Chapter 317

The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains as Vivian Laurent descended the stairs, massaging her temples.

Her steps faltered when she spotted the figure on the living room sofa.

"Rainier Valence?" She frowned at the tall, lean man.

Dominic Atlante opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and alert—nothing like someone who had just woken up.

"Worked late on documents last night. Thought I'd crash here." He adjusted his shirt collar. "You're not going to kick me out, are you, Dr. Laurent?"

Vivian's eyes flicked to the medical file spread open on the coffee table. She scoffed.

"Don't make it a habit."

Grabbing her bag, she turned to leave.

"Let me drive you." Dominic was already reaching for his car keys.

"No need." She pushed open the door—and froze.

A black Maybach sat beneath the plane tree, its window half-lowered to reveal Ethan Roscente's chiseled profile.

"Seems the CEO has too much free time." Dominic suddenly leaned close, his fingers brushing a stray leaf from her hair.

The Maybach's door flung open.

Without a backward glance, Vivian slid into her own car.

As the engine roared to life, the two men locked eyes across the distance.

Dominic's lips curved into a mocking smile.

Ethan strode forward, the sharp crease of his suit pants cutting through the morning air.

"Quite the leisurely morning, Mr. Atlante."

"Not as dedicated as someone who keeps vigil all night." Dominic leaned against the doorframe. "Though... I imagine the divorce papers are still warm?"

Ethan's knuckles cracked.

"Stay away from her."

"That's my line." Dominic lowered his voice. "After all... she's my attending physician now."

A blizzard raged in Ethan's eyes.

Then he smiled, reaching out to straighten Dominic's crooked tie.

"Still cleaning up your family's mess, I see."

Dominic's expression darkened.

"Three days." Ethan turned away, tossing the words over his shoulder. "Disappear from her sight."

The Maybach tore down the street, crushing plane leaves beneath its tires.

Dominic watched it vanish, slowly shredding the medical report in his hands.

In the hospital corridor, Vivian reviewed a patient's chart.

"Dr. Laurent!" A nurse hurried over. "A Mr. Atlante says he was referred by you—"

She looked up to see Dominic standing at the doorway, a bouquet of lilies in his arms.

At the far end of the hall, Ethan's figure disappeared into the emergency stairwell.