Hours passed. Then—
A beep. A shift in vitals. A slow flutter of eyelids.
Jillian held her breath as the patient's fingers twitched, his chest rising and falling with more strength than before. A nurse rushed to check his response.
"He's waking up," she announced.
Jillian exhaled, the tension in her shoulders finally easing.
She had done it. Now, she just had to face the world outside.
As the news of the patient's successful recovery spread, Jillian barely had time to breathe before she was pulled into the whirlwind of attention. The hospital's senior doctors, some of whom had doubted her, now wanted a full report on the procedure. Journalists camped outside, eager for an official statement. Patients and their families began requesting consultations with Dr. Jillian, believing she had the answer to impossible conditions.
Megan walked beside her down the hallway, nudging her playfully. "You're famous now."
Jillian sighed. "I didn't do this for fame."
"I know," Megan said. "But the world is watching. So, what's your next move?"
Before Jillian could answer, a call from Dr. Zhang interrupted. "Come to my office. We need to talk."
Jillian's heart pounded as she made her way to his office. Was he going to reprimand her for the risk she took? Or was this about something bigger?
When she stepped inside, Dr. Zhang looked at her with an expression she couldn't quite read.
"You've done something incredible," he said. "But success comes with consequences. The board is reviewing your position, and—" he paused, as if weighing his words carefully.
"You've proven yourself, Jillian," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Because of this, the hospital board has made an offer. They want to promote you to lead specialist in experimental cardiology."
Jillian's eyes widened. "Lead specialist?"
Dr. Zhang nodded. "You'll have your own research team, access to advanced cases, and the ability to push forward new treatment methods. But with this position comes greater expectations. The pressure will be relentless."
Jillian let the weight of his words settle. This was a dream opportunity, but it also meant staying in China even longer. It meant putting down deeper roots in a place that had once been just another stepping stone.
"You don't have to answer now," Dr. Zhang continued. "Think it over. But know that this is your chance to leave a lasting mark in the field."
Jillian exhaled, her heart pounding. Just as one door opened, another decision loomed ahead.
Jillian sat alone in her office, staring at the offer letter Dr. Zhang had given her. Lead Specialist in Experimental Cardiology. It was everything she had worked for, yet something inside her felt unsettled.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Dante: Any updates on your end? Things are shifting here.
She sighed, knowing exactly what he meant. The battle against Harlond was still ongoing, and she had been away for too long. Was she ready to commit herself to a life in China, or did she need to go back and finish what she started?
Before she could reply, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Megan.
"You're really considering changing work, aren't you?" Megan asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Jillian hesitated. "I don't know. This is an incredible opportunity, but…" She trailed off, unable to put the feeling into words.
Megan crossed her arms. "Look, I've fought against you and alongside you, and I know one thing—you don't run from a challenge. Whatever choice you make, own it. Don't look back with regrets."
Jillian nodded slowly. Megan was right. No matter what she decided, it had to be a choice she could live with.
Now, she just had to make it.
The next morning, Jillian walked into Dr. Zhang's office with confidence. She had spent the night reflecting, and now she was ready.
Dr. Zhang glanced up from his paperwork and gestured for her to sit. "I take it you've made your decision?"
Jillian took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, Dr. Zhang. I'm willing to accept the position as the Lead Specialist in Experimental Cardiology."
A small smile formed on his lips. "I had a feeling you would. But you should know, this role is unlike any you've had before. You'll be spearheading groundbreaking procedures, mentoring others, and constantly defending your work to skeptics. There will be challenges."
Jillian met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I understand. But I'm ready for this."
Dr. Zhang studied her for a moment before nodding in approval.
Dr. Zhang leaned back in his chair, a rare smile forming on his face. "Good. Then I'll see you in the department tomorrow morning."
Jillian felt a rush of excitement and nerves. "Understood," she replied firmly.
As she left his office, the reality of her new position settled in. She wasn't just another doctor anymore. She was stepping into uncharted territory, leading the way in experimental cardiology. Every decision she made from this point on would shape not only her career but also the lives of the patients who placed their trust in her.
That night, Jillian went through her research notes, preparing for whatever lay ahead. When she finally closed her eyes, sleep came quickly—not from exhaustion, but from the quiet confidence that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
The next morning, she arrived at the department early, ready to offcialize her new chapter as a lead specialist.
That morning, she received a message from Chloe and Clara. They had heard the news and insisted on a video call.
"I can't believe you're moving up so fast," Chloe said, grinning. "We knew you'd do something big, but this? Lead Specialist? That's next-level!"
Clara nodded. "We're so proud of you. But don't forget to take care of yourself, okay?"
Their support gave her strength, reminding her she wasn't alone in this journey.
As she signed the paperwork, a wave of emotions surged through her—pride, excitement, and the weight of responsibility. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to shape the future of cardiology.
No matter the challenges ahead, she was prepared to push boundaries, defy expectations, and prove that she belonged at the forefront of medical innovation.
Dr. Zhang leaned back in his chair, a smile forming on his face. "Congratulations Dr Jillian on your new chapter."
Dr. Zhang leaned back in his chair, a smile forming on his face. "Congratulations, Dr. Jillian, on your new chapter. You've earned this."
Jillian felt a wave of pride and relief wash over her as she dipped her head respectfully. "Thank you, Dr. Zhang. I won't let you down."
He nodded approvingly. "I have no doubt. And remember, while your primary role will focus on research, you are always welcome to treat patients here as well. Your skills in the operating room are too valuable to be limited to just studies."
A spark of excitement lit up in Jillian's eyes. "I appreciate that, Dr. Zhang. I wouldn't want to give up working directly with patients."
As she stepped out of the office, she was met with a small gathering of colleagues waiting for her. Megan was among them, arms crossed but with a smirk on her face. "Well, looks like I have to get used to calling you 'Senior Assistant' now," she teased.
Some of the other doctors clapped her on the back, offering their congratulations. "You deserve it, Jillian," one of them said. "We've all seen how hard you've worked."
Megan rolled her eyes playfully. "Just don't forget the little people when you start making groundbreaking discoveries," she joked.
Jillian chuckled. "I doubt I'll have time to forget anyone," she replied. "There's a lot of work ahead."
As the congratulatory chatter continued, Jillian couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. She had fought for this, and now, she was stepping into a role that could define her entire career. The real challenge was just beginning.