Under the table dealing 5

Gabriel came here looking for Callie, hitching a ride with Shane.

When Belinda approached, Gabriel opened the car door and got out, saying, "I'm heading off."

After he left, Belinda got into the car and sat across from Shane, feeling a bit uneasy. She realized that Shane might have mistaken her for someone else.

However, she also recognized the benefits of being close to him.

The dean had always admired Callie, and suddenly, the opportunity to intern at the Second Military District General Hospital was given to her, all because of Shane.

Belinda decided to seize this man.

Such a good thing, such an opportunity, was rare. She felt that fate was favoring her, and she had to grab it.

"I've made up my mind," she said, lifting her gaze.

Shane seemed surprised that she had made a decision so quickly. He shifted slightly, appearing casual but actually curious about her answer.

"I don't want anything."

For him to promise marriage, there

Shane pressed his lips tightly together, his emotions hard to read, and his voice incredibly calm. "Are you sure about this?"

Belinda nodded.

Maybe she had acted on impulse last night.

He wouldn't force her.

"I respect your decision."

...

At the hospital.

Callie was in the break room reading a medical book. After her shift, she didn't feel like going back to Shane's place, and she definitely didn't want to go home.

So, she spent her time at the hospital, where she could read and learn, which she found quite nice.

Knock, knock—

The door was knocked on and then pushed open. Gabriel saw her and asked, "Why are you hiding in here?"

"I'm not hiding."

Callie closed her book and placed it on the table, then stood up and walked over. "Senior, what brings you here?"

"You helped me out, so I have to thank you, right?" He smiled.

"Come on, let me treat you to something delicious."

She shook her head. "No, thanks."

"What's wrong? Are you upset?" Gabriel noticed something was off about her mood.

Callie avoided his gaze and said, "No, I'm fine."

Gabriel clearly didn't believe her. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me. Or do you not trust me either?"

"No, it's not that," she hurriedly explained, then sighed. "I won't be working with you."

"Why?" Gabriel frowned deeply, a hint of anger in his eyes. "Did the director change his mind? Who did he give the spot to? I'll go talk to him."

Callie grabbed his arm and shook her head.

"Isn't your dream to become an outstanding military doctor? If you can't even get into the main hospital, how can you talk about dreams?" Gabriel couldn't believe it.

She had worked so hard, studied so diligently, all to achieve her dream, hadn't she?

Callie lowered her eyes. It wasn't that she had given up on her dream; it was reality that had made things difficult for her.

Besides, she didn't want to cause trouble for Gabriel.

Gabriel pressed his lips together. "I understand."

Callie forced a smile. "Let me treat you to dinner."

"Next time," Gabriel replied, his mind clear as a bell. The spot was meant for her, but she got replaced. There had to be some underhanded dealings. Callie was letting it go because she felt powerless.

But he couldn't swallow this injustice.

"I just remembered I have something to do. I'll go first."

After saying that, he turned and left, fuming with anger.

Gabriel stormed directly into the dean's office. He had the confidence to do so, not just because of his own merits, but also because he came from a wealthy family.

The dean was on the phone when Gabriel barged in. Seeing him, the dean quickly ended the call abruptly, "That's all," and stood up with a smile. "Dr. Byrne, what brings you here?"

"The candidate for the general hospital was supposed to be Callie, wasn't it? Why was it changed? Who bribed you to pull strings? If you don't explain this today, don't blame me for what happens next."

The dean looked troubled and sighed. "I had no choice in this matter. You see, President Robinson instructed me to take care of Dr. Ayers. What could I do?"

Hearing the name Shane, Gabriel's brow furrowed deeply.

"If you're unhappy about it, go talk to him yourself." The dean, trying to be clever, deflected the issue, knowing both parties were beyond his ability to handle.

Still seething, Gabriel turned to find Shane. As he exited the hospital, he saw Belinda stepping out of a car.

He strode over.

Belinda greeted him with a smile, "Senior."

Gabriel didn't know what expression to put on.

He glanced inside the car and, out of courtesy, gave a brief nod.

After Belinda left, Gabriel couldn't help but feel indignant on behalf of Callie. It irked him that this person, who had gotten in through connections, was on good terms with him.

Shane had never shown interest in any woman before.

But now, his special attention towards Belinda seemed to suggest something more.

Could he ruin his friend's chance?

It was rare for Shane Robinson to actively try to win a woman's favor.

"I don't get it. What do you see in Belinda?"

Shane Robinson lifted his gaze, his eyebrows slightly raised, exuding an aura of authority without even trying. "Hmm?"

Gabriel gritted his teeth. "Fine, for your happiness, I'll swallow my pride."

Shane gave him a glance, his deep, calm, dark eyes unwavering. "Let's go."

Henry started the car and drove off. Gabriel felt he needed to do something for Callie. Just as he turned around to find her, he saw her walking out.

"Callie," Gabriel called out, stepping forward.

"I need to go back," she said with a smile, looking at Gabriel.

Gabriel felt a pang in his heart. "Callie, about finding a matching heart for your mother, I'll do my best to help you find a suitable one as soon as possible."

Thinking about her mother made her heart clench tightly. She tried hard to hide her emotions, but her voice betrayed her, trembling slightly. "Really?"

A heart is not just any organ; it's incredibly difficult to find a match.

Some people wait their entire lives and never find one.

"Thank you, Gabriel," she said, not knowing how to express her gratitude.

Her eyes started to feel a bit warm.

"There's no need for thanks between us," Gabriel said, feeling a bit embarrassed. If it weren't for Shane pulling some strings, she would be one step closer to her dream.

"I'll take you home," Gabriel offered.

Callie quickly declined, "No need."

She wasn't heading back to the Robinson Family estate, so she refused.

Gabriel didn't insist.

...

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