Cynthia’s tone stayed calm.
“You can file an appeal, but during that process you would not be permitted on hospital grounds. And I should mention that if the matter becomes… contentious, we cannot guarantee a professional reference for future employment.”
The meaning behind those words settled heavily in the room.
Maggie had seen intimidation before. Not in boardrooms—but in hospital corridors where frightened families sometimes lashed out because fear needed somewhere to go.
Still, the tactic worked.