Stella didn't step off the operating table until after five in the afternoon. The

surgery had been particularly complex, and Dr. Grant had told her it was a rare case-one she should observe from start to finish.

Fortunately, both the mother and her baby came through safe and sound.

Stella had barely settled into her office chair when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," she called.

The door swung open, and Quentin walked in.

Catching sight of him, Stella froze for a moment before quickly standing up. "Director Lockwood, what brings you here?"

Quentin closed the door behind him. Stella straightened, a little on edge. "Please, have a seat, Director Lockwood."

He smiled, warm brown eyes crinkling. "No need to be so formal. I just wanted to let you know the hospital is organizing an outreach clinic in the countryside at the start of next month. Would you be interested in joining?"

"A rural clinic?" Stella asked. "Where? And for how long?"

"Frostvale, up in Riverstead County. The conditions there are tough, and not many doctors or nurses are eager to volunteer."

Quentin adjusted his glasses, his tone gentle and genuine. “I'll be leading the team myself this time. Since it's such a challenging environment, I'm hoping our younger staff will really step up."

,

things put that way, Stella couldn't

right, count

in a satisfied smile. "Dr. Joyner, you're a real

a laugh. "Director Lockwood, you're the

the current head of the Lockwood family, Quentin personally leading a

employee, could only privately sum up Quentin's gesture with a silent, honest appraisal: what a calculated

Quentin left, Stella's phone rang. It was

duty

today off!" Stella groaned.

task?" Briony

the middle of nowhere, too!" Stella massaged her sore neck. "Speaking of which, are

I called," Briony replied. "I was hoping we could

...

to pick Briony up from her

families

the waiter

a sip of tea, then glanced across the table. "All

surprised. "How did you know I had

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