Chapter 7 Team Meeting and Unexpected Discovery

*Theo's POV*

The conference room was packed with cardiac staff—nurses, techs, researchers, other doctors. Conversations gradually died down as Olivia walked in.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce our new Director of Cardiovascular Research, Dr. Olivia Peterson," I announced.

Applause filled the room as Olivia smiled gracefully. Even under the stress from yesterday's phone call, she still looked professional and composed.

"Thank you all. I'm excited to be joining this team," her voice was clear and confident. "I've reviewed our current research projects, and I'm particularly interested in the minimally invasive cardiac valve repair procedures."

Marian, our senior nurse, raised her hand. "Doctor, your success rate data from Boston is impressive. Do you think we can replicate those results here?"

"I believe we can do even better," Olivia replied, her eyes sparkling with a light I hadn't seen before. "Especially working with a surgeon like Dr. Martinez."

I felt heat rise to my face. The meeting continued, but I found myself watching Olivia more than listening to the content. The way she handled questions, her intelligence, the professionalism she maintained after everything she'd been through.

After the meeting ended, we walked together toward her new office.

"Are you hungry?" I asked. "The hospital cafeteria has decent salads."

"Sounds good. But first I want to check—" Her words were cut off by her phone ringing. This time it was a number she recognized.

"Dad?" she answered.

"Olivia, sweetheart, I need to tell you something." Her father's tired voice came through the phone.

I saw her expression change and gestured for her to sit in the office chair.

"What is it, Dad?"

"Your mother and I... we're separating."

Olivia's face went pale. "What? Why?"

"Last night Charlotte and William came to the house making a huge scene, accusing you of 'ruining their lives.' Your mother took their side, said you've always been too 'controlling' and 'selfish.'"

"Dad..."

"I can't do this anymore, Olivia. For thirty-five years I've watched her favor Charlotte and put you down. Last night was the final straw."

I saw tears beginning to gather in Olivia's eyes. I wanted to comfort her but wasn't sure if it was appropriate.

"Where are you now?" she asked.

"I'm at my brother's place in Milwaukee. I grabbed some clothes and left. I'll contact a lawyer about a formal separation."

After hanging up, Olivia just sat there, phone in her hand, staring into space.

"Olivia?" I said softly.

"My whole family is falling apart," she whispered. "Because of me."

"No," I said firmly, taking the chair across from her. "Because of the truth. Truth is often painful, but it's not your fault."

She looked up at me, eyes brimming with tears.

"I feel like I've ruined everyone's lives."

"You didn't ruin anything. You exposed what was already broken."

Just then, someone knocked on the door. We both turned to see Andrew standing in the doorway, looking serious.

"Dr. Peterson, Dr. Martinez, sorry to interrupt, but we have a situation."

"What kind of situation?" I asked.

"There are two people at the front desk demanding to see Dr. Peterson. They claim to be her family, but security says they're acting aggressive."

Olivia and I exchanged a look. We both knew who it was.

"William and Charlotte," she sighed.

"Do you want to see them?" Andrew asked.

Olivia stood up, and I saw that determined expression return to her face.

"Yes. But not alone. And with security present."

"I'm coming with you," I said immediately.

She turned to me, looking somewhat surprised. "Theo, you don't need to—"

"Yes, I do." My tone was firmer than I'd intended. "We're partners, remember?"

Watching the smile slowly spread across her face, I realized our relationship had already moved beyond simple professional collaboration.

But first, we had to face her past.