Katherine's eyes were sharp and cold, like icy blades aimed straight at Charlotte. Her voice was low, but powerful, enough to freeze the air around them.
"So what? What are you trying to say?"
Charlotte bit her lip. Her eyes flashed with determination as she stepped forward. She had to look up to meet Katherine's eyes, and just in that posture, she already seemed weaker. But she still gathered her courage and asked,
"When are you planning to leave him?"
Her gaze didn't move from Katherine's face. She looked like she wanted to catch some hint of panic.
"I saw the divorce agreement you sent him. When is Andrew going to file the official divorce papers with you?"
Katherine gave a slow, mocking smile. Her tone was full of cold sarcasm.
"Charlotte, do your fans know you're a homewrecker?"
Her words hit Charlotte like a heavy hammer, landing right on her chest.
"How do you even have the nerve to ask me that?"
Charlotte's face went pale, but she forced herself to stay calm.
"Katherine, Andrew never liked you. In these two years, has he ever called you? Sent even one message?"
Her voice trembled as she tried to hurt Katherine with her words.
"No, right? He's done everything to avoid you. So how can you be so shameless and keep clinging to him?"
She thought this would be enough to break Katherine, but all it did was provoke something deeper inside her.
Katherine was already in a terrible mood today, like a volcano about to erupt. Charlotte's words lit the fuse.
"Feeling proud of yourself, Charlotte? Whether I divorce Andrew or not, you're just the worn-out shoe I threw away."
Her eyes were full of contempt.
"Oh right, didn't you recently take a role playing a mistress? Didn't get enough of it in the show, so now you're playing one in real life too? Is it that fun being a homewrecker?"
Each of Katherine's words was like a sharp knife cutting deep into Charlotte's pride.
Charlotte was about to reply, but Katherine didn't give her the chance.
"One last warning, Charlotte. Don't come to me because of Andrew again. I don't have time for you."
Her eyes were full of disgust.
"You treat him like treasure. To me, he's nothing but a weed. Not even worth a glance."
With that, Katherine turned and walked back to her office without looking back.
Charlotte stood frozen, shaking with anger. Her eyes were filled with rage and frustration, like a bomb ready to explode with no place to release the blast.
She had come here to show off her position, but ended up humiliated.
Clenching her fists, she whispered under her breath,
"Katherine, I won't let you win."
Not long after returning to her office, Katherine was called to the director's office.
Nurse Sana came over right away.
"Katherine, the director must be calling you because of what just happened."
Seeing the worry on her face, Katherine gave a small smile.
"Sana, I'm fine. Don't worry. If it's my responsibility, I'll take it."
"Alright, go have lunch. I'll head over now."
Katherine stood outside the director's office, her emotions mixed. She knew what was coming could be like walking into a storm. In a hospital, even the smallest mistake could mean life or death.
She took a deep breath to calm herself, then gently knocked on the door.
"Come in," a deep voice called from inside, like a bell ringing in her heart.
She pushed the door open and walked in slowly.
"You asked to see me?"
Hospital Director Wang looked up at her. His gaze was firm, almost regretful.
"Have a seat, Katherine."
Katherine shook her head slightly.
"Director, just get straight to the point. I don't want to waste your lunch break."
Director Wang set down his pen and leaned back in his chair, staring at her.
"Do you know why I called you in?"
Katherine stayed calm.
"I don't. Please tell me."
"Where did you go during work hours? Did you know your patient almost died?"
His voice rose, full of blame.
Katherine nodded slightly, guilt written on her face.
"I stepped out to deal with a personal matter. It was my mistake. I'm really sorry."
She didn't try to excuse herself. If she made a mistake, she would admit it. No running from it.
Director Wang frowned, clearly upset.
"Katherine, you know I've always believed in you. The higher-ups were even considering sending you abroad for advanced training. That's a chance most people can only dream of. And now, this?"
Katherine bowed deeply, speaking sincerely.
"I'm really sorry. Before I left, I had checked on the patient in bed 3. There was no way he could have developed pulmonary edema in such a short time."
She knew her words sounded weak, but she had to speak the truth.
"I was wrong to handle personal matters during work, but for a patient in good recovery to suddenly fall into critical condition in under an hour, there's only one possibility."
Her eyes were full of conviction.
"What possibility? Are you suggesting someone did it on purpose? That's ridiculous. This is a hospital. Not just anyone can get into that room."
Director Wang clearly didn't believe her. With all his years in the hospital, he trusted the safety protocols.
Katherine looked straight at him.
"I know it sounds hard to believe. But I've worked in this field for years. I know my patients. When I left, his vital signs were stable, and everything in the room was normal."
"If it wasn't natural, then we have to consider the chance that someone with special access got into that room."
"I know this sounds wild, but please, Director Wang…"