"He's conversing with our colleagues. Allow me to lead you there,"

Hyman suggested.

Camila trailed behind him, following his lead.

A warm, booming laughter echoed through the hallway. Camila recognized it instantly - the director's signature amusement.

Though Camila had assumed the role of director, the incumbent had yet to step down officially.

They were still in the midst of transitioning power.

Upon spotting Camila, the director grinned, “We had agreed upon a challenge. Shall we proceed?"

A hushed silence fell over the room.

"Is it truly necessary? We all hold the new director in high regard,"

Hilaria chimed in.

The director waved his hand dismissively, remarking, “Consider it a done deal. And while I still have a say, let's spice things up with a little competition."

Handpicking two individuals, he singled out Avianna_ first, highlighting her past as a cardiothoracic surgeon renowned for her deft suturing skills. "How about a stitching showdown between you and Ms. Haynes?" he proposed.

Then, turning his attention to Hilaria, he acknowledged her prowess in heart transplant surgery. "You're the ace in heart transplants. How about a speed and precision duel with Ms. Haynes? Fast and flawless takes the cake."

These two women were known skeptics, deliberately chosen by the director to test Camila's mettle.

If they could be won over, it would smooth Camila's path.

Hilaria demurred, "I doubt my skills hold a candle to hers..."

"Don't sell yourself short," the director encouraged.

With the director's lead, the competition commenced.

The director's presence seemed tailored to this event, having prepared pig hearts in advance.

The first round pitted Avianna and Camila against each other in a suturing showcase.