Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 205

ATHENA

“That was excellent, Dr. Dawson! You did that surgery in record time.” Melanie says to me as I pull off my mask.

I stare at her like I've seen a ghost.

“Am I hearing a compliment from you?” I ask. Genuinely shocked.

This is someone who has made it her mission to belittle all my efforts. While others praised me, she and her minions would mock me and call me a charity case.

“Is it shocking?”

“Extremely and I bet it has to do with my husband's reputation?” I flash her a sweet smile that has mockery written all over it.

I can see her eye twitch and that she's suppressing her anger.

She forces a tight smile. “Well, I give credit where it’s due. Even charity cases get lucky sometimes.”

There it is.

The venom wrapped in silk. Typical Melanie.

I tilt my head, still smiling. “Luck had nothing to do with it. But I guess that’s what people say when they can’t match the talent.”

Melanie's jaw tightens, her hands clenched around the clipboard like she wants to throw it.

Before she can fire back, Dr. Patel walks by and claps me on the shoulder.

“Impressive as always, Dr. Dawson. That patient’s vitals stabilized faster than we expected.”

“Thank you, sir.” I respond, keeping my eyes on Melanie.

Her forced smile drops the second he walks away.

“You think you’re untouchable now because you married into money and power?”

I step closer, dropping my voice low so only she can hear.

“No. I think I’ve always been a threat. You just didn’t notice until my last name changed.”

“Will see about that. It's just a -”

“Careful before you finnish that sentence. I've had enemies try to come at me and my oh my, what has become of them is a shock till this day.” I eye her up and down, “Unless you want to make the list. That is.”

Her mouth clamps shut as she walks away.

Her minions step forward, hands in their scrubs as they look at me with pitiful eyes.

“We really hope we don't make your enemy list, Athena. Melanie made us do those shady things, and we are sorry.”

I narrow my eyes at the two of them, taking in their apologetic expressions. Regret sits heavy on their faces, but I’ve seen enough fake tears to last a lifetime.

“Apology accepted,” I say, my voice calm but firm. “But if I ever hear that you’re bullying another intern, mocking another woman for where she comes from, or tearing down someone who’s worked their ass off to get here… your careers will end before they begin.”

They nod so fast it’s a wonder their necks don’t snap. “We understand,” one of them mumbles.

“Good,” I say simply, then turn away.

The moment I step into the hallway, my phone buzzes.

IAN: [Meeting in ten. Need you sharp. It’s time.]

ME: [I'll be there]

I close my eyes for a second and inhale deeply.

It is time to launch the drug program.

I've had to think this through. But I decided to continue their legacy. I want others to get a second chance to live like I did with Alex.

Minutes later, I’m standing in the hospital’s main conference room, with lights dimmed, a small but elite group gathered. Board members. Doctors and Influential donors.

Ian stands to the side with his arms crossed, watching me with that unreadable expression he always wears when he's evaluating something.

She probably does.

“Dr. Dawson won’t need to concern herself with your wallets anymore,” she says with a smooth, confident tone that quiets every whisper. “The research center has received new funding. Effective immediately, it will operate under her vision. Named whatever she pleases. Managed however she pleases.”

She pauses, her gaze sweeping the room like a queen surveying her court. “It is no longer a profit-making ship, as you so distastefully put it. This is a vessel for healing, progress, and helping. Something you know nothing about. Which is why, gentlemen, a lot of things are about to change.”

Murmurs ripple across the room.

“And who will fund her?” a sneering voice rises from the back. “Her husband?”

A low chuckle escapes the woman’s lips. It’s the kind of laugh that makes men uneasy, the kind that doesn’t need to shout to feel threatening.

“He could,” she says casually. “But I think Quins Foundation will handle this one.”

Gasps erupt. Chairs shift. One of the board members nearly falls off his chair.

Even I am shocked.

Elias Quinn is pretty strict and clearly told me that if I didn't play by his rules, then I was on my own.

“The Quinn Foundation?” Someone breathes, half in awe, half in dread.

“Yes,” she smiles, brushing invisible lint from her coat sleeve. “And just so you’re all aware, the board has already been adjusted. All further decision-making rests with Dr. Dawson, myself, Dr Elias Quinn, and Dr Ian Quinn" She looks in his direction with a soft gaze "Should you need a signature.”

Elias agreed to this?

I blink. “You’re... the..?”

She turns to me with a soft smile, soft wrinkles on her perfect skin telling me she's older, not that it affects her beauty. She gently adjusts a stray strand of my hair behind my ear.

“ My name is Katelyn Quinn, sweetie. Your shield in human form.”

“I don't think you have enough authority to make such decisions!” Another angry voice speaks from behind me.

“Oh but I do, actually. I have enough authority to have you out of the board before your coffee tomorrow morning. Do you want to test the theory?”