Chapter 7 - THE NEW DAWN OF SANTA LUCÍATwo weeks later, the air at Santa Lucía Hospital was entirely different.
The dark cloud of suspicion, quiet whispers, and executive corruption that had hung over the administrative wing for years was gone. The transition of power was swift and absolute.
With Esteban Mena behind bars awaiting trial and Rebeca Solís stripped of all legal claims to the institution, the hospital board held an emergency unanimous vote. Julián Robles was not only reinstated as the absolute Director of Santa Lucía, but the board also voted to rename the premier surgical wing the Mendoza-Robles Advanced Care Center—though Clara had initially threatened to quit if they put her name on anything without her permission.
In the director's office, the blue folders were gone, replaced by neat stacks of medical journals, blueprints for a new pediatric wing, and a framed photograph of Julián and Clara laughing in the hospital courtyard during a rare afternoon break.
Camilo Duarte walked into the office unannounced, tossing a final settlement document onto the desk.
"It’s official," Camilo announced, leaning against the edge of the desk. "Rebeca’s legal team has officially withdrawn all counter-suits. Facing federal fraud charges alongside Esteban broke her resolve. She’s agreed to an immediate, uncontested divorce with zero financial payout from the hospital trust."
Julián didn't look up from his computer screen, where he was reviewing patient recovery statistics. "And Esteban?"
"Esteban is currently trying to convince his court-appointed defense attorney that his medical brilliance makes him a flight risk of national importance," Camilo laughed. "Translation: He's terrified, he's facing ten to fifteen years, and none of his high-society friends are answering his phone calls anymore."
Julián leaned back in his leather chair, looking out the window at the bright Puebla sunshine reflecting off the glass.
"Good," Julián said quietly. "Let justice take its course."
Camilo watched his old friend for a moment, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You know, Julián... most men would be bitter after going through something like that. Betrayed by a spouse of fifteen years, backstabbed by your closest colleague on the day of major surgery."
Julián turned his chair to face the attorney, his expression calm and serene.
"Bitterness is a poison, Camilo," Julián replied softly. "It eats away at the host while the enemy walks free. I spent my whole life learning how to cut out cancer before it kills the body. Rebeca and Esteban were just malignant growths that needed excision."
May you like
He stood up, buttoning his pristine white lab coat.
"Now," Julián smiled, checking his watch. "If you'll excuse me, I have a dinner reservation with the best nurse in Puebla, and I intend to keep it."
