Chapter 135

Vivian Laurent adjusted the collar of her lab coat as she stepped out of the dean's office.

A line of patients still waited for her at the outpatient clinic.

Nathan Clementson had been lingering in the hallway. He approached immediately.

"Need to rest in your office? I can cover your afternoon shift."

"I'm fine, Nathan." She shook her head. "Heard your surgery schedule is packed this week. Don't overwork yourself."

Guilt shadowed his face. He'd been the one to call her to the hospital, only for everything to spiral out of control.

Reading his expression, Vivian sighed. "Alright then. Thanks for covering."

She stood on tiptoes to pat his shoulder. "Don't worry. I always pay back what's owed to me."

"You'll always be the little sister I need to protect." Nathan ruffled her hair affectionately.

Vivian laughed. "You're the best!"

She turned toward the cardiac center. A challenging case awaited—one even seasoned specialists hesitated to operate on.

After examining the patient, Vivian felt confident. The surgery would be difficult, but manageable.

However, the patient's current condition required two more days of stabilization before proceeding.

She'd barely settled at her desk when a nurse knocked.

"Dr. Laurent, Mr. Deross is complaining about wound pain. He requested to see you."

Grabbing her medical kit, Vivian wondered what scheme Finn was plotting this time.

At a corridor intersection, she froze.

Ethan Roscente was helping Sophia Evans out of a patient room. The actress clung to him, a saccharine smile plastered across her face.

Vivian's grip tightened on the kit strap.

Noticing Vivian from the corner of her eye, Sophia suddenly stumbled.

"Ethan!" she cried, feigning a fall.

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I feel dizzy..." Sophia whimpered pitifully. "Could you carry me to the car?"

This performance was solely for Vivian's benefit—a blatant display of ownership.

"If you're unwell, you shouldn't be discharged." Ethan's voice remained cool.

"This illness... may be incurable." Tears welled in Sophia's eyes. "I don't want to spend my final days in a hospital bed..."

After a pause, Ethan swept her into his arms.

Sophia immediately looped her arms around his neck, flashing Vivian a triumphant smirk over his shoulder.

Ethan strode away without noticing Vivian standing in the shadows.

But Sophia knew. Vivian had seen everything.