Just a week after Mona warned Frank to be careful with their research results, a rival hospital announced they had developed an effective treatment for melanoma.Frank read their press release and secretly had the formula analyzed. The ingredients were strikingly similar to the ones in their own experimental drug. Since the rival had gone public before they could even file for a patent, it was obvious someone had leaked their data.In other words, Frank suspected an insider had sold their research.But before he could report the matter to his father, rumors spread through the hospital that Mona was the mole.When Frank found her, she was in the administration office, facing the vice president and several senior staff."Frank, good timing," the vice president said smoothly, giving him a look that urged him to distance himself. "This assistant of yours, Miss Mona—she's been accused of stealing our research and selling it to a competitor. What's your take?""Mona would never do that." Fr
When Linda stayed silent, her expression stiff, Frank softened his tone. He didn't want Mona dragged into more trouble."Mona's new. I get that people aren't always welcoming toward newcomers, but this is going way too far."Linda bit her lip, unwilling to back down."What's so special about Mona that you keep taking her side?"Frank frowned, missing the implication in her words."Wait… don't tell me you've been targeting her because I look out for her?"Linda's silence was answer enough."Linda, you're the head nurse. I thought you'd know how to keep things under control, but instead you're the one stirring up trouble." His disappointment was obvious."I only posted the truth." Linda turned her head stubbornly, refusing to admit fault. To her, apologizing in front of Frank meant losing."The truth?" Frank gave a sharp laugh. "Should I bring in that patient and let him explain what really happened?"Her lips pressed tighter, and her expression faltered.Frank's patience snapped."You'
After lunch, Frank and Mona returned to the lab to organize data.The next morning, Mona reported to Linda.After all, Mona was still an intern nurse at the hospital. Even though she'd been helping Frank recently, she couldn't neglect her primary duties. Since the lab wouldn't be too busy for the next few days, Mona had to follow Linda around and learn how to be a competent nurse.Linda disliked Mona and tried to pick on her at work. But Mona's grasp of both theory and practice left Linda with no room to criticize.What made things worse for Linda was that Mona seemed born for the job. The moment she stepped into a ward, her presence was warm and reassuring, like a breath of spring air.Patients, especially the elderly and children, adored her. Even the most difficult ones would at least greet her.Seeing Mona's flawless performance only made Linda angrier. She wore a constant scowl that everyone noticed.The other nurses assumed Linda was upset because Mona was performing poorly. Soo
When Mona didn't try to push him away again, Frank nodded in satisfaction."Stop selling yourself short. You're someone I believe in. If anyone gets to criticize you, it's me." He ruffled her hair with a grin. "Alright, let's get to work."With Frank's affirmation still ringing in her ears, Mona spent the next five days with him in the lab.Aside from meals—when they went to the cafeteria together—every waking hour was spent working. Most nights, they even stayed in the lab until they were too exhausted to keep going.When Linda heard about this, she nearly ground her teeth down. A man and a woman cooped up in a lab day and night? She was convinced their bond would deepen quickly. But she had no authority to remove Mona. All she could do was watch helplessly.On the sixth day, the research phase finally reached a pause.Frank and Mona showered in the break room next to the lab, changed into fresh clothes, and headed to the cafeteria together."I'm starving. I could eat an entire roast
After helping Mona with her registration, Frank introduced her to the head nurse, Linda, who would be in charge of guiding her.Linda was three years older than Mona, with fair skin and neat features. Her long hair was tied back, giving her a sharp, professional look.Frank had other matters to handle, so after a brief introduction, he left Mona in Linda's care and hurried off."You're Frank's classmate, right?" Linda sized Mona up, her eyes sharp. "He seems to look out for you quite a bit."Linda had already heard about Mona. The last time Frank came to the hospital injured, Mona had been with him. Though she wasn't on shift that night, she made sure to ask around. That was when she learned Mona had been hurt shielding Frank."Yes, we're classmates. Frank's a good guy." Mona smiled, offering no further explanation about her relationship with him.Her simple answer only made Linda uneasy.Linda had always liked Frank. Whenever he came to the hospital, she would quietly ask about him.
Mona let out a long sigh at Frank's words."I'm not even worried about right now. I'm just scared I'll never be able to get a job after this mess." The thought of her internship being yanked away made her chest ache."That won't happen," Frank assured her with a calm smile. "I can help you—if you're willing.""You'd help me find a job?" Mona blinked at him, startled.Frank nodded. "My family's hospital is wrapping up a clinical trial, and we're short on staff. Why don't you come work with me as my assistant?"The words my family's hospital hit her like a brick. Mona's eyes went wide, disbelief flooding her face."Hold on—what did you just say? Your family owns a hospital? That's insane! No wonder you practically live in the lab!"Frank stared at her in silence for a beat. Everyone on campus knew about his background. He'd just assumed she did too. In fact, when she had first asked for his help months ago, he thought it was because she knew. Apparently not."Yes," he said finally. "It'