Oops! My Secret Baby Is Caught By His Top-Lawyer Daddy! Novel

---- Chapter 126: A New Colleague The holiday was over, and Clara had to return to work that day. The temperature had dropped overnight, and the warmth of her bed almost convinced her to stay in. Aaron's teasing voice came from beside her. "How about taking another two days off?" "No way," Clara said firmly. "The schedule's already set. I don't take leave unless it's an emergency." Aaron sighed and sat up as well. "Fine, I'll drive you." "No need, Alvin can take me." "Seriously? A husband can't even give his wife a ride?" Clara couldn't help laughing and kissed him.

After all, he usually had Matt driving him everywhere, and now he wanted to play chauffeur for her. By the time she made it downstairs, Ronni already had breakfast ready. Clara ate quickly and rushed to the hospital, nearly running late. Living at Riverbend Villas would have been more convenient, but Aunt Paige, the nanny, hadn't returned yet. So Clara decided to stay at Eclipse Bay until Leo's ---- school started. Before she even reached the pediatric department, she could already hear the commotion inside.

Nurse Mia spotted her immediately and rushed over, practically dragging her into the room, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Clara looked puzzled. "What's going on?" "Where have you been?" Mia asked breathlessly. "The associate director just introduced our new department head. He's super cute!" Right - at the end of last year, Steven had resigned to study abroad. Clara had assumed the new director would be promoted from within, but apparently, they'd brought in someone from outside. Mia continued, practically bouncing on her toes. "He's twenty-eight, has a PhD, and looks like a movie star!

My heart's racing just looking at him!" Clara smiled. "So you've already switched crushes?" Not long ago, Mia had been determined to win Steven's attention. Mia just shrugged, unabashed. "What can I do? There are too many handsome men in this world. It's natural ---- to move on." Clara laughed and weaved her way through the noisy crowd to her desk. From the middle of the group, a male voice spoke up. "Alright, everyone! Thanks for the warm welcome. Clinic hours are about to start, so let's get to work. We'll have dinner together after, and it's on me!" "Wow, Mr.

Lewis is so generous!" someone called out, and the group erupted in cheers. Clara found it impressive. There were more than twenty people in the department, and a dinner for that many would cost a fortune. Usually, department gatherings were covered by the hospital - no leader had ever offered to pay personally. And that voice... sounded strangely familiar. She looked up through the crowd and caught sight of a tall man in a white coat. It was the man who had helped her at the racetrack - Xander. Their eyes met. He looked surprised at first, then his expression brightened with recognition.

He walked over to her desk with an easy smile. "What a coincidence," he said, glancing at her name badge. ---- "Clara? Nice name." Clara shook his hand politely and noticed his badge: Xander Lewis. "Hello, Mr. Lewis. I look forward to working with you." Xander's grin widened. "Looks like fate gave you a chance to repay me." Clara gave a wry smile. "It was just a small favor. You don't expect me to repay you with my heart, do you?" Xander laughed, clearly entertained. "If you're offering, I won't say no!" Clara rolled her eyes. "Dream on." "At least exchange contact info?" he asked hopefully.

Clara nodded. "We have a work group chat. I'll add you later." Since he was the new director, she'd have to coordinate with him anyway. She finished organizing her things and headed to the clinic. Xander watched her walk away, his gaze lingering on her graceful figure and the way her long black hair swayed down her back. He couldn't stop smiling. This new job was already looking promising. At lunch, Clara finally checked her phone. The work group chat was already buzzing about that night's ---- dinner - apparently attendance was mandatory. There was also a friend request from Xander.

Clara accepted it. She then texted Aaron: "Department dinner tonight. Don't bother picking me up - I'll grab a ride home after." Aaron replied almost immediately. "When does it end? I can come get you." Clara texted back, "It's fine. We'll talk later." Aaron set his phone down with a helpless sigh. Part of him wished he could just keep his wife at home. Work ended at 5:30, and the group headed to a nearby seafood restaurant called Northern Bay Seafood House. Xander had booked the largest private room, big enough to fit all twenty people comfortably.

Once the white coats were off, everyone loosened up and grew chattier than usual. Xander naturally drew attention. The first question that flew out was, "Mr. Lewis, do you have a girlfriend?" The single women in the room immediately perked up. ---- Xander smiled warmly. "Nope. You guys can help me with introductions if you want." The room buzzed with laughter. "No problem! There are plenty of beauties around. Even Dr. Hayes from cardiology asked me to help her find a boyfriend." Another woman protested playfully, "Hey, that's not fair!

We've got plenty of gorgeous women in our department too!" "Then let the beauties handle it themselves. Fair competition!" someone joked. Meanwhile, Mia clutched Clara's arm so tightly it hurt. Clara tried to calm her down. "Relax. I heard him. He said he doesn't have a girlfriend." Mia gawked. "Did you see that? He just looked this way!" Clara glanced around. There were four or five female colleagues sitting near them. "Why don't you just ask for his number first?

And maybe try breathing while you're at it?" The hospital's gender ratio had always been off - way too many single women, and now a handsome new male colleague had appeared. It was like tossing a lamb into a pack of wolves. ---- Clara ignored the excitement around her and focused on her food, occasionally chatting with nearby colleagues. The dinner was actually turning out to be fun. "Ladies, a toast?" Xander came over with a glass in hand. Clara and the others lifted their drinks. "Mr. Lewis, looking forward to working with you." Xander clinked glasses all around.

"To great teamwork." He glanced at Clara's glass. "Not drinking alcohol?" Clara smiled. "I'm a lightweight, and I have an early shift tomorrow. This will do just fine. Cheers to your new position, Mr. Lewis." Xander laughed and downed his drink in one go. Most people still had work the next morning, so the dinner wrapped up a little after eight.