Chapter 198

The plane touched down smoothly on the private tarmac. Vivian Laurent stirred awake, rubbing her stiff neck. She realized she'd been moved from her seat to a spacious rest bed.

"Awake?" Ethan Roscente's voice came from the cabin door.

Vivian pushed aside the blanket and sat up. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"You were sleeping soundly." Ethan handed her a glass of water. "We're early."

She drained the glass in one gulp. "Let's go. The sooner we finish, the sooner we leave."

Grabbing her medical kit, she strode toward the exit.

...

At the Evans estate, Sophia Evans paced anxiously. Her slender fingers clutched the curtains as she stared at the driveway.

"Miss, Mr. Roscente has arrived," the butler announced softly.

Sophia scrambled back into bed. She quickly dusted powder on her face to appear paler.

When the door opened, she let out a practiced cough. "Ethan... you're here."

Her gaze darkened at the sight of Vivian standing beside him. Their proximity made her jaw tighten.

"Dr. Laurent is an excellent physician. I've asked her to examine you," Ethan said evenly.

Sophia shook her head weakly. "My condition... it's not worth troubling Dr. Laurent."

Vivian raised an eyebrow at Ethan. "The patient seems uncooperative."

"Sophia." Ethan's voice turned stern. "Don't be difficult."

She bit her lip. "Very well... thank you, Dr. Laurent."

Vivian moved to the bedside. Ethan pulled out a chair for her, making Sophia's nails dig into her palms.

"Dr. Laurent must be tired from her trip. Shouldn't she rest first?" Sophia forced a smile. "Ethan, you should let our guest settle in—"

"No need." Vivian opened her medical kit. "We'll begin now."

She retrieved her stethoscope with efficient movements. Behind her glasses, her eyes were cool and professional. Sophia instinctively shrank back.