Chapter 53

Evelyn Hartley pressed her lips into a tight line, her silence more telling than any words could be. Unfazed, Trevor Mercer turned to the gathered staff and declared, "Allow me to formally introduce Dr. Evelyn Hartley. She will be joining us as a resident physician in the Cardiac Surgery Department, effective immediately. She’ll report directly to Deputy Director Vivian Cross."

Originally, Sebastian Holloway had intended for Evelyn to take on the role of attending physician, but she had declined, citing the grueling hours and clinical demands as too much for her preference. Reluctantly, Sebastian had agreed, placing her as a resident under Vivian’s supervision—though not without securing her promise to assist in surgeries when necessary.

A heavy silence blanketed the room after Trevor’s announcement, the tension so thick it could be cut with a scalpel.

"A resident?" Lila Sinclair’s voice sliced through the quiet, dripping with disdain. "She’s being hired as full-time staff?"

"Correct," Trevor replied smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"That’s impossible!" Lila burst out, her face twisting in disbelief. "Evelyn hasn’t even passed her medical licensing exams! She barely scraped through her bachelor’s degree with mediocre grades!"

The condescension from the senior female physicians was palpable, their whispers sharp with judgment. Evelyn’s patience was wearing thin, her fingers curling at her sides—but before she could retort, a voice called out from the doorway.

"Mr. Mercer, what brings you here?"

All eyes snapped toward the newcomer. It was Trevor Mercer, personal assistant to Sebastian Holloway, the hospital’s deputy director. His presence instantly shifted the energy in the room.

The doctor who had been berating Evelyn quickly smoothed her expression into one of deference, stepping forward with a syrupy smile. "Mr. Mercer, does Mr. Holloway have any new instructions for us?"

Trevor ignored her. His gaze swept the room before landing squarely on Evelyn.

"How did she even get in?" one of the doctors muttered, her tone laced with skepticism.

"Mr. Mercer," another chimed in, her voice sharp, "our hospital’s admission standards are notoriously strict—no exceptions for favoritism or shortcuts. Could you clarify this situation?"

Every pair of eyes in the room locked onto Trevor, waiting for his response.

Trevor’s jaw tightened at Lila’s accusations. The insinuation that Evelyn was unqualified—that she lacked credentials—was laughable. Clearly, Lila knew nothing about her younger sister’s true accomplishments.

Amidst the rising murmurs, Trevor exhaled sharply. Evelyn had deliberately kept her reputation under wraps. She didn’t want anyone knowing she was the acclaimed "Star" surgeon, personally headhunted by Sebastian Holloway from Chixdon Hospital. Now, her discretion had backfired spectacularly.

Trevor cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the tension. "Dr. Hartley’s circumstances are unique. Mr. Holloway arranged a specialized examination for her, which she passed with distinction. This has been approved by the director, and she is now officially part of our team."