The True Heiress's Return

Shakira had barely mentioned the name when Fiona scoffed, sneering, "Who's this Howard anyway? Don't tell me you're fishing for a scapegoat here!".

Everyone's expressions shifted, and the department head jumped in, "Ms. Banks, don't worry. Haruca Hospital would never cover for a doctor by making an innocent person take the fall for something this immoral!" Ignoring their taunts, Shakira focused on Mr. Jones and Mr. Lee who trusted her. She explained, "Howard's an intern assigned to assist me. He's been going over my diagnoses and taking notes for his learning." Mr. Lee nodded, gesturing to the head nurse. "Please have Dr. Howard come over." Moments later, Howard rushed down the hall, glancing around nervously as he took in the intense atmosphere. Shakira called him over, and he approached, looking uneasy. "Did you stay behind to study my notes after I left yesterday?" she asked.

Howard nodded. "Yes, Dr. Lonely Bird. I only stayed because you gave me permission."

"Where are your notes? Let me take a look."

Howard pulled out a small notebook and handed it over respectfully. Shakira flipped it open, seeing pages full of detailed notes from his studies.

Shakira could tell Howard was diligent. The last three pages, in particular, contained recent notes, including insights on her treatment techniques that deviated from textbook methods-marked heavily in red.

Seeing her reading, Howard spoke up, "These cases were a bit unique. I was planning to ask you about them once you had time, Dr. Lonely Bird." Shakira nodded, looking somewhat pleased. But as she turned to the next page and saw certain red-marked words, a chill ran through her fingertips.

Standing next to her, Felix noticed it too, his face suddenly changed, and he murmured, "How could this happen..."

Howard glanced over as if he'd remembered something, his brows knitting together in confusion. "This is the last patient's record and prescription from yesterday... It's the first time I've seen a doctor prescribe raw fleece flower root, especially at such a high dosage..." The moment Howard said it, everyone's faces changed drastically. The Banks family, especially, looked at Shakira like they could tear her to pieces right then and there.

Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, Howard whispered, "Dr. Lonely Bird, did I... say something wrong?"

"No, you didn't. The wrong one is the killer here!" Fiona snarled, eyes bloodshot. "Oh, so you won't admit it, huh? Well, you asked for proof, and now we've got a witness!"Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Mrs. Banks snapped at Mr. Lee, who looked visibly shocked, "Mr Lee, even your hospital's intern can testify that she gave my mother-in-law the wrong prescription! Haruca Hospital owes the Banks Group an explanation!"

George's eyes burned with fury as he ground his teeth, "My mother's in critical condition, hooked up to a forest of tubes in the ICU. I'll make this quack pay double for what she's done!"

"That's impossible!" Shakira snapped, closing the notebook and fixing her gaze on Howard. "You're lying."

Howard stammered, "W-what? I'm not lying! I just... I just recorded everything exactly as you prescribed, Dr. Lonely Bird..."

Shakira let out a cold laugh, watching his startled face closely.

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Fiona sneered, "Oh, trying to pass the blame right in front of us? Do you think we're all blind and deaf?"

"Enough, Lonely Bird!" The department head's voice was full of disappointment. "You got yourself into this mess, and now you want to pawn it off on a junior? How can you call yourself a doctor?

The department head was greatly disappointed, and angrily rebuked while shaking his head repeatedly, "How could you betray the sacred profession of being a doctor!"

Shakira scoffed. "Yes, being a doctor is sacred, but some people will do anything to tarnish this white coat."

"You!"

"Dr. Lonely Bird!"

Faced with everyone's accusations, Yvette rushed over, positioning herself beside Shakira with that same phony, evergreen grin. She took Shakira's hand and said softly, "Dr. Lonely Bird, we all believe in your skills. We know you wouldn't do something like this on purpose... but..." She gave a sympathetic sigh, her voice sweet but fake. "The evidence is right here, and I know you have your pride. But nobody's perfect, and maybe if you offered a heartfelt apology to the Banks family, Jaslene might forgive you when she recovers." Feeling sorry for Dr. Lonely Bird being questioned by everyone, Yvette kindly advised her to face reality.

Felix's voice suddenly turned serious, "Yvette!"

Wette shook her head at Felix, looking as if she was considering Dr. Lonely Bird's feelings. Her voice was soft and gentle,

"Felix, the best way to help Dr. Lonely Bird right now is to encourage her to admit her mistake."

'Ridiculous!' Shakira thought. She was so angry and almost laughed out loud. This two-faced, self-righteous piece of work wanted to look like a saint while pushing her to apologize?

Feeling disgusted, Shakira yanked her hand out of Fiona's grip, grabbed the disinfectant spray from the table, and spritzed her hands.

Yvette's face darkened at being so obviously snubbed. She turned and saw Fiona looking at her with a mocking smile as if she were a clown on display.

Inside, Yvette cursed Lonely Bird for her stubborn pride. She thought, 'Did she really think that by denying everything, she'd make things turn around? It was pathetic. 'I felt even more foolish forever trying to cozy up to Lonely Bird for Felix's sake.

Now, with Lonely Bird backed into a corner, Yvette smirked and stood aside, ready to watch her downfall. She even tugged Felix's arm, "Felix, wake up!"

Felix, still reeling from the shock, felt lost. Lonely Bird was his idol-her talent, her skill, her personality-all of it drew him in. He wanted to believe in her. But with the situation unfolding, he couldn't bring himself to stand by her unwaveringly. Felix's expression was complicated, but eventually, Yvette pulled him away.

Amid all the hostility, Shakira stood strong, unaffected. She glanced at Felix, who was looking at her with guilt and pity, then looked past him to Howard, who was shifting uncomfortably, his hands fidgeting. Her eyes turned cold. "At first, I only suspected," she said coolly, "but now I'm sure... "Howard, you tampered with my computer and altered the prescription!"