Josefina gazed at her with an indifferent expression and asked, "Lena, what are you trying to say? What have I done to you?"

"You just came out of Ellory's office. Did you tell Ellory to kick me out through the competition?"

"Lena, you've got quite the imagination. Why don't you go write a novel or something? Who told you I have the power to sway Ellory's mind? Do I own the hospital? Does my word go?" Lena's face registered a flicker of surprise, her emotions steadying as the implication settled.

She suddenly felt foolish for her impatience. Josefina was just a girl from a modest background, not even favored by the Antonio family. What clout could she possibly have?

Lena's fiery temper cooled on the spot, and somewhat sheepishly, she offered a conciliatory smile. "Josie, I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn."

Josefina continued to look at her coolly. "So, how did your competition go today? Did you lose?"

Josefina's words, stark and undeniable, would soon reach the ears of the Harrisons.

Lena admitted with a touch of embarrassment, "Yes, I wanted to ask Ellory what exactly happened."

"You're questioning Ellory? Are you dissatisfied with the hospital? Surely, some of the hospital's leadership was there to observe. They've already made up their minds about your performance. Do you really think confronting Ellory will change anything?"

Lena, now more composed, realized her approach might have been misguided. "Josie, do you have something to discuss with Ellory?"

"It's a private matter. Since you're here to see Ellory, I'll leave you to it." Josefina brushed past Lena and exited.

Josefina's poise left Lena puzzled, but she eventually proceeded into Ellory's office. Before Lena could speak, Ellory greeted her with a smile, "Lena, your performance in the competition was indeed subpar. Why don't you head back to school for a couple more years? There's no rush with work, you're young, and there's plenty of time for opportunities."

So, this was a polite dismissal?

Lena didn't want to forfeit this chance, and stood her ground. "Ellory, I just wasn't in the right headspace today. That's why I made mistakes. I'm usually not like this. Please, give me another chance." Ellory's smile vanished, replaced by a look of displeasure. "This hospital is not a playground for your moods. Do you think we can afford to have staff whose performance depends on their feelings? What kind of care would our patients receive then?"

Lena felt a rush of embarrassment and frustration at the reprimand. How could she explain losing her position at the hospital? Her eyes turned icy, and she left in a blaze of anger. Ellory watched her leave, shaking his head in resignation.

His phone rang; it was a call. Ellory glanced at the caller ID and answered. "Robert, what a surprise! Got time to call me today? Wanting to check on your granddaughter's competition results, I take it?" Grandpa Robert's voice came through with a chuckle. "Indeed, how did Lena fare in the competition?"

"Robert, to be frank, Lena didn't do well. She made some mistakes, so I had to let her go. School's starting soon, and she should return and hit the books. She's your granddaughter, after all. She'll be fine without a job."

Grandpa Robert hadn't expected Lena's skills to fall short, to not even clear the basic hurdles of the competition.

"You're right, and I'm grateful for your impartiality," Grandpa Robert replied, relieved.

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