Chapter 215

Victor Sterling's chest tightened as he watched his daughter in such distress. "Don't speak like that, Lila," he murmured, his voice gentle but firm. "Grace is already upset enough."

"You don't have to—"

"Enough!" Diana Prescott snapped, cutting him off. "And don’t even consider calling Evelyn. She did nothing wrong here. In fact, she was gracious enough to offer Lila another chance. A bet is a bet. Lila must accept the consequences. Do I really need to spell this out for you?"

Victor fell silent, his shoulders sagging under the weight of Diana’s words. She turned back to Lila, her gaze unwavering.

"Now," Diana said, her tone steady, "tell me, Lila. What’s your decision? Will you stay at Grandview General Hospital under Evelyn’s conditions, or will you leave?"

Lila’s sobs quieted. She sniffled, her eyes fixed on the polished floor as she weighed her options.

What hurt the most wasn’t the loss—it was her mother’s refusal to take her side. Not only had Diana refused to defend her, but she had also openly supported Evelyn, insisting she had done nothing wrong.

A spark of resentment flared in Lila’s chest, though she kept it carefully hidden.

Leaving Grandview General Hospital wasn’t an option. It was the premier medical institution, frequented by the city’s elite. The resources, the prestige, the connections—it was the perfect place to build her career.

Even if she had to endure the humiliation of being an intern indefinitely, she wouldn’t walk away. If she played her cards right, she could still find a way to climb the ranks.

The thought reignited her determination. She wouldn’t let this opportunity slip through her fingers.

"I want to stay at Grandview," Lila finally said, her voice steadier now despite the lingering tremor.

Diana’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you certain? You won’t regret this later and blame Evelyn—or anyone else?"

Lila flinched at the pointed question but quickly nodded. "Mom, I know I was wrong," she said softly, her tone almost pleading. "I shouldn’t have spoken against my mentor or Evelyn. I… I was just overwhelmed. I let my emotions control me."

"I said things I didn’t mean. This is my fault. I lost because I wasn’t good enough. I understand that now."

Diana’s expression softened. "Acknowledging your mistakes is the first step to growth," she said. "Since you’ve made your choice, I’ll support you."

Lila nodded, resolve hardening in her chest. "Thank you, Mom. I’ll go to my room now."

"Go ahead," Diana replied.

As Lila disappeared upstairs, Diana turned to Victor, her expression sharpening. "You’ve coddled her too much," she said sternly. "She’s lost all sense of accountability because of it. What you call love is only harming her."

Victor sighed, his shoulders slumping further. "I see that now," he muttered, offering no defense.