He agreed.

They headed to a fancy French joint later. But as they arrived, Axell spotted the hospital director Joshua Barnes and his wife, along with a bunch of folks who seemed to be the his family and friends.

Debra looped her arm through Axell's, charmingly saying, "Dad, look who's here! Axell, your favorite disciple! He's gracing us with his presence tonight, so be nice!"

Joshua shot them a knowing glance at her words.

His wife Alissa stood up with a grin. “You're the talk of the town, Axell. Today's all about Debra's birthday bash. Grab a seat and dig in!"

Axell caught on to the situation.

But he played dumb. "Seriously? I had no clue. My bad for showing up empty-handed."

Alissa reassured him with a smile, "No worries. Your presence alone is a gift for Debra!"

For the sake of his career, Axell took a seat. The Barnes family banter revolved around Debra's future hubby. Meanwhile, Debra didn't object and even help serve food for Axell.

Axell felt flattered.

After dinner, he offered Debra a ride home. In the car, he reiterated, “Debra, I've got a girlfriend. I'm sorry."

He stole a glance at her, and then added after a pause, “I'm really sorry about this."

Sitting beside him, Debra put on her lipstick and checked herself in the mirror with a faint smile.

"My folks were just teasing. No biggie, Axell! I know you're taken.

T won't meddle."

After a beat, she grew serious. “Too bad, though. Dad's been mulling a promotion for you, but worries about your personal life getting in the way. Don't fret, I'll talk to him."

Axell was taken aback.

He wasn't naive, and he grasped Debra's insinuation instantly. If he ditched Jessie, he could land the head surgeon gig and maybe even become the hospital director someday.

It was a tempting offer.

He hesitated for a moment, torn between options.