Is this destiny?

Chapter 277 - Gregory Light (1)

JoAnna was calling her University colleagues who did their practical training and asked them about conditions they work in. They were all curious why she is interested about that, and when JoAnna told them that she plans to move to LA, she met with a shower of questions: 'Why would you leave FMC? What about Dr. Light? … How come he is not your mentor anymore?'

JoAnna felt that she is getting a headache, she could not tell them the truth. Since Greg is so much above her, he could always twist the story and make himself a victim, so JoAnna should not talk about what happened until the trial exposes the truth. That is why JoAnna was making up a story how she is trying to expand her horizons and see how much she can do without Dr. Light's guidance. Many still didn't know that he got fired from FMC, and JoAnna did her best to avoid that topic so that she does not need to explain even more things. Her story was full of holes, but it was the only thing she could think of at first... and then she just repeated it to everyone else who asked. And every person she called asked.

On the bright side, once interrogation was done, she got a chance to ask questions and find out information she needed. JoAnna was happy with the overall results of her morning.

By lunch time she narrowed her choices for residency to two medical facilities and picked three places where she will get ingredients for making anesthetic that Sarah requested.

JoAnna wondered if she can make this trip without bodyguards following her. She knows that bodyguards are there to ensure her safety, but if she goes around trying to buy medications followed by four bodyguards, she will attract attention… And she wants to be inconspicuous. 'Maybe Sarah can help with this.'

~ Seattle ~

Gregory Light is sitting in his gray Audi, one of many luxury cars he owns, parked on the street. He is in front of JoAnna's apartment building, and browsing on his phone, checking news and social media for 'JoAnna Hill'.

"No results... where are you, JoAnna? Where did you go?" He mumbled. For days he didn't see her come in or out of her apartment. Her car is still at Franciscan Medical Center, so he knows that she will need to walk out of the building if she goes anywhere.

Greg was remembering JoAnna and his interactions with her.

First time they met she was so young, fresh, her eyes full of curiosity. It made him want to touch her and make her his. He decided to make her stay close to him, and solution to that was to become her mentor. In that way, she will reach out to him for guidance, and they will grow closer to each other.

He was frustrated that she didn't reach out to him. He ended up calling her and telling her that there are different seminars and opportunities available. JoAnna would always gladly accept whatever he offered, but she never initiated contact, she never asked for anything.

Then he decided to take it further and make her do residency in his hospital. In that way, for sure, she will ask him for some favor... and the moment she makes a request, he will state his conditions: he will fulfill her request, and more... as long as she becomes his.

But then, again... two years passed, and she still didn't ask anything from him. Not even a shift switch. JoAnna was always dedicated to work, projects, surgeries, seminars... never coming to ask for anything from him. So many women would throw themselves at him, what was wrong with JoAnna? How come she didn't find him desirable? He is handsome, good looking, body in great shape, charming, well mannered, successful, rich. What is there not to like?

Greg watched JoAnna grow into a fine young woman. He got her followed outside work as well, so knows that she didn't have men in her life, she was fresh... untouched... ready for him. Was she saving herself for him? That's what he thought. That's what he was convinced in.

He remembered Valentine's and how JoAnna rejected him. What was wrong with her? How come she didn't see his appeal?

And then JoAnna's sister, Sarah, needed a surgery. That was the first time JoAnna came to him, asking for a favor! He could not let this chance slip. He did his best work, focusing on every detail during Sarah's surgery, but he got distracted few times by JoAnna's proximity, and he made mistakes... that is why Sarah needed a second surgery. Greg will never admit this to JoAnna. She admired him as a perfect surgeon, how can he admit a mistake?

His mind wondered to the last time he saw JoAnna. 'She was this close... Almost mine. So much time, so much planning... and it all got wasted. Even my career is ruined... my whole life is ruined because of her! If she didn't resist and accepted to be mine, everything would be fine... I will make her pay for this...'

Greg remembered... 'That time Jeffrey White, CEO of White Corp. meddled and spoiled my plan... JoAnna left with him. What if she is still with him?' He did a search for 'Jeffrey White', and saw that he is in the tabloids, and social media is discussing a mystery woman who was photographed with him. "Hahaha! JoAnna, JoAnna... Did you think that he will take care of you? Look! He has another woman already! Serves you right! I lost everything because of you... You chose him over me! And now he dumped you!" Greg exclaimed with glee, talking to himself in the car.

He navigated to the online version of the tabloid, and carefully observed the photos... "I found you..." Caption below one picture in the article stated that Jeffrey White and mystery woman are taking a romantic stroll on a beach in Malibu. Sinister smile showed on his face. "You will pay for rejecting me, for my career, for my life..."

Greg closed the browser and booked a plane ticket on the next flight to Los Angeles.