Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"That was excellent, Dr. Dawson! You did that surgery in record time." Melanie says toas | pull off my mask.

| stare at her like I've seen a ghost.

"Am | hearing a compliment from you?" | ask. Genuinely shocked.

This is someone who has made it her mission to belittle all my efforts. While others praised me, she and her

minions would mockand calla charity

case.

"Is it shocking?"

"Extremely and | bet it has to do with my husband's reputation?" | flash her a sweet smile that has mockery

written all over it.

| can see her eye twitch and that she's suppressing her anger.

She forces a tight smile. "Well, | give credit where it's due. Even charity cases get lucky sometimes."

There it is.

The venom wrapped in silk. Typical Melanie.

I tilt my head, still smiling. “Luck had nothing to do with it. But | guess that's what people say when they can't

match the talent."

Melanie's jaw tightens, her hands clenched around the clipboard like she wants to throw it.

Before she can fire back, Dr. Patel walks by and clapson the shoulder.

"Impressive as always, Dr. Dawson. That patient's vitals stabilized faster than we expected."

"Thank you, sir." | respond, keeping my eyes on Melanie.

Her forced smile drops the second he walks away.

"You think you're untouchable now because you married into money and power?"

| step closer, dropping my voice low so only she can hear.

"No. | think I've always been a threat. You just didn't notice until my last nchanged."

"Will see about that. It's just a -"

"Careful before you finnish that sentence. I've had enemies try to catand my oh my, what has become

of them is a shock till this day." | eye her up and down, "Unless you want to make the list. That is."

Her mouth clamps shut as she walks away.

Her minions step forward, hands in their scrubs as they look atwith pitiful eyes.

"We really hope we don't make your enemy list, Athena. Melanie made us do those shady things, and we are

sorry."

| narrow my eyes at the two of them, taking in their apologetic expressions. Regret sits heavy on their faces, but

I've seen enough fake tears to last a lifetime.

"Apology accepted," | say, my voice calm but firm. "But if | ever hear that you're bullying another intern,

mocking another woman for where she comes from, or tearing down someone who's worked their ass off to get

here... your careers will end before they begin."

They nod so fast it's a wonder their necks don't snap. "We understand," one of them mumbles.

"Good," | say simply, then turn away.

The moment | step into the hallway, my phone buzzes.

IAN: [Meeting in ten. Need you sharp. It's time.]

ME: [I'll be there]

| close my eyes for a second and inhale deeply.

It is tto launch the drug program.

I've had to think this through. But | decided to continue their legacy. | want others

to get a second chance to live like | did with Alex.

Minutes later, I'm standing in the hospital's main conference room, with lights dimmed, a small but elite group

gathered. Board members. Doctors and Influential donors.

lan stands to the side with his arms crossed, watchingwith that unreadable expression he always wears

when he's evaluating something.

| take the podium, my hands surprisingly steady, and my chin held high.

"Good afternoon," | begin, my voice clear and confident. "Today, we're not just launching a new program. We're

changing the future of recovery care."

| speak from the heart. About equity. About science. About compassion and survival. Every eye in the room is on

me, and for once, | don't feel like I'm performing. | feel like I'm owning something my parents built with sweat,

sacrifice, and love.

"What will be the target market? Surely the production cost is extremely high." That's the thing about

businessmen getting involved in medical boards. It's all about profit and its disgusting.

"It's a drug meant for the heart. So the target market is very obvious. People with heart failure." | answer him

with as much sarcasm as my sweet tone can muster.

These men have millions that can last them ten generations, yet all they think about is more and more money.

"Dr. Dawson, | appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to launch this. Can you tell us what the price will be for the

drug?"

"It will be free."

The man's mouth hangs open as the rest gasp and exchange odd looks.

"You do realize that this research center is being funded by our money?" "Not exactly. "A female voice steps in,

and everyone gasps..

The woman steps forward, poised like royalty. Her skin is smooth and luminous, and her hair twisted into an

elegant bun. She wears a long ivory coat over a fitted dress, and the moment she lifts her chin, it's graceful yet

commanding.

I know I've seen that face before.

It looks familiar.

lan shifts beside the wall like he's been jolted from a trance, his arms falling away from his chest.

His eyes go wide for a fraction of a second, which is odd because it takes a lot to surprise him.

The woman meets his gaze and winks, and then he smiles and shakes his head. Then she glides to my side like

she owns the place.

She probably does.

"Dr. Dawson won't need to concern herself with your wallets anymore," she says with a smooth, confident tone

that quiets every whisper. "The research center has received new funding. Effective immediately, it will

operate under her vision. Named

whatever she pleases. Managed

however she pleases." s

She pauses, her gaze sweeping the

tis

room like a queen surveying her court. "It is no longer a profit-making ship, as you so distastefully put it. This ea

vessel for healing, progress, and helping. Something you know nothing about. Which is why, gentlemen, a lot of

things are about to change." s

Murmurs ripple across the room.

"And who will fund her?" a sneering voice rises from the back. "Her husband?"

A low chuckle escapes the woman's lips. It's the kind of laugh that makes men uneasy, the kind that doesn't

need to shout to feel threatening.

"He could," she says casually. “But | think Quins Foundation will handle this one." Gasps erupt. Chairs shift. One

of the board members nearly falls off his chair.

Even | am shocked.

Elias Quinn is pretty strict and clearly toldthat if | didn't play by his rules, then

| was on my own.

"The Quinn Foundation?" Someone breathes, half in awe, half in dread.

"Yes," she smiles, brushing invisible lint from her coat sleeve. “And just so you're all aware, the board has already

been adjusted. All further decision-making rests with Dr, Dawson, myself, Dr Elias, Quinn, and

Di lan Quinn She looks in his

direction with a soft gaze "Should you need a signature." s

Elias agreed to this?

I blink. "You're... the..?"

od

She turns towith a soft smile, soft wrinkles on her perfect skin tellingshe's

older, not that it affects her beauty. She gently adjusts a stray strand of my hair behind my ear.

"My nis Katelyn Quinn, sweetie. Your shield in human form."

"I don't think you have enough authority to make such decisions!" Another angry

voice speaks from behind me.

"Oh but I do, actually. | have enough authority to have you out of the board before your coffee tomorrow

morning. Do you want to test the theory?"

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