Page 17 of Ellie 3

Someone mumbled under their breath that media would be coming soon if we didn’t shut this down and that was probably the goal.

I understood all of that. I just needed one thing answered and their auras could tell me. “Do you really think you can convince the owner to change course?”

The attending met my gaze. “I don’t know, but I want to hear it from his lips why he thinks this is actually the best path for ASH and screwing over those of us who have been loyal to his hospital fordecadesdeserves this treatment. He’s only heard your side. I deserve for my side to be heard.”

A bitter chuckle slipped out at this asshole forcing my hand. “Because you’re one of the first on the chopping block.” I smirked at him, getting my answer. “You don’t really think this is best for ASH, but you. Selfish and egotistical as always.”

“How dismissive as always,” he threw right back.

Yeah, not really since I’d known him for over fifty years, but he’d shown his hand by saying the owner was a man. He said it with such confidence that it was disgusting.

“Fine, every employee is allowed to attend the meeting with the owner tomorrow, early before normal hours,” I decided. “However, there are valid threats against the owner of ASH, you selfish fools. They don’t stay hidden—selfish. Everyone will sign a magically binding agreement to lock who the founder is in their mind.”

The objections started right away. They wanted to kick the owner and hospital on their way out if they were going to be fired.

“This is not a negotiation!” Alan roared. “We can sense the petty and revenge on many of you. You want to destroy ASH as you’re replaced because you are toxic, don’t do your jobs, or—take the deal or we will accept this as your resignation. You want to protest? Fine, we met your terms with something reasonable. Quit in protest if you don’t like it!”

“That you can do,” Beth confirmed. “They made demands against their contract and you allowed it with conditions. If they don’t accept, they either withdraw the demands or they’re breaking their contract to quit. Yes, that’s legal given the Supreme Court ruling you were referring to.”

I wasn’t sure if that was exactly how it really worked or if she was bluffing a bit, but it succeeded, and people backed down. They wouldn’t get any sort of severance or unemployment if they quit.

They still wouldn’t for getting fired for bad performance but… Fools.

“So, sign it or hand in your notice,” I announced to everyone.

“Wait, she said we could withdraw our demands,” someone from the back challenged.

“Except I’m within my rights to fire you for this stunt, so I’m taking that option off the table.” I shrugged when people seemed shocked I would do that, even on my side. I snorted and focused back on the ringleaders. “You’re coming for me and trying to get me tossed out.

“Did you really think I would just nod along and not fight back?” I snorted again when it was clear they had. “Yeah, you’re lazy and haven’t been paying attention at all. I don’t start it, but I run this place because I get things done and I willfinishit.”

I moved closer and got in the attending’s face, glancing at those who backed him up until they all squirmed.

“Sign it or get the fuck out of my hospital. You made your pathetic little move. Enjoy what it gets you, because I won’t be the one out tomorrow. I guess all that time in the sun playing golf instead of sharpening your skills and paying attention to your workplace got to you.”

“We’ll see,” he said, grinding his jaw. “I think the owner will listen to us when he sees how many of us with flawless records are stepping up and all of the discourse that’s been going on at his hospital.” He leaned in and smirked. “It’s allourword against yours after all, and we both know this is a world of guilty until proven innocent.”

It was hard not to laugh, but I let him see in my eyes that I was laughing at him. “Remember this confidence tomorrow. Really, remember it so you choke on it.” I turned and looked at Beth. “Call in whatever magics we need to get it done. People are curious, even the good ones. We’ll probably break fire code with everyone who will show up.”

She opened her mouth but then closed. “Yeah, I’m dying to know, and I’m completely on your side that all of the changes are what’s best for ASH. I’ll get it done. I’m going to need some extra overtime approved.”

“Done.” I smirked at her. “It will come out of the bonuses of the doctors here. Make sure security gets everyone here on the list. I’m not kidding that they sign first or resign.” I nodded to the security guards there, knowing the guys in charge were probably already listing everyone from the security room and monitors.

I left them to handle it because there was a conversation I needed to have before I blew up my life tomorrow. I swallowed loudly when I saw Ha-joon standing towards the back. I gestured with my head for him to follow me and led him down to themechanical area where I knew there was a blind spot from cameras and audio.

“I have to tell you something,” I whispered, shaking inside. This was too hard to tell him when things were going well.

“I already know,” he said gently, cupping my face. He nodded when I frowned. “I know.”

“No, you—no, this—it’s—you can’t—”

He gave me a soft kiss. “Da told me he thought it was a Dr. Miller who had founded ASH. That was what he’d heard.” He continued when I froze. “That Dr. Miller had saved a human protégé from the mayor trying to take advantage of humans finding out about supes. The story you told me without the ending. Also, that the founder didn’t want the world to be separated.”

“I didn’t,” I breathed, shocked on so many levels that my hands and feet felt numb. My nose too. Maybe my face? Spots formed and then I was in his arms.

“Ellie, I’m not mad,” he whispered as he lowered me to the ground. “No, I don’t hate you. I love you. I’m in love with you. Please, I understand why you kept this secret.Please, don’t worry about me when you’re under so much pressure, my sweet kimchi.”

I realized I’d started to faint and must have said something, blinking at him. “What did you say?” He started to repeat some of it, but I moved my fingers over his lips. “You’re in love with me?”

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