The next morning, as Jillian arrived at the hospital, she noticed an unusual buzz among the staff. Whispers filled the hallways, and nurses exchanged knowing glances as she passed. Something was different.
Before she could ask, a nurse approached her. "Dr. Zhang is back. He's looking for you."
Jillian's heart skipped a beat. She knew the news of her surgery had likely reached him. She took a deep breath and made her way to his office.
Inside, Dr. Zhang sat behind his desk, his usual composed expression in place. He gestured for her to sit.
"I heard what happened while I was away," he said, his voice measured. "You performed the surgery, and you volunteered to sign the papers despite the risks."
Jillian straightened in her chair. "Yes, sir. I believed the surgery was necessary, and there was no time to waste."
A moment of silence passed before Dr. Zhang leaned forward, his expression softening. "You did well, Jillian. Taking responsibility at such a level is not something many young doctors dare to do. That takes courage."
Jillian felt a wave of relief wash over her. Coming from Dr. Zhang, these words carried weight.
"But," he continued, his eyes sharp, "never forget that medicine is not just about skill. It's about judgment. Knowing when to take responsibility and when to seek guidance is just as important as the surgery itself."
Jillian nodded. "I understand."
Dr. Zhang's expression shifted to one of quiet pride. "Good. Keep pushing yourself, but also know when to lean on your team. You're not alone in this."
Jillian left his office with renewed determination. She had earned her mentor's respect, but she knew this was just the beginning. The road ahead was still long, but she was ready for whatever came next.
Jillian stirred her coffee, her mind racing with Dante and Leo's words. The café buzzed around them, but all she could focus on was the weight of their visit.
"How bad is it?" she finally asked, meeting Dante's gaze.
Leo sighed. "Worse than we expected. Harlond has been tightening his grip. He's more cautious, more ruthless. Camilla's disappearance didn't stop him—it only made him more unpredictable."
Jillian clenched her jaw. Camilla's betrayal had shaken everything, but she had hoped that with time, the situation would settle. It seemed she was wrong.
Dante leaned forward. "We need you, Jill. Your name still carries weight. If you come back, we might have a chance to finish this."
A lump formed in Jillian's throat. She had worked so hard to get to where she was, yet the shadows of her past still reached for her.
"I can't just walk away from this," she admitted. "I've come too far. But…" She hesitated. "I also can't ignore what's happening back home."
Leo studied her. "You don't have to decide now. Just think about it."
Jillian nodded, but deep down, she knew—her peaceful life in Shanghai was no longer guaranteed. The storm she once escaped was calling her back. The only question was: Would she answer?
That night, Jillian lay awake, staring at the ceiling of her apartment. Dante and Leo's words echoed in her mind. She had worked tirelessly to reach this point—earning the trust of Dr. Zhang, performing high-risk surgeries, and making a name for herself in Shanghai's medical world. Yet, her past refused to let go.
She picked up her phone and scrolled through old messages from her grandmother. "No matter how far you go, always remember where you came from."
A deep sigh escaped her lips. Could she really turn her back on home? On the people who needed her?
The next morning at the hospital, Dr. Zhang called her to his office. "Jillian, I heard about your friends' visit. I can tell you have a lot on your mind."
She looked down, debating how much to reveal. "There are… things back home I need to handle. But I don't know if I can walk away from everything I've built here."
Dr. Zhang studied her for a moment before nodding. "Great doctors are not only skilled—they also know when to fight for what truly matters."
His words stuck with her throughout the day. During surgery, during rounds, even as she grabbed dinner alone.
By the time she returned to her apartment, she had made a decision. She would finish her internship —prove herself once and for all—but after that… she would return home.
Harlond wouldn't see her coming.
Jillian's relentless dedication, sharp instincts, and unwavering commitment to her patients did not go unnoticed. Over the months, she had built a strong reputation as one of the most skilled and dependable doctors in the hospital.
Dr. Zhang, always a keen observer, had been monitoring her growth. From her bold decision to sign for the diplomat's surgery to her consistent excellence in the operating room, she had proven herself time and time again.
One afternoon, he called her into his office. "Jillian, your efforts have been remarkable. The board and I have decided to promote you to senior doctor. You'll take on more leadership roles, mentor younger doctors, and handle more critical cases."
Jillian blinked in surprise, barely able to process his words. Senior doctor? Already?
"But Dr. Zhang—"
He raised a hand to stop her. "You've earned this, Jillian. Not because of luck, but because of your skill, hard work, and the way you handle challenges."
A deep sense of pride filled her chest. This was everything she had worked for, every sleepless night, every surgery, every challenge—it had all led to this moment.
As she walked out of his office, her heart swelled with gratitude. She had climbed higher than she ever imagined. But deep inside, she knew her journey wasn't over yet.
The world of medicine was hers to conquer. But so was the battle waiting for her back home.
With her promotion to senior doctor, Jillian's workload increased significantly. She was no longer just a skilled surgeon—she was now responsible for mentoring younger doctors, overseeing complex cases, and ensuring the hospital maintained its high standards.
Her first major test in this new role came quickly. Dr. Zhang assigned her to lead a team for an upcoming high-risk heart transplant. It was a procedure that required precision, coordination, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Jillian gathered her team, briefing them thoroughly on the case. Among them were a few junior doctors who looked at her with a mix of admiration and nervousness. Megan was also part of the team, watching her closely but saying little.
The day of the surgery arrived. The operating room was tense, with the weight of the procedure pressing on everyone. Jillian stood at the head of the table, her hands steady as she made the first incision. Hours passed, and every move mattered.
Then, midway through the procedure, an unexpected complication arose—one of the blood vessels was more fragile than expected, risking excessive bleeding. The team hesitated, waiting for Jillian's call.
Taking a deep breath, she acted quickly, adjusting the approach and instructing her assistants with unwavering confidence. The team followed her lead, stabilizing the situation. After several more intense hours, the surgery was a success.
As she stepped out of the operating room, exhaustion threatened to pull her down, but the moment Dr. Zhang walked in and gave her an approving nod, a sense of fulfillment washed over her.
This was her life now. She was no longer just learning—she was leading. But as she glanced at her phone and saw a message from Dante, she was reminded that another battle was still waiting for her beyond the walls of the hospital.