Chapter 160

Stella didn't step off the operating table until after five in the afternoon. The

surgery had been particularly complex, and Dr. Grant had told her it was a rare case-one she should observe from start to finish.

Fortunately, both the mother and her baby came through safe and sound.

Stella had barely settled into her office chair when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," she called.

The door swung open, and Quentin walked in.

Catching sight of him, Stella froze for a moment before quickly standing up. "Director Lockwood, what brings you here?"

Quentin closed the door behind him. Stella straightened, a little on edge. "Please, have a seat, Director Lockwood."

He smiled, warm brown eyes crinkling. "No need to be so formal. I just wanted to let you know the hospital is organizing an outreach clinic in the countryside at the start of next month. Would you be interested in joining?"

"A rural clinic?" Stella asked. "Where? And for how long?"

"Frostvale, up in Riverstead County. The conditions there are tough, and not many doctors or nurses are eager to volunteer."

Quentin adjusted his glasses, his tone gentle and genuine. “I'll be leading the team myself this time. Since it's such a challenging environment, I'm hoping our younger staff will really step up."

,

that way, Stella

right, count

in a satisfied smile. "Dr. Joyner, you're a real asset to

"Director Lockwood, you're the

the current head of the Lockwood family, Quentin personally leading a rural medical team

employee, could only privately sum up Quentin's gesture with a silent, honest appraisal: what a calculated

Quentin left, Stella's phone rang. It was

on duty

to have today off!" Stella groaned. "Unpaid overtime! And I

task?" Briony wanted

outreach clinic. Out in the middle of nowhere, too!" Stella massaged her sore neck. "Speaking

I called," Briony replied. "I was hoping we could eat

...

to pick

and the Imperial Pavilion was bustling with families out for dinner.

ordered, and the waiter quietly closed the

across the

did you know I had something to

whole time," Stella said, giving her a sidelong look. "If I couldn't tell you were preoccupied after ten years of friendship, what kind of friend

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