As everyone chatted, they suddenly remembered the post on the hospital forum and coualdn't help but speculate, "Do you think Wendy got into the hospital as an intern because of Mr. Turner? He must have pulled some strings for her."

"Come on, Wendy said she got 'in on her own. But what she relied on, well,that's another story."

The suggestive comments immediately sparked wild guesses among the group.

"What else could it be? Her looks, her legs, her body-using those is still relying on herself,right?"

The conversation grew increasingly vulgar. Chris found it unbearable, but Wendy quietly continued eating, showing no reaction.

"Have you all said enough? Wendy isn't like what you're saying!"

Chris couldn't hold back any longer and stood up, angrily addressing the source of the comments.

Though Chris's voice wasn't loud, the chatter instantly died down.Everyone exchanged glances, then looked at Wendy and Chris with curiosity.

A woman's mocking voice broke the silence.

"Mr. Turner, Wendy's reputation is already in the gutter because of what she's done, and you're still hanging around with her."

Chris recognized the voice as Sarah's from the day before. Sarah looked at

him with feigned shock.

Chris,fuming, was about to argue further when Wendy, who had been silent,suddenly stood up and walked over to Sarah.

She looked at Sarah expressionlessly and asked calmly, "You posted that,didn't you?"

"So what if I did?" Sarah showed no remorse, even more pleased with herself. "Isn't it the truth?"

She didn't care if Chris knew the truth. Wendly had taken a break from school for years, had no medical experience, and wasn't qualified to be at Blue Ridge Medical Center.

Sarah believed she was stating facts and had nothing to fear.

Chris coldly reminded her, "Do you know spreading false rumors can have legal consequences?"

His tone made fhe atmosphere tense, and everyone focused on them.

"False rumors?" Sarah sneered. "Where's the falsehood? Did she really get into Blue Ridge Medical Center on her own merit?"

Everyone knew it was unlikely for a student who had taken years off to become an intern doctor.

Wendy also lacked continuous medical education, which was a fact.

The group agreed with Sarah's point.

They were all top graduates from prestigious medical schools. How could they allow someone who cheated to join their hospital?

"Of course, she got in on her own merit!" An elderly voice suddenly interjected.

Everyone turned to see an old man in a suit walking over.

He was thin, with thick glasses, but his eyes were sharp and full of wisdom.clearly a seasoned and experienced elder.

He walked with a cane, each step exuding authority and command,making people avoid his gaze.

Seeing him,everyone immediately lowered their heads and greeted in unison,"Mr.Taylor."

Harold nodded slightly at the group and walked straight to Wendy,standing in front of a stunned Sarah.

He sternly asked, "Who gave you the right to spread false information and tarnish Wendy's reputation?"

Harold was Wendy's mentor and the dean of Blue Ridge Medical Center.Upon hearing the rumors about Wendy, he rushed to clarify the situation.

Despite being nearly seventy, his temper was still as fiery as a child's.

Everyone was terrified into silence.

Sarah was also shocked, never expecting Harold to defend Wendy so fiercely.

"Mr. Taylor, I..." Sarah stammered, trying to explain.

"Shut up!" Harold glared at her, then turned to Wendy with a gentle look."Wendy,leave this to me!"

"Thank you, Professor Taylor!" Wendy looked at him with gratitude.

Seeing Harold, at his age, standing up for her, Wendy felt both grateful and foolish for having once given up her future and career for Ethan.

"I've been waiting for you to come back and take over for me." Harold laughed heartily.

Then he turned serious, addressing the group, "Let me tell you. Wendy was my student. At Horizon Medical College, she was top of her class in all subjects. Many of her research papers were published in prestigious international journals!"

Everyone gasped in surprise.

The crowd buzzed with excitement, their tone now admiring.

"So it's her! My goodness, I've read her papers before. The insights and perspectives were incredible!"

"If Wendy has such impressive academic achievements, being an intern at Blue Ridge Medical Center is nothing. She could easily be a senior attending physician!"

Seeing the tide turn in Wendy's favor and the crowd looking at Wendy with admiration, Sarah became furious. She couldn't believe that WNendy was really that impressive, let alone some kind of legendary figure.

If Wendy was so amazing, why had she been so obscure and subjected to Sarah's bullying?

Determined, Sarah stood up and argued, "Mr. Taylor, even if Wendy was excellent before, she hasn't worked in medicine for years. How can we know she's still capable? You can't favor her just because she's your

student!"