When the reporters finally stopped throwing questions, Maya put on an apologetic expression. "I'm really sorry, but Athena's surgery ran into an unexpected issue." The crowd immediately stirred, surprised and eager to dig for details. "What kind of issue, Professor Rice? Can you tell us what happened?" Maya sighed softly, still wearing that look of regret. "Originally, Athena was supposed to perform surgery on one of our hospital's patients. But perhaps the patient didn't feel confident in her skills, so they refused to let her operate at the last minute. The challenge had to be called off." The reporters gasped in surprise. Then, some nodded—understanding. After all, that video showing Athena unable to hold a scalpel properly had already gone viral. If the patient lost confidence after seeing that, it was perfectly reasonable. Seeing their reaction, Maya put on a sympathetic tone. "Please, I hope you won't report this. It wouldn't be good for Athena's reputation." One of the reporters hesitated. "Professor Rice, there are a lot of people following this story. Even if we don't report it, others will. The truth will get out somehow." Maya gave a helpless sigh. "Then, fine. Just please go easy on her when you write it." The reporters could not help but admire her act. "Professor Rice, you're so kind. Even after what happened, you still care about Athena's reputation." "Yeah, really. But honestly, it's Athena's fault. She just isn't good enough." "Don't worry, Professor Rice, we'll report everything as it is." Hearing that, a faint smirk tugged at Maya's lips. Athena had not just lost—her reputation was completely ruined. After this, there would be no place for her in the medical field again.... Preston had also come to the hospital that day, though he stayed out of sight. He was waiting in an empty room for updates about Athena's surgery. When Lucas came in with the news that the patient had backed out, Preston frowned deeply. "What happened? Weren't these things already arranged before the operation?" Lucas looked frustrated. "Mr. Rice, maybe the patient saw those videos of Ms. Hall and lost confidence in her." Preston's brow furrowed even more. He had arranged this to test Athena's actual skills, not to create chaos. This was far from what he wanted. He thought for a moment, then ordered, "I remember Athena got a perfect score on her international surgical simulation exam—no one's achieved that in ten years. Spread that news online." Lucas immediately nodded. "Yes, Mr. Rice." Once Lucas left, Preston walked over to the window. Sunlight spilled across the sill, soft and peaceful—a stark contrast to the storm brewing below. Under Maya's guidance, reporters were already pushing out headlines about Athena's "failure." Maya's supporters celebrated online, flooding Athena's Instagram comments. [Athena, you've failed. How can you still show your face here?] [Agreed! Just resign already. Stop hurting patients.] [She's ruined the Storm Hospital's reputation!]... In her office, Maya and Barbara watched the chaos unfold, both looking smug. Barbara frowned slightly but nodded approvingly. "You did well this time. If you hadn't shown that patient Athena's failed simulation video, she might've finished the surgery successfully." Then, her tone turned sharp. "Kate will definitely try to defend her student. We need to make sure Athena gets forced out." Maya smirked. "Simple, just have people file a joint complaint." Barbara nodded. "Exactly. If enough people complain, Athena will have no choice but to leave." Maya's grin widened. Athena, this time, you're done for. Even if Zaden wants to protect you, there's nothing he can do. But before they could celebrate too long, Maya's phone buzzed with a new notification. The headline caught her eye—"Athena Hall Scores Perfect Marks in International Surgical Simulation Exam."