Chapter 437

The hospital corridors buzzed with hushed whispers as doctors paused to read the disciplinary notice about Evelyn Hartley. Their expressions shifted between disbelief and unease.

A young resident shook his head. "Dr. Hartley violated protocol by skipping breakfast, but this punishment seems excessive."

"Exactly!" Another doctor chimed in. "She performed that emergency surgery while suffering an allergic reaction. The patient would've died without her quick thinking."

"Did you hear she collapsed right after completing the procedure? That's dedication!"

"Yet the Medical Board won't even acknowledge her sacrifice," muttered a nurse, adjusting her glasses.

The group fell silent until an OR nurse leaned in conspiratorially. "I know why this happened." All eyes turned toward her. "Dr. Pierce from Cardiac Surgery and Dr. Patel from the Medical Board... let's just say they're more than just colleagues."

Understanding dawned on their faces.

"So it's personal revenge?"

"Disgusting! Using official channels for private grudges."

The whispers grew more animated, though no one dared speak above a murmur. The Medical Board controlled their promotions and assignments - crossing them meant career suicide.

One by one, the doctors dispersed, but the scandal spread faster than any hospital gossip before. By lunchtime, every department knew about the injustice.

Meanwhile, Grace Monroe entered Evelyn's room carrying a steaming meal. Her face was tight with concern. "Evelyn, I saw the notice. This makes no sense! You saved a life under impossible conditions!"

She set down the food tray with a clatter. "Instead of praising your heroism, they're punishing you? What kind of twisted system is this?"