The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 580

Citrine let out a scornful laugh. “You lot are the kind who’ll bite the hand that feeds you, then smash your plates and curse your mothers. Have you no conscience at all?”

She swept a cold gaze across the crowd. “If you’re so ungrateful, maybe Crestwood Medical should just shut down the flu clinic altogether.”

Her words snapped everyone back to their senses. The few who’d spoken up for Theo only moments ago turned pale, realizing just how out of line their earlier comments had been.

Of course. When the flu outbreak first began, it was the research center that worked around the clock to develop the antiviral treatment. The surgical procedures and therapies they used had all come from Crestwood’s team. Without the center, who knows how many would have died by now?

Crestwood Medical Research Center was never obligated to open a clinic—they were scientists, not family doctors. They launched the flu clinic only to help the sick, a task far beyond their research mandate. And yet, that's exactly what they chose to do.

God, how heartless did they have to be to say what they’d just said?

Crestwood had saved countless lives. The experts there had worked themselves to exhaustion, seeing patients day and night, performing surgeries without rest. And yet, at the first sign of trouble, these people had stabbed the most selfless institution in the back—all for the sake of a stranger.

Nowadays, most research centers think themselves above the public, obsessed only with high-profit projects and prestige. How many would ever stoop to open their doors to regular people, sacrificing lucrative work for the sake of the community? Crestwood was a rare exception—a place that genuinely cared.

One patient broke down, his voice trembling. “We’re so sorry. We never should’ve said those things. Crestwood has always cared for people like us. We were out of line.”

Another patient dropped to his knees before Citrine. “Please, don’t be angry. We just weren’t thinking straight. You can’t close the flu clinic—please.”

Someone else spoke up, voice thick with regret. “I remember when my dad was treated here. The doctor was so exhausted he fainted in the middle of his shift. The staff here truly care. We never should have doubted you.”

“I’m sorry. I apologize to everyone. I spoke without thinking, but I see now how wrong I was.”