Chapter 1

My girlfriend stole my recommendation letter just so her first love could study under a world-renowned mentor.

When I confronted her, she acted like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"You're so talented, Silas. You can succeed on your own, but Xander can't," she said.

Right then and there, I announced I was quitting the research project and moving abroad.

Gemma, who had been lecturing me for being immature, froze.

"Your family is broke. How could you afford to study abroad? Stop being so impulsive!"

Even Xander, her useless darling who had been riding my coattails, was stunned.

"You've been researching the AS Spinal Rejuvenation Project for so long. How can you just give up? That's so irresponsible!"

I watched them put on their little show, feeling nothing but cold clarity.

They had no idea that I was the only person in the country capable of performing the AS spinal repair surgery.

But this time, I was done.

I wanted to see just how far a talentless fraud like him could get with nothing but stolen theories.

1、

"Silas Thorne, what right do you have to claim this recommendation letter is yours? Do you have any proof?"

I ignored the suspicious glares from the colleagues surrounding me.

My eyes were locked onto my girlfriend, Gemma Quinn.

I never imagined she would steal my hard-earned recommendation letter and give it to Xander Sterling.

She knew exactly how much blood, sweat, and tears I had poured into getting this opportunity.

Was his future the only one that mattered?

Was I just a stepping stone for someone else's career?

Gemma glared back at me, her voice full of righteous indignation.

"Silas, you've really lost it. Now you're trying to claim things that don't even belong to you?"

Watching her protect Xander made my heart turn to ice.

In everyone's eyes, we had been the perfect couple for three years.

No one would ever suspect Gemma of doing something so low behind my back.

Sensing the crowd's disapproval of me, she spoke again.

"Since you can't produce any evidence, you must apologize to Xander in front of everyone."

"And you need to call Dr. Langdon to confirm that Xander is the rightful recipient of the letter."

The other doctors in the room nodded in agreement with her suggestion.

I clenched my fists, a cold bitterness spreading through my chest.

She had staged this entire scene just to make sure Xander could become Dr. Langdon's protege.

She wanted to ruin my reputation so I would never have a chance to rise in this hospital again.

"Gemma, we've been together for three years. Are you sure you want to do this to me?"

She stepped forward and gave me a brief, tight hug.

She whispered into my ear, so low that only I could hear: "You're so talented, Silas. You can succeed on your own, but Xander can't."

She pulled away immediately, her expression turning into one of fake pity.

"Silas, don't blame me. I just don't want to see you keep making mistakes."

Seeing my dark expression, Xander stepped in front of Gemma to shield her.

"Dr. Thorne, what are you trying to do to Gemma?"

"If you're angry, take it out on me. Don't harass her."

The colleagues who were just watching suddenly rushed forward, forming a wall between me and the two of them.

"Silas Thorne, this is a hospital. What do you think you're doing?"

"It's pathetic how people who do wrong act so entitled these days. You don't deserve to be a doctor, let alone stay on the research team!"

"We're reporting this to the board. You should be fired."

Facing their accusations, Gemma bowed deeply to the group.

"I'm sure Silas just had a momentary lapse in judgment. I hope you can give him a second chance."

I looked at her hypocritical performance and suddenly burst out laughing.

"I really don't have proof that the letter in Xander's hand was originally mine."

"But I, Silas Thorne, have never lied, and I'm not about to start now."

"Since none of you want me on the research team, fine. I'm out."

Gemma and Xander both looked delighted for a split second.

But my next sentence made their faces pale instantly.

"I'm resigning immediately. I'll be accepting the invitation to study at Harvard Medical School instead."