Chapter 291
“Well, isn’t that the truth? Without Mr. Hilton’s funding, how would Evergreen Health Center even be in business p>
“Ms. Claire, don’t take it the wrong way. We’re just old folks speaking our minds, no harm meant p>
I didn’t bother with small talk and instead took a seat in front of them.
“Since I’ve taken over Evergreen Health Center, the funds come from charging the wealthy for treatments, and then using those profits to treat the less fortunate. It’s all about balancing the books. Or do you prefer I make a public display of our financials, exposing the hefty profits made by hospitals from medical fees p>
My words shut the room up real quick.
Sensing the tension, Pearce tried to lighten the mood, raising his glass. “We invited Ms. Claire to dinner to say that we’re willing to lend you our top doctor, but we want to invest in Evergreen Health Center. We want a say in its operations too p>
“No way.” I shot back, pushing away the glass he offered. “Sorry, but Mr. Hilton made it clear I shouldn’t drink p>
They were all wary of Max, and I wasn’t above using that to my advantage. He’d be delighted I brought him up.
Feeling left out, Pearce threw a look at Allen Ramsey, who stood and said, “Claire, if you won’t drink, I’ll do it for you.” He downed the glass in one swift motion.
Allen Ramsey used to be the golden boy, admired and respected by everyone at school. Now, look at him, bending over backward at this hospital.
I knew why he left the university; it was to escape the pain of losing his mother.
“Allen Ramsey, you’re finished at our hospital, and you drink for her? Does that make you part of Evergreen Health Center?” Pearce scoffed, implying the drink didn’t count.
Helen poured another glass, saying, “You’re not worthy to drink with our lady. After all, she’s Mr. Hilton’s beloved. f Mr. Hilton hears about this, do you think you’ll keep your position as director? If a toast is necessary, let me, representing Evergreen Health Center, toast the esteemed doctors present p>
Helen’s reasoning left them with no room for criticism.
Even if they mocked me for relying on Max, I had someone to depend on, and they didn’t. How was that my fault?
“So, Ms. Claire, you and Mr. Hilton have been together for a while. Any plans to tie the knot?” Pearce asked with a smirk.
Allen Ramsey, caught off guard by Pearce’s question, slammed his fist on the table. “Director, you promised tonight was just about my position at Evergreen Health Center. But now you’re pushing drinks and probing into personal matters. If this continues, I will resign p>
Pearce wasn’t worried about Allen Ramsey resigning. “What, you want to be blacklisted? Anyone who’s worked at Evergreen Health Center will find
themselves ostracized by the entire medical community p>
It dawned on me that tonight wasn’t about letting Allen Ramsey go. It was a
warning to me and anyone else considering Evergreen Health Center.
They thought because Max and I weren’t married, he wasn’t serious about me and would eventually stop supporting me.
“Pearce, wielding your authority like
that. Even without Mr. Hilton, Evergreen Health Center has the support of the people, providing care to those who can’t afford it Helen was ready to argue, but I signaled her to stop.
“Pearce, what do you want us to do to let Allen Ramsey go p>
I owed Lydia my life, so I was already inclined to support Allen Ramsey. Now that
they were threatening him, I had to step in.