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Chapter 5 Looking Forward to a New Life

Sarah's POV

I rocked up to the outpatient lobby at LA Premier Cardiac Care Hospital in a plain white shirt and black pants.

George popped out real quick after getting my message.

I gave him a big ol' hug. His chubby chest gave me this warm, safe feeling.

"Something go down at NYCHHC?" he asked, holding my shoulders with concern. "After I put in a good word for you with the head of surgery, HR did their usual background check. They said you didn't pass the review by the department head there? I was like, what? But then, that head got suspended yesterday and is under investigation by the ethics committee."

I nodded. "Yeah, David Miller. Total creep. I reported him to the ethics committee."

George's face lit up with an "ah, got it" look and he gave my shoulder a sympathetic pat.

"Guys like that are headed straight to hell. HR didn't have any good news for you, but I already recommended you to Hank Brandt—the head of surgery. Sarah, I know you'll blow him away."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Thanks, George."

The interview with George and Hank Brandt in the conference room went super smooth.

Hank Brandt, a guy in his forties with black curly hair, a high hairline, and black-framed glasses, didn't say much and had a serious look on his face.

But he nodded here and there, and George kept giving me these encouraging looks. I figured it was going well.

Just as we were wrapping up, my phone started buzzing like crazy, making a racket in the quiet room. I quickly hung up and gave an apologetic smile, but it buzzed again.

Hank, still expressionless, said, "Seems urgent, go ahead."

I turned off the phone completely and awkwardly said to George, "It's my foster mom, you know."

George nodded and turned to Hank. "She comes from a unique family situation."

The interview ended soon, and they walked me to the stairway.

Hank shook my hand. I swear I saw some appreciation in his eyes.

"Miss Davis, your background is top-notch. As an intern, you're overqualified. But becoming a real surgeon here depends on your skills. We're a high-end private hospital, different from NYCHHC. We focus on comprehensive service and the most effective treatment plans. Hope you can adapt quickly," Hank stated firmly.

He patted George's shoulder. "This old professor is about to retire. He'll help you become a real surgeon."

I nodded eagerly. "I'll do my best! Thanks."

I did it!

Walking out of the hospital, I quickly turned on my phone and called back.

Before I could say anything, I heard a roar. "You hung up on me and then turned off your phone! How dare you?!"

I rolled my eyes. I wasn't the scared kid from ten years ago. Back then, I lived in fear and never disobeyed my mom.

But for now, I still had to play nice since I needed a place to crash.

So, I humbly said, "Mom, I'm really sorry. I was in an interview just now. I know you must have something super important to tell me, but the situation was really crucial for me. You also hope I can find a job soon so I won't bother you at home, right? I'm sorry again."

This didn't sound like a daughter talking to her mom; it was more like an outsourced customer service staff talking to an irate customer.

Julia's angry complaints came through the phone, and then she ordered, "My wedding is in three days at the Caposta Manor! Your new father, Mr. Caposta, wants both families to gather together, so you are also honored to be invited. Otherwise, you would never have the chance to step into this palace-like estate."

I made a face at the phone. After all, I had been to Disneyland!

"Congratulations, Mom! You're getting richer and richer. Actually, I don't have to go. I don't have the right clothes."

I could already imagine the scene that Julia and Emily look down on me in their expensive clothes.

Attending her wedding? That's not a good thing.

Honestly, I would rather believe she called me because they were short of maidservants for the wedding.

"The clothes and jewelry have already been sent over! You are my daughter. Don't embarrass me!" She roared.

Then the call ended.

A palace? It seemed Julia's new husband was much richer than her deceased lawyer ex-husband.

Caposta Manor? I've never heard of it. After all, I've been away from Los Angeles for so many years.

And I've never known any real rich people. I was not interested in their boring lives at all.

Not long after I got home, different cars delivered packages to my home.

Inside a huge box was a light pink dress.

Oh my god!

Although I didn't care about the lives of the rich, this dress was so damned beautiful! I couldn't take my eyes off it.

I jumped up on the couch in surprise, quickly took off my clothes, and eagerly put it on.

Standing in front of the mirror, I saw myself in a floor-length gown, with a slim waist and a curvy butt. I put my hair up, revealing a large portion of my back. Oh, I was about to fall in love with myself!

I twirled around in the living room, admiring the feather-light, floating hem. Today, I was a Hollywood star!

Oh, and the jewelry! I quickly opened the box.

Inside were neatly arranged sapphire-centered necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. This set of jewelry had at least ten sapphires of various sizes. The largest one, the pendant at the center of the necklace, was as big as a pigeon egg.

Although I knew she couldn't possibly give me all these things—most likely rented, and I needed to wear them carefully—it was the first time she had spent so much money on me.

It seemed she really valued this wedding, and I must appear dignified as Julia's foster daughter.

Although she had always cared about faces, would she really spend so much money? On me?

This successfully aroused my curiosity. What kind of place was the Caposta Manor? What kind of person was my nominal new father?

On the morning of the third day, I spent two hours carefully braiding my hair, putting on makeup, and changing clothes. Finally, I was ready, carefully holding my dress as I walked out the door and got into the stretch Cadillac—obviously arranged by my mother!

When I stepped into the Caposta Manor, I admitted that my previous imagination was too limited. Although I had been to several Disneylands, at this moment, I still felt like I was a country bumpkin for the first time!

The Caposta Manor was so huge and luxurious!

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