you want to be? An inhouse doctor to your best friend? More like an inhouse slave..."