Chapter 131

Vivian froze.

His answer completely caught her off guard.

Ethan actually believed her?

Was it genuine, or just empty words to persuade her to keep treating Sophia?

"You'll stoop to any lengths to make me save her, won't you, Mr. Roscente?"

Ethan heard the sarcasm in her voice.

But his declaration of trust had been sincere.

"Though we haven't known each other long, I understand your character."

"Oh?" Vivian arched an eyebrow. "Enlighten me then. What kind of person am I?"

She was genuinely curious how this man perceived her.

Ethan's gaze remained steady. "You're exceptionally capable—mastering every field effortlessly. With your principles, petty schemes are beneath you. If you truly wanted Sophia gone, she'd be in the ICU right now."

Vivian blinked.

Was that last part supposed to be a compliment or an insult?

"You don't resort to underhanded tactics because you operate with integrity. More importantly, you respect that white coat. The only blood you'd stain it with would be from saving lives."

His words struck a chord.

Her medical oath was precisely what had restrained her.

This coat could bear the stains of surgery, never the taint of personal vendettas.

She hadn't expected Ethan to recognize that.

Meeting his fathomless eyes, her heartbeat stuttered.

She quickly looked away. "Do you believe that girl was behind the racetrack incident too?"

"Uncertain," Ethan gave an ambiguous reply.

Current evidence cleared Sophia of involvement.

Vivian smirked coldly. "Better hope it wasn't her. If I find proof or she tries framing me again, I'll personally escort her to prison."

"She..." Ethan hesitated.

"I'll send her abroad soon. She won't trouble you further."

This decision surprised Vivian.

"I'll visit her when I have time, as promised. But not now."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed.

He'd hoped for another race with Vivian, but that chance seemed lost. This might be their final interaction.

With difficulty, he forced out, "Understood..."

The word left an anvil on his chest.

Vivian scoffed and returned to her examination chair.

"Stop cluttering my workspace if you have nothing useful to say." She called toward the door, "Next patient, please!"

As the patient entered, Vivian immediately focused on her work.

Ethan had no choice but to leave.

Closing the door, he glanced back one last time.

The woman immersed in her duties showed no trace of their earlier conversation.

Rubbing his temples, Ethan knew one thing for certain—Sophia needed to leave immediately.

News spread fast. Nathan and Ryan rushed over.

Only after confirming Vivian's safety did they relax.

Nathan wore a guilty expression. "This is all my fault."

"Don't be ridiculous. How is this your responsibility?"

"If I hadn't asked you to come to the hospital, none of this would've happened."

Vivian shook her head. "I enjoy working here. Sophia would've come after me regardless. As for Daniel Ashcroft..." Her eyes hardened. "I'll have a word with the Dean myself."