Chapter 65 Wronged yet Forced to ‘Take a Long Vacation’

Ultimately, the seemingly petty issue blew up into a huge problem!

It seemed to have been blown up but actually, it had only been a one-sided complaint and she was in an entirely passive position right now.

“Were you looking for me, sir?”

“Natalie! Come and take a seat…”

Natalie sat down. She had an inkling on why she was called in, but until the Head of Huahe Hospital spoke about it, she still sat and waited patiently to hear what he had to say.

“You know why I called you in, right?”

Mr. Connors was Head of Huahe Hospital and was over the age of fifty. It was said that he was the director of the thoracic surgery department years ago and passed the position to Sean when he joined Huahe.

In its true sense, he was Natalie’s senior, and for that, she was very respectful to him. She believed that he would understand and agree to the first aid treatment she had rendered during that crucial moment and hence when she was notified that the head of hospital wanted to see her, she came courteously.

“I think I know why…”

“Then, I’ll be more straightforward. You…”

Mr. Connors rubbed his palms as if he was placed in a difficult situation, before he said with a dry smile, “We might ask you to take a long vacation, is that okay?”

It seemed like he was asking her, but for him to have called her into his office, that could only mean that the decision was already made right from the start!

Natalie felt her blood ran cold. “Why?”

She stood up abruptly as she asked. She asked in agitation, “Was it because of the woman’s complaint that I am suspended from work?”

Mr. Connors waved his hand and kept his tone civil. “It’s not that serious to suspend you. Let’s put it this way, the hospital cherishes talents like you, hence precisely why I’m asking you to take a long vacation.”

At this point, Mr. Connors knew that it would be impossible to convince Natalie no matter what he said. Hence, he decided to be more straightforward, “At the very least, don’t come to work until Mr. Johnson is discharged from the hospital.”

“But, what did I do wrong, sir?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I understand that, and I know you’ve been wronged. But…”

Mr. Connors threw up his hands and continued helplessly, “The patient’s wife is a very difficult person. You dealt with her just now. I’m…also… in a challenging position as well!”

“But, I did nothing wrong, yet you’re placing me under administrative leave. What would the others think of me?”

It was not that Mr. Connors did not take this into consideration. However, for a hospital overall perspective, he felt that such a sacrifice was necessary.

He gave an apologetic gaze to Natalie, but he was adamant with his decision and would not reconsider it. He added, "This issue won't affect anything much, except that your promotion to deputy director might be delayed this year."

He tried to placate and continued, “But, don’t you worry about a thing. You’re an excellent doctor, so even if it doesn’t work out this year, you’ll definitely get it next year.”

“Isn’t this unreasonable, sir?”

It has been eight years ever since the incident that happened to her family, what other grievances had she never suffered before?

There were incidents that were much more intolerable and infuriating than this, did she not manage to overcome each of them?

Putting aside what had happened in the past, she had finally gotten to where she wanted to one step at a time. However, she was suddenly pulled down and dishonored, would she be able to stand up again?

She refused to accept such a decision. She clenched her first and retorted in a calm manner, “I can choose to not comment about the deputy director promotion, but if you are requesting me to take a long vacation, wouldn’t that mean you are silently consenting to the assumption that I did wrong?”

“But, if you continue to come to work, Mrs. Johnson will come and cause a scene every day!”

Mr. Connors smiled as he said, but he started to display his authority through his tone of voice, “Do you think that will be fine?”

“But, I didn’t do anything wrong…”

“I get it, I really do. But…”

Mr. Connors knew that Natalie was the victim, however, he also had his own standpoint and challenges. He explained, “Doctor-patient relationships nowadays can very strenuous, I hope you can understand that I have to do my job as well! Furthermore, Mrs. Johnson is not just anybody, her husband is a senior executive at Winters Corporation! If they were to escalate the issue to the media, you would be put in a much more difficult situation, do you understand?”

“...”

Natalie finally stopped talking…

Seeing that she seemed convinced, Mr. Connors continued, “That is why I’m asking you to take a vacation. Just avoid this woman, wait until her husband discharge from the hospital and then you can come back to work. Moreover, no matter how the rumors go, we professional doctors know that you are not in the wrong.”

Who did not know how to say nice words?

However, would things be that simple like how Mr. Connors described? She had done nothing wrong, yet she was treated unjustly. If she were to give her tacit agreement to this, would her name be mired in controversy?

This was a matter of personal principle, and she refused to accept it. “I am not in the wrong, but I have to act as if I am admitting to the mistake?”

“Oh Natalie, why are you so stubborn? I’m doing this for your good!”

“What if I refuse to accept it?”

“If so, I have no other options. Even if you continue to come to work, you won’t be allowed to perform any more surgeries.”

At this point, Mr. Connor’s attitude became assertive. “Your current state of mind is not at its best. What if something goes wrong during surgery?”

Natalie, “...”

“Think about it. I believe you are a smart girl and would know what works best for you.”

Finishing his words, Mr. Connors did not seem to want to say anything more. He merely waved his hand with an annoyed expression. “You may leave now! I have other work to do.”

“But, sir…”

“Natalie! There would be no end to this if we continue our discussion. You should go calm down first!”

“...”

She had known that the decision would be inevitable when she was called here.

She had wanted to fight for it still because the head of hospital was once her senior, and she believed that he would understand her position.

Unfortunately, she was wrong again!

She felt very frustrated and was very disappointed, but the reality was always cruel. Whether it was eight years ago or eight years later, every single incident would make her re-evaluate this world.

It was just that, had she not been very wronged here?

She had saved Mr. Johnson’s life! As a doctor, she never expected a return of gratitude from patients. However, why was it that she did not receive any thanks and instead, was blamed and persecuted with the truth being distorted?

As she thought about it, Natalie clenched her fists tightly in rage until her knuckles turned white.

Was there any other solution other than accepting her fate?