expressly or implicitly stated that he would not be fired without cause or that the employer fired him for a reason that violates a fundamental policy expressed in Virginia’s statutes. He could also sue if the employer committed some type of tort, like defamation, invasion of privacy or intentional infliction of emotional distress. But Dr. Matthews can’t prove any of these things.”
“Yet he’s filed anyway,” Camille commented.
Maxwell smiled. “Well, this is where I come in. From this point forward, all queries will be directed to me. No one here at the hospital is to talk to the media or anybody else.”
“I’ll forward a couple emails from reporters to you,” Camille said.
“Great. I want you to know that I really appreciate your assistance, Camille.”
His words warmed her. “Thank you.”
“I will let you get back to work.” Maxwell rose to his feet and headed to the door.
Up until recently, he and Camille had only exchanged a couple of pointed emails. He never expected to meet such a beautiful woman with a sinful voice and cute laugh. In her office, Maxwell had to concentrate hard just to keep his mind on business. Camille had made his temperature rise more than a little.
When Maxwell left her office, Camille leaned back in her chair and released a short sigh.
Maxwell Wade was gorgeous up close. She had to agree with Isabelle and the others. He did look even better in person. When he was in her office, Camille could barely concentrate and struggled to keep from staring at him.
There was a soft knock on her door, taking her attention off her thoughts of Maxwell Wade.
It was Jaclyn Campbell, the intern who had blown the whistle on Dr. Terrence Matthews.
“I just saw Maxwell Wade leaving your office,” she said.
“Are you okay?” Camille inquired, noting that her friend looked upset about something.
“I still can’t believe that Terrence and his family are suing the hospital,” Jaclyn said as she sat down in one of the visitor chairs. “How can he claim he was wrongfully terminated?”
“I know how you feel,” Camille responded. “I can’t believe it either, Jaclyn.”
“I just wish we could find a way to lay this lawsuit to rest. I overheard a couple of patients discussing it.”
Camille shook her head. “I’ve been doing everything I can to keep the hospital out of the news, but Terrence and his parents calling that press conference didn’t help matters at all.”
“I feel terrible that it’s come to this,” Jaclyn murmured.
“It’s not your fault,” Camille stated. “Terrence did this. And his claim that his termination was extreme is certainly not true.”
“His family is one of the richest families in all of Virginia.”
“And the hospital’s most generous benefactor,” Camille interjected. “The fact remains that there was sufficient grounds to terminate Terrence, and with Maxwell Wade representing the hospital, I’m sure he’ll sort out the whole mess.”
Camille got up to walk Jaclyn out of her office.
“So what do you think of Maxwell Wade?” Jaclyn inquired.
Camille met her friend’s gaze. “I think he’s arrogant, but maybe this is why he’s so good at his job.”
“He’s nice-looking, don’t you think?”
“Jaclyn, why are you asking me about him? The one you should be talking to is your former roommate. She’s already put her claim on him.”
“He’s not Isabelle’s type,” Jaclyn responded.
“I’m pretty sure she’d disagree with you,” Camille stated. “Anyway, your focus should be on Dr. Lucien De Winter.”
Jaclyn smiled. “He has all of my attention, I assure you.”
Camille was happy that her friend had found a wonderful man who loved her as much as she loved him. As for herself, she enjoyed her life as a single woman, but she was willing to settle down if and when the right man came along.
Chapter 2
Dr. Thomas Bradshaw and his new wife, Lia, mingled with their guests during the reception held in their honor. The couple had eloped, surprising everyone, including Camille. Lia radiated happiness as her husband embraced her lovingly.
Camille moved around the room, pausing to chat with friends and coworkers.
She walked over to where Lucien and his fiancée Jaclyn stood. “How come you two aren’t out there dancing?”
“Every time we head out there, Lucien gets sidetracked by one of the board members,” Jaclyn stated.
Lucien embraced her. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. When the next song plays, I’m all yours.”
“What about you, Camille?” Jaclyn asked. “Why aren’t you out there dancing?”
“My imaginary date is shy,” she responded with a laugh.
They were soon joined by Tamara St. John and her fiancé, Victor Aguilar; both were interns at Hopewell General. Camille talked with them for a moment before moving on.
She caught sight of Maxwell standing with Ray a few feet away. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him in the black suit that looked as if it had been designed just for him. It was obvious why he had so many women fawning over him. Camille couldn’t deny that Maxwell was a very handsome man.
Her eyes traveled across the room to where Isabelle stood with a couple of her friends. Camille noted that she had been watching Maxwell along with half of the other women at the reception.
“Camille, why are you over here in this corner?” Jerome asked, approaching her. “Wallflower definitely does not look good on you.”
His words cut into her thoughts of Maxwell.
She laughed. “Jerome, I’m not trying to be a wallflower.”
He set his drink on a nearby table and grabbed her by the hand. “C’mon, let’s dance then.”
“What about your date?” Camille inquired. “You know that I don’t do drama.”
“She’ll be all right. I told Julie that you were like a little sister to me. Besides, she’s not the jealous type.”
Camille loved to dance, so as soon as she heard the music, her body began to sway.
She and Jerome danced to two songs before his date joined them. Camille stayed on the floor for one more song, and then said, “Okay, I need to get something to drink.”
“You’re leaving?”
