The doctor's actions might have seemed cowardly, but they were also responsible in a way. After all, when lives were on the line, not everyone had the courage to take on such a heavy burden.

Francesca sighed. "I understand where he's coming from."

The announcer's voice echoed across the arena. "Very well. The judges have approved your request. You may voluntarily withdraw."

The male doctor staggered off the stage, his steps heavy with shame. As soon as he reached his seat, he broke down, burying his face in his hands as sobs wracked his body.

Those around him tried to comfort him, but his cries of regret and frustration only grew louder. Walking away from the Grand Medical Summit meant saying goodbye to the chance of ever reaching the top three—a wound that would likely haunt him for the rest of his life.

His gut-wrenching sobs echoed across the stadium, reaching the ears of the remaining contestants. Immediately, it made the contestants in this high-pressure situation even m