Chapter 253

"Dr. Laurent, are you free for dinner tonight?" Ryan Fairsprene stood at the clinic doorway, several pens tucked into his lab coat pocket.

This was his third invitation this month. Vivian had declined the previous two, citing work commitments. Today, he'd deliberately chosen the moment right after her surgery.

Vivian looked up from organizing patient files. "Sure. I'm starving."

Ryan's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected her to agree this time.

"My treat," he quickly added.

She snapped the file shut and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Can an intern's salary cover it? Let me pay."

"I can afford it!" Ryan's ears turned red. "I've been saving."

Vivian chuckled. "Next time. Let's invite Dr. Clementson today."

Ryan's smile froze, but he quickly recovered. "Okay. I'll ask Dr. Clementson."

Nathan Clementson was doing rounds in the ICU. He declined the invitation. "You two go ahead. I need to monitor the post-op coronary bypass patient."

"Next time then." Vivian shrugged.

In the hospital corridor, Ryan walked half a step behind her, watching her ponytail sway with each stride.

"What do you feel like eating?" Vivian suddenly turned around.

Ryan nearly collided with her and stumbled back. "Anything... is fine."

"Let's do Italian. I know a good place." She pulled out her car keys. "I'll drive."

Neither noticed the black Mercedes parked outside. Ethan Roscente sat inside, fingers drumming the steering wheel as he watched Vivian open the passenger door for the young doctor.

Soft lighting and faint violin music filled the restaurant.

"Two filet mignons, medium rare." Vivian closed the menu. "And a bottle of red."

Ryan fidgeted with his hands. "Do you come here often, Dr. Laurent?"

"Occasionally." She sipped her water. "When I'm in a good mood."

He gathered his courage. "So... is it because of me today?"

Vivian raised an eyebrow but didn't answer.

After their meals arrived, Ryan hesitated several times before speaking. Finally, Vivian put down her knife. "Something on your mind?"

"Dr. Laurent..." He took a deep breath. "Are you seeing anyone?"

Her silver knife clinked against the plate.

Vivian set down her utensils and smirked. "Trying to ask me out?"