Chapter 19

The red light above the operating room dimmed as Vivian Laurent removed her blood-stained gloves. Short-staffed in the ER, she had been called in to assist with an emergency procedure.

Footsteps echoed urgently down the hallway. A nurse rushed over. "Dr. Laurent, Mr. Garnache has been waiting in your office for quite some time."

A slight frown crossed Vivian's face as she quickened her pace. From a distance, she spotted a cluster of lab coats gathered outside her office, with Daniel Ashcroft at the center, animatedly holding court.

"Ah, Dr. Laurent finally graces us with her presence," Daniel sneered, stepping into her path. "Mr. Garnache has been waiting forty minutes. Good luck explaining that."

Whispers rippled through the group:

"Emily Garnache's condition worsened..."

"He's here to confront Vivian..."

"This should be entertaining..."

Vivian pushed past them and opened her office door. Mr. Garnache stood with his back to her, staring out the window.

"You needed to speak with me?" Her tone was calm.

Outside, the crowd held their breath, anticipating an outburst. Instead, Mr. Garnache spun around and bowed deeply.

"Dr. Laurent, I was blind to your skill!" His voice trembled. "Please, examine my daughter again!"

Gasps erupted in the hallway. Daniel's face drained of color.

Vivian remained composed. "Emily's vitals are stable. No further evaluation is necessary."

"I was wrong!" Beads of sweat formed on Mr. Garnache's forehead. "Name your terms—anything!"

Her gaze flicked toward the door. "Then clear the spectators."

Mr. Garnache stormed out, scattering the onlookers. Daniel bolted so fast he nearly collided with a medication cart.

Once the door closed, Mr. Garnache lowered his voice. "Dr. Luna, Dean Remetio told me everything. You saved my daughter twice. The Garnache family owes you a lifelong debt."

Vivian's eyes glinted. "There is something you can do for me."

"Anything!"

"If Ethan Roscente comes asking about me..."

"Understood." He clasped his hands. "My lips are sealed."

She gave a faint nod, fingertips tapping lightly on the desk. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her ID badge—General Surgery Department: Vivian Laurent—in bold letters.