Page 44 of Doctor Silver Fox Next Door

I smile sadly, not sharing the same reassurance that she has in her heart.

"I better get going."

I reluctantly walk out of the apartment and off to my meeting.

The board room is packed again.

I take a seat without saying a word and wait to hear what they have to say.

My thoughts are still with Emma at home. I keep checking my phone to make sure I have not missed a call from her.

Eric gestures to the other manager that he may take the lead. I can see Eric is tired and reluctant to talk.

"Lennox, we will get straight to the point. Your assessment was inconclusive, which puts us in a difficult situation."

I frown "If it was inconclusive, then you can base your decision on my history here as one of your best doctors." I begin to argue.

"It's not that simple. We are the ones who have to take the risk and we are the ones who take on the consequences if and when you do make a mistake. The truth is that it is just too much risk."

"No, this can't be right."

Eric interrupts me. "Dr. Blake, please just let us speak."

I fold my arms across my chest and listen as anger begins to surge in me.

"We have to let you go, Lennox. The thing that you need to be grateful for is that we are not going to have your license revoked. We know you are a damn good surgeon, but as I said before, the risk is just too great for us."

I sit in silence, fuming inside.

"Dr. Blake, with immediate effect, you are no longer employed by this hospital."

"How dare you do this? I promise you are going to regret this choice."

"How will we regret it?" the manager stares at me, challenging my comment.

"I'm going to open my own cosmetic surgery clinic and be in direct competition with you. You know my name leads this industry and you're going to be losing a huge amount of business."

The words are out of my mouth before I really have a chance to think them over. And even though I'm angry the thought feels right. Why did I not think of this earlier?

"Well, Dr. Blake, that is a risk we are willing to take. We would rather lose a few clients than face a potential court case if you do make a mistake."

"You will be losing more than a few clients, I assure you."

I stand up, not needing to hear anymore.

Eric stands as well. I can see by the look on his face that he was not entirely in agreement with this decision. I nod politely at him.

"Thank you, Eric," I say, and then I leave angry, upset, and worried about the future, but determined to make this work. I need to turn this disadvantage into an opportunity.

Arriving back home I open the door feeling worry in my stomach. I hope nothing has happened to Emma while I was gone.

"Sweetheart? Em?"

"Still in here." She replies with a sleepy voice.

"I picked up some food for us on the way home. Sorry, I took a tiny bit longer. I just needed to clear my head."

She glances at her watch. "You were only two hours. That was not long at all. Honestly, I fell asleep after breakfast. Anyway, let me know what happened. I need to know what happened?"

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