An Intern Threw Coffee On Me, Proclaiming The Ceo Was Her Husband. So I Called Him…
David turned to me, his gaze firm.
“Madam Chairwoman, as the head of cardiology, I can confirm that the lack of this equipment has already negatively impacted patient care. Mr. Thompson’s actions are not just embezzlement; they are a direct threat to the lives of our patients. This is an unforgivable crime.”
David’s final statement was the knockout blow. Mark sank to the floor, his eyes vacant, all fight gone out of him. The truth was laid bare for all to see. The lobby now felt like a public courtroom. I knew this was the moment to restore order and reassert my authority.
I stepped up onto the small platform at the reception desk and took the microphone from a trembling receptionist.
“To all staff, patients, and guests present here today,” I said, my voice echoing through the large space. “What happened here today is a source of great shame for Apex University Hospital. On behalf of the board, I offer my sincerest apologies to all of you for being subjected to this disgraceful scene.”
I looked out at the crowd, at the faces waiting for change.
“However, we cannot let the actions of one rotten apple discredit the tireless efforts of the hundreds of dedicated medical professionals who save lives here every day. To stabilize the situation and ensure the hospital’s operations continue uninterrupted, I will now make the following executive decisions.”
The room held its breath. First, I pointed at Mark, still crumpled on the floor.
“Mr. Mark Thompson is terminated and stripped of all titles and responsibilities. Our legal department will cooperate fully with the district attorney’s office to prosecute him for embezzlement and investigate all of his past activities. Security, please escort this man off the premises.”
Two large security guards immediately moved in and hauled Mark to his feet. He offered no resistance. His head bowed in shame as they led him through the crowd toward the exit, followed by a chorus of contemptuous whispers. The image of the once-dashing CEO was now that of a common criminal.
“Second,” I continued, my voice softening with respect. “The CEO position cannot remain vacant. We need a leader with integrity, talent, and compassion to steer this ship through the storm. That person is none other than the man who bravely stood up for what is right today.”
I turned to David, smiled, and gestured towards him.
“I am proud to appoint Dr. David Chen as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Apex University Hospital, effective immediately. I am confident that with his skill and his moral compass, Dr. Chen will restore this hospital to its rightful place.”
David was slightly taken aback by my swift decision, but he quickly composed himself. He stepped up onto the platform beside me and bowed his head to the crowd. Instantly, a roar of applause erupted.
It started with the junior doctors and nurses and quickly spread to department heads and even patients’ families. The thunderous ovation was not just for David; it was an endorsement of my decision. It was applause for justice served.
David looked at me, his eyes filled with gratitude and resolve. He took the microphone and spoke briefly but powerfully.
“Thank you for your trust. I promise to do everything in my power to build a healthcare environment that is clean, transparent, and puts the patient first. Thank you.”
While Mark was being led away and David was being celebrated, there was still one loose end: Tiffany. The once arrogant intern was now huddled in a corner, her face a mess of smeared makeup and tears. Seeing that the attention was off her, she tried to sneak towards an exit, but Arthur Vance spotted her.
He signaled to security, who blocked her path.
“Miss Jones, where are you going in such a hurry?” Arthur asked, his tone polite but chilling. “We haven’t yet discussed the matter of the Chairwoman’s suit or the reputational damage you’ve caused the hospital.”
Terrified, Tiffany turned to me, her eyes pleading. Her dream of being a tycoon’s wife was over, her only support system arrested. She had nothing left but a mountain of legal trouble.
“Ma’am… I mean, Madam Chairwoman, please forgive me,” she whimpered, falling to her knees on the cold floor. “I know I was wrong. I’m young and stupid. Mark manipulated me. Please don’t fire me, don’t sue me. I don’t have any money to pay.”
I stepped down and walked towards her, looking at the trembling girl at my feet. I didn’t feel triumphant, only a sad pity for a life so misguided.
“You say you were manipulated? Who was it that threatened to have me thrown out? Who screamed at an elderly valet? Who livestreamed herself bragging about ill-gotten wealth? Those were your choices. You were blinded by greed and a delusion of power that never belonged to you.”
I turned to my lawyer.
“Arthur, terminate Ms. Jones’s internship immediately for gross misconduct. Also, prepare a file for the DA’s office regarding her role as a recipient of embezzled funds. That condo was purchased with stolen money. She will be required to return every cent.”
Hearing this, Tiffany collapsed completely, sobbing uncontrollably. She knew her life was over. The luxury condo, the designer bags, the lavish trips—it would all be seized. She would be thrown back into a harsh reality, branded with a stain she could never wash away.
David walked over. He didn’t say another word of reprimand. He took a small business card from his pocket and placed it gently on the floor in front of her.
“This is the card of a very good psychiatrist,” David said calmly. “I think you need help with your personality disorder and delusions of grandeur. I hope that after you’ve paid the price for your mistakes, you learn how to be a decent human being before you try to be a famous one.”
David’s act, though gentle, was the most profound punishment. It stripped away her last shred of pride, pointing out that she was not just a criminal, but a person with a sick soul.
Two security guards came and lifted Tiffany to her feet, escorting her out. Her cries faded away behind the glass doors. The lobby returned to its normal rhythm, but the air felt cleaner. The crowd dispersed. Doctors and nurses returned to their duties.
The automated PA system chimed on as if nothing had happened. I leaned against the reception desk, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. The adrenaline rush was gone, leaving behind a deep, bone-weary fatigue.
I had endured a long flight, a devastating emotional shock, and a tense showdown. I had won, but my heart felt empty. What was this victory worth when the husband I had once loved was revealed to be such a monster? The family I had fought to protect was now officially broken.
David approached me with a bottle of water, already opened. He said nothing, just handed it to me and stood in a way that shielded my face from the harsh sunlight streaming through the windows.
“Drink some water, Catherine,” he said softly. “You did well. Your father would be so proud of you today.”
I took a small sip. The cool water soothed my dry throat and the bitterness in my soul. I looked up at him, my eyes stinging.
“David, I’m so tired. I thought I was strong, but this hurts more than I imagined.”
He looked at me with deep compassion, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. It was a comforting, steadying touch.
