Chapter 123
The surgery wrapped up without a hitch.
Stepping off the operating table, I felt all my energy vacuumed out of me. The look in that pregnant woman’s eyes before the anesthesia kicked in echoed over and over in my mind.
I rubbed my forehead. It was throbbing in pain, but I couldn’t shake it off.
“What’s up?” Max emerged from the OR.
I tried to sound casual to hide my unease and avoid another referral to the shrink. “Just the usual post–op blues. You’re ditching me as your assistant to send me off to grad school?”
He continued to wash his hands, undisturbed, the sound of running water filling the silence between us.
When he finally paused, his expression was as calm as ever. “I’ve agreed to be a visiting professor at the school you wanted to attend for three years.”
I couldn’t contain my excitement and jumped up, hugging him tightly. “Mr. Hilton, thank you! So, you are becoming a professor contingent on me being your student?”
His eyes narrowed slightly, and he smiled in a way I’d never seen before, simply responding with a low “Hmm.“}
Several nurses cleared their throats as they went by, and I realized I was still clinging to Max.
Feeling embarrassed, I quickly let go and gave a awkward smile. “Mr. Hilton, I’m really looking forward to your mentorship,” I said, before beating a hasty retreat. So embarrassing.
My heart pounded wildly. Was I falling for Max? My rational mind told me no. I couldn’t afford to fall for anyone.“]
Halfway down the corridor, I ran into Claude, who looked significantly worn down, probably due to Gabrielle’s passing. His face was etched with grief.
“Claire,” he began, but I covered my ears, not wanting to be swayed by whatever he had to say.
However, he gently pulled my hands away. “It wasn’t me who canceled your grad school spot. I only found out and used it to pressure you to come home.”
I was stunned. If not Claude, then who?
“I don’t know who did it. I tried to find out at the school, but they’re too influential. I guess it was someone from the Hilton family. But why would the Hilton family take an interest in you? Unless you’ve somehow got connections there. I was so jealous. I threatened you. I’m sorry.” His belated apology seemed dramatic and ludicrous.
I scoffed. “It doesn’t matter now. I wish you well.“}]
I had secured my spot in grad school through my merits, freeing myself from the Hart family’s clutches. As I turned to leave, so did he, and we went our separate ways without hesitation.
Thinking of asking Max when we’d head to school, I passed by his office door and heard him speaking with someone. The voice sounded familiar, like a former teacher of mine. “Dr. Hilton, you tested your student, right? I told you she’s one of the best prospects our school has. You had to see for yourself.”
Max responded with a “Hmm.“”
The teacher continued, “I thought you’d test her for a year before taking her as your grad student. You’ve proven my point about her capabilities in just a month.”
“She’s my student now,” Max’s voice was firm and authoritative.
The teacher quickly added, “Well, congratulations, Dr. Hilton. Are you conducting your research at the hospital then?”
