I had been expecting Mr. Preston to show favoritism, but I hadn't expected it to be so blatant. "So, you already know that people think of her as a joke?"

Brandon couldn't take it anymore. He cut me off before I could continue, "Even though this is Kate's first time trying to reassure the patient, he's been under her care all this time. She was just too nervous and felt sorry for his mother, so she misspoke.

"This was an accident. Dr. Seville used this to target Kate!"

Before I could say anything, Luke added, "Kate was wrong. I can't deny that. As her mentor, I'll make sure to review her knowledge of patient care.

"But Amanda tried to take Kate's patient away from her, making all her efforts for the past two months meaningless. That's just too much!"

Hearing this, Mr. Preston's expression darkened. He turned to glare at me.

He had specially assigned the patient to Kate because of the unique nature of his case. Kate would benefit greatly from it, as he would be an excellent resource for experimental evaluations and a subject for future research papers.

Hastily, I tried to explain myself, "I didn't take her patient. She was only responsible for his medication and routine checkups. I was the one who did the actual treatments…"

"That's enough!" Mr. Preston cut me off sharply. He stepped forward and ripped my ID from my neck. "Both Brandon and Dr. Spencer have made their case clear against you. What else do you have to say for yourself?

"I watched Kate grow up. I know how kind and earnest she is in everything she does! Not only have you stolen her credit, but you even tried to slander and humiliate her!

"Amanda Seville, for abusing your authority, you are henceforth removed from your position as the deputy head of the psychology department and temporarily suspended from duty!"

My vision darkened. A sharp pain twisted in my chest.

The broken strap of my work ID left a burning mark on the back of my neck.

I knew that Mr. Preston would favor his niece and dismiss my punishment for her, but I hadn't expected him to be so unreasonable. I had always respected and trusted him, but now, he refused to even hear my side of the story.

Not only did he label me as someone who would steal someone else's credit, but he also stripped me of the position I had worked so hard to earn!

"Mr. Preston, how could you—" I wanted to stop him from leaving, but Brandon grabbed my wrist suddenly.

I glared after Mr. Preston with red eyes.

No, it shouldn't end like this. I hadn't done anything wrong!

Brandon tightened his grip on my wrist, his searing touch burning through me like flames. "Mr. Preston was right, Amanda. He was the one who promoted you to deputy head, and you repay him by targeting Kate? Isn't that directly opposing him?"

I didn't care what Brandon thought. After my last life, I had already given up on him.

But Mr. Preston was different.

Since the day I joined the hospital after earning my doctorate, he had personally guided me through every case I handled. He understood every patient. I considered him my role model.

But now, he was willing to compromise the lives of his patients to protect a relative.

Right in front of me, he handed the suicidal patient's file back to Kate. "He's your patient again now. Treat him with care. Don't let anyone take credit for your hard work."

I forcefully yanked my wrist out of Brandon's grip and tried to snatch the file out of Mr. Preston's hands. "I don't agree with this! Kate doesn't know the patient at all. I was the one treating him for the past two months!

"Besides, she just triggered the patient so much that he tried to kill himself. Letting her handle this case would only worsen his condition!

"I saved this patient from the brink of death. I did nothing wrong!"

Mr. Preston looked at me thunderously. "So what if you saved him? Is that your excuse for stealing Kate's hard work? You're jealous that Kate is outshining you, aren't you? If you refuse to accept your suspension, then just resign! We don't need a doctor with such a twisted personality!"

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth.

Just as I was about to argue further, footsteps sounded at the door.

A man in a white doctor's coat walked in. "Why are you in such a hurry to drive her away, Mr. Preston? Are you feeling guilty?"