Page 70 of Billionaire’s Ruin

“Anyway,” I said, desperate to shift the focus, “do you think I offended Dr. Chan?”

“Definitely.” Her nod was immediate. “And it was very cool. No one ever challenges him. He totally deserves it.”

A low chuckle slipped out, even as guilt knotted my stomach. “Hmm, but you know, it’s not official yet. Nothing’s been signed.”

“It’s only a matter of time, right? Sooner or later, you’ll be his boss.”

“I guess.”

“He never imagined this place would be taken over by another woman. A younger, more beautiful one, too.”

“Are you saying he…” I hesitated, afraid that my instinct was correct. “Has some sort of problem with…”

“Yes. He’s a little too old-fashioned,” she said matter-of-factly. “He hates taking orders from a woman. Still thinks women should stay at home and serve their husbands.”

“Are you serious?”

“Kind of. Especially beauties like you. But it’s okay for ugly women like me to work, apparently, we need to make a living since no husband would want us.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “Please tell me he didn’t actually say that to you?”

“Not to me directly. But loud enough for everyone to hear. Some of us didn’t think he was joking.”

“That’s unacceptable.”

Anu shrugged softly, like she’d already built walls around it. “Here, we just call people like that old-fashioned. We just wish he’d retire already.”

Maybe. If today bruised his ego hard enough, he just might. And for once, I wouldn’t feel sorry about it.

My hand brushed her arm gently. “I think you’re beautiful, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Her cheeks flushed, but she smiled faintly. “We’re kind of used to him by now. But sometimes, you know, it just feels nice to rant a little.”

“I know. I’m sorry you have to go through that,” I said, shaking my head. “You should report him to the authorities.”

“Well…” She chuckled softly, lowering her voice. “I guess I kind of am doing it right now.”

It took me a beat to catch on—and then I smiled. Of course. She was casually venting to her boss’s boss.

“Thanks for telling me this,” I said sincerely. “Once things officially change hands, I promise I’ll investigate. I can’t stand any sort of discrimination. Especially from someone in charge.”

“Well, I thank you,” she said warmly. “You’re a breath of fresh air. You really are.”

Walking backward a few steps, she offered a shy grin before turning down the corridor. Her sneakers squeaked softly on the polished linoleum. For a moment, I simply stood and watched her disappear around the corner.

Maybe that was why Dr. Chan refused to order a second blood test earlier. Not out of medical disagreement—but out of intimidation—by a younger woman stepping into a role he likely believed belonged only to men like himself. The kind who treated authority as a birthright.

Since our confrontation, Dr. Chan hadn’t shown his face. He was likely hiding in some office, pretending to be busy. I didn’t have the luxury to care.

My heart was torn in half—trying to fix Dannie, while worrying about Kai.

Dannie’s problem, at least, I could treat with science.

Kai’s? That was something I couldn’t quantify.

The irony wasn’t lost on me. I was an OB-GYN—a fertility specialist. My work revolved around life, hope, creation. But now, all I could think about was how fragile those lives could be when things spiraled beyond control.

Still, I was a damn good doctor. Good enough to adapt. To lead. To take over a hospital overnight if I had to.