Chapter 211

The sea breeze carried a briny scent as Vivian opened her eyes at dawn.

Ethan was already dressed, arranging breakfast on the balcony table. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting fragmented shadows across his chiseled profile.

"I'll take you back after breakfast," his voice was low.

Vivian bit into her sandwich, the crisp bread crunching between her teeth. She set down her fork with determination. "Now."

Ethan tapped the table twice. "The holiday parade is spectacular."

"Not interested." Vivian grabbed her backpack and strode toward the door without looking back.

The returning yacht cut through the azure waves. Vivian stood on deck, her hair tousled by the wind.

"Book the earliest flight," she turned to Ethan. "I'm going back to the hospital."

Ethan frowned. "I could take you—"

"No." Vivian cut him off. "Patients can't wait."

Meanwhile, the sterile scent of disinfectant filled Sophia's hospital room. For the third time, she glared at the wall clock, her nails digging into her palms.

"Where's Mr. Roscente?" she demanded as a nurse entered.

The nurse kept her eyes on the IV bag. "He went sailing with Dr. Laurent."

Sophia jerked upright, yanking her IV line. "Where?"

"Santorini Island," the nurse whispered. "They stayed overnight."

A glass shattered in Sophia's grip. Blood dripped from her pale wrist onto the white sheets, blooming like crimson roses.

"Find out their flight details," she rasped. "I need to know when they're returning."

At the VIP airport lounge the next morning, Ethan's phone rang. His expression darkened as he answered.

"Cerebral hemorrhage?" He shot to his feet. "I'm on my way."

Vivian calmly closed her magazine. "Go ahead."

"Wait for me two—"

"No." She lifted her carry-on. "Your first love needs you more, Mr. Roscente."

Vivian walked toward security without a backward glance, her silhouette as sharp as an unsheathed blade.