Chapter 212

"Congratulations on completing the surgery, Evelyn!"

"Thank you," Evelyn replied with a confident smile as she took her seat.

At that moment, Sebastian Holloway addressed the room, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "In today's competition, Evelyn successfully completed the surgery, while Lila failed. According to the agreed terms, Lila will be dismissed from Grand Pines General Hospital, and Dr. Pierce will forfeit his annual bonus and donate one month's salary to me. Most importantly… Evelyn is now officially promoted to attending physician. Any objections?"

Silence. No one dared protest—not after Evelyn had proven her skill beyond doubt. She had earned her place at Grand Pines through sheer talent, leaving no room for argument.

Lila and Dominic Pierce’s expressions darkened, their defeat written plainly across their faces.

"Mr. Holloway!" Lila suddenly burst out, desperation clawing at her voice. "Please reconsider. Don’t fire me. I’ll do anything—I’ll even withdraw from the hospital exams for the next two years. Just let me stay."

Pride abandoned, she clung to the last shred of hope. Leaving Grand Pines wasn’t an option—not when she had worked so hard to get here.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a cold smile. "Miss Sinclair, we all agreed to the terms. Are you backing out now that you’ve lost? That’s hardly fair."

Lila paled. "No! I’m not—I just… I’m asking for leniency. That’s all."

Sebastian ignored her plea and turned to Evelyn instead. "What do you think, Evelyn?"

Lila stiffened, her breath hitching. The irony was unbearable—her fate now rested in the hands of the sister she had always underestimated.

Evelyn studied Lila, a faint smirk playing at her lips.

"You really want to stay at Grand Pines, don’t you?" she asked, her tone deceptively light.

A beat of silence. Then, with mock sympathy, she continued, "As your sister, how could I not help you?"

Lila’s eyes widened, hope flickering—until Evelyn raised a hand, silencing her before she could speak.

"But," Evelyn’s voice turned sharp, "a bet is a bet. Without consequences, this competition would be meaningless, wouldn’t it? I can’t let my reputation be tarnished for nothing." She leaned forward, her gaze unyielding. "So here’s my offer: You can stay… as an intern. No promotions. No exams. Ever."

The room went deathly still, the weight of her words sinking in.

Lila’s face twisted in horror. To be trapped as an intern indefinitely—no advancement, no future—was worse than being fired.