Dr. Sterling, it’s me. The voice belonged to none other than Dr. Roberts, the same director who had tried to
2 just days ago.
Irene’s mood instantly sank. Her face went cold as memories of the research center came nishing back.
“What do you want?” she asked, her voice chilly.
On the other end of the line, Dr. Roberts stood by his office window, fidgeting as he stared outside.
very bes
“Look, Dr. Sterling, after thinking things over these past couple days, realize I handled everything all wrong. Don’t take personally. His voice had that fake–nice quality people use when they want something ‘Jennifer needs to own up to what the did. I’m calling to say sorry on her behalf.”
Irene stepped away from the picnic blanket, keeping her voice even. Thanks, but no thanks. Nobody likes being targeted for no reason. I can’t work with someone who’s so childish and sneaky.”
She added, “Even if I came back, things would be awkward between us. That’s not good for the work we’re doing
Dr. Roberts‘ face hardened, though he tried to keep his voice pleasant. “Dr. Sterling, I get all that…”
He kept pushing: “We really want you back. Jennifer promised she’d behave herself around you.”
After a pause, he added with barely hidden frustration, “If you don’t believe me, we could meet face–to–face. I’ll agree to whatever
you want!”
Irene frowned, turning him down again with no wiggle room.
Seeing his sweet talk fail, Dr. Roberts lost it. “Dr. Sterling, you might be a big shot in R Country, but I’ve got friends in high places here! Outside my hospital, good luck finding anywhere decent to work!”
His voice had turned into almost a growl as he squeezed his phone, getting madder with every word.
Irene’s frown deepened, her nice afternoon completely ruined now.
“Wow, Dr. Roberts, you sure change your tune fast,” she shot back, clearly annoyed. “Since that’s how you want to play it, let’s not waste any more time. My answer is still no.”
She hung up, thinking to herself that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree–both father and daughter were bad news.
Adam noticed Irene’s face darken after the call and immediately grabbed her hand. “What’s wrong? Who was that?
“Dr. Roberts from the research center,” Irene said.
Adam’s eyebrows pulled together, sounding protective. “Didn’t you already quit? Why’s he still bugging you?”
Irene told him everything–how Roberts started with an apology but switched to threats when she wouldn’t come back.
A cold look flashed across Adam’s eyes, but his voice stayed super gentle with her. “He’s just a private hospital director–small potatoes. He seriously threatened you?”
Adam pulled Irene closer, his fingers softly touching her cheek. “With me in your corner, nobody can mess with your career in Silver City. Anyone who tries will be sorry they did.”
1/2
Chapter 358.
Irene saw the rock solid promise in his eyes and felt a wave of comfort wash over her.
“Yeah,” she nodded slightly. In her mind, Dr. Roberts wasn’t all that impressive; his power came from his wallet, not anything he’d actually earned. Her disgust toward both Roberts and his daughter grew deeper, convinced they were rotten to the core.
trene let out a soft sigh. “Let’s forget about them. Whatever comes of way, we’ll handle it. It’s getting late and the air’s cooling down. We should head home.”
When Adam heard the words “head home,” his face visibly softened, is mouth curving into a tender smile. “I love hearing you say ‘home. Makes me feel like we’re really a family.”
Irene blushed at his out–of–the–blue confession, gently squeezing his hand. “We are a family. The kids already see you as family.”
Adam held her hand, bringing her fingers to his lips. “Not just the kids‘ family, but yours too, right?”
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