Chapter 346

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the café. Sophia Sherwood stirred her latte with practiced elegance.

She glanced across the table at Vivian Laurent, her red lips curling. "I didn't expect you to know Felix Valdemar. He and I grew up together—along with Ethan Roscente."

She deliberately lingered on Ethan's name with intimate familiarity.

Vivian remained impassive, her fingers lightly tapping the table.

"Is that so."

Sophia's eyes flashed with irritation. "I heard Felix call you Dr. Laurent? Which hospital do you work at?"

"Capital General."

"What a coincidence!" Sophia brightened. "I know several specialists there. Would you like an introduction?"

She leaned in with feigned concern. "It must be tough for an intern like you to get into Capital General."

Vivian took a sip of coffee.

"Oncology Department. You're welcome to visit anytime, Ms. Sherwood."

Sophia's smile froze.

"Very funny, Dr. Laurent." She forced a laugh. "But competition in big hospitals is fierce. For someone at your level—"

Vivian cut her off. "I'm a Consultant Specialist."

"Consultant?" Sophia scoffed. "Lying isn't a good look, Doctor."

She pulled out her phone. "Perfect timing—I know Dr. Zachary Kalmien from Cardiology. Shall we ask for his opinion?"

The call connected. Sophia's voice turned saccharine. "Uncle Zachary, it's Sophia..."

Vivian watched coldly, tracing the rim of her cup.

"What? You need her credentials?" Sophia feigned surprise. "Dr. Laurent, what's your degree?"

"Unfinished." Vivian's tone was flat.

Sophia's eyes gleamed with disdain. "Uncle Zachary, she didn't even graduate—"

"I'm a Consultant Specialist at Capital General." Vivian set down her cup with a sharp clink.

Sophia's smile vanished completely.

"Impossible!" Her voice turned shrill. "Someone like you—"

Vivian stood, looking down at her. "Would you like to see my ID?"

The sunlight haloed Vivian's silhouette. Sophia suddenly found it hard to breathe.