Chapter 2 Back Again So Soon
Aside from Jasper, there were over a hundred pairs of eyes in the meeting room. In that instant, Ingrid imagined a scale in her mind—on one side, the option to deny everything, and on the other, her resignation letter.
If Jasper were to mention her actively approaching him at the nightclub last night…
“Two days ago, during the afternoon accident on Cleris Lane, I saw you at the scene helping people,” Jasper suddenly spoke.
Ingrid’s heart skipped a beat, but she remained silent.
Ainsley interjected, “Is that so? The ambulance services come from several public hospitals. Peaceheart doesn’t handle this type of emergency care.”
Jasper replied, “She was just passing by. When someone had a leg injury and their family tried to move them, she stepped in to help. I could tell right away she was a professional, definitely from orthopedics. I didn’t realize she worked here.”
Ainsley chuckled. “What a coincidence.”
Lilliane added, “Ingrid’s skills are exceptional, and she’s very kind-hearted.”
Ainsley nodded in agreement. “Such good deeds should be recognized.”
Peaceheart’s orthopedic department was vast, and Ainsley couldn’t possibly know every staff member, especially in such a large meeting. This was a rare opportunity for someone to stand out.
Especially with the competition for the head nurse position, some of Ingrid’s competitors must have been seething inside, though they wore calm faces.
Ingrid snapped out of her thoughts and replied, “I was just passing by.”
Jasper smiled. “People pass by all the time, but good deeds should still be recognized.”
Ingrid didn’t know how to respond. She couldn’t even look Jasper in the eye. Who would’ve thought that a one-night fling would turn into a colleague?
She had hoped never to see him again, yet here he was, now an everyday part of her life. Her face flushed, and no one could guess what she was truly feeling—they all assumed she was just shy from the compliment.
Brandon thought the same. He had worked with Ingrid for six or seven years and knew she wasn’t one to wear her emotions on her sleeve. He only ever saw her blush when they were alone.
Ainsley seemed pleased. “Peaceheart doesn’t just have excellent doctors, we also have an outstanding nursing team. It’s my honor to work with all of you.
“Today, we’re here to officially welcome Dr. Clifford. I won’t take up more of your time. Please feel free to take a break when you can.”
Ingrid was eager to leave, but as she was about to slip away, she overheard Ainsley whispering to Lilliane.
“Ingrid,” Lilliane called her.
Ingrid froze.
She continued, “Please show Dr. Clifford around our orthopedic department.”
Ingrid glanced at the many eyes watching her. Despite a thousand objections in her mind, she couldn’t refuse Jasper’s polite request, especially with him smiling so openly. “Sorry for the trouble,” Jasper said.
She forced a smile. “It’s my pleasure, Dr. Clifford.”
As everyone started to leave, Brandon suddenly walked over to Ingrid. She was taken aback. He never approached her in public. As she hesitated, he spoke, “Long time no see.”
Ingrid was puzzled. Brandon was addressing Jasper, who stood next to her.
Jasper smiled faintly. “Yes, we didn’t have a chance to greet each other earlier in the operating room.”
Brandon asked, “What made you decide to return?”
Jasper replied, “Sophie asked me to return. How could I refuse?”
Everyone at York Medical University knew about Sophie Hill. Even those who weren’t alumni had heard of her—she was the mayor’s daughter and the wife to the owner of Peaceheart.
But what truly piqued Ingrid’s interest was that Brandon and Jasper knew each other—and it seemed they had known each other for many years.
Caught between them, she interjected, “Dr. Clifford, you and Mr. Geppard can continue your conversation. I’ll…”
Jasper cut her off. “We are done.” He looked at Brandon and added, “I’ll be leaving now.”
Jasper walked with Ingrid. Then, he spoke softly, “Sorry to take up your time.”
Ingrid replied, “No problem.”
Jasper continued, “I don’t have any friends in orthopedics here yet, so I’ll need you to show me around.”
They had only taken a few steps when she realized Brandon could probably hear them. She smiled awkwardly. “It’s nothing.”
Jasper smiled again. “You’re my first friend here.”
Ingrid forced a smile, feeling more and more uncomfortable. Her skin seemed to burn under the weight of his words. Brandon watched her retreating figure.
