Chapter 46

Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds into the office. Vivian Laurent was organizing patient reports.

Amy was signing her contract today, but Vivian didn't attend. The hospital schedule was packed - she had no time for such trivial matters.

Chloe Ashcroft deliberately excluded Vivian from rounds with the department staff. Vivian simply shrugged and continued reviewing medical files.

"Dr. Laurent, could you take a look at this case?" Ryan Fairsprene approached with documents.

Vivian accepted the file and analyzed it carefully. The two leaned together discussing the condition, occasionally making notes on paper.

Across the room, Chloe glared daggers at them, nails digging into her palms. How dare this new intern openly flirt with the man she wanted.

"Keep staring like that and your eyes might pop out," Vivian remarked without looking up.

When Dr. Li from outpatient services fell ill suddenly, Vivian volunteered to cover. Mask secured, she sat in the examination room seeing patient after patient without pause.

"Next," she said, rubbing her temples.

"Stomach discomfort," came a deep male voice.

Vivian's head jerked up, nearly knocking over her water glass. Ethan Roscente sat across from her, lips curved in a faint smirk.

"Gastrointestinal issues belong in internal medicine," she said quickly, adjusting her mask.

"But everyone says Dr. Laurent has exceptional skills." Ethan tapped the desk with long fingers. "Or should I call you Dr. Shen?"

Vivian remained impassive. "You're mistaken. This condition is beyond my expertise."

"Then treat someone else for me." Ethan leaned forward. "Unless you'd prefer everyone knew the renowned Dr. Luna works here as an intern."

Vivian's eyes narrowed. So he'd uncovered her identity.

"My rules are clear," she said coldly. "No Roscentes. No Evanses."

"Why?" Ethan frowned. "Sophia Evans genuinely needs your help."

Vivian laughed abruptly. "Mr. Roscente, you're married, aren't you? Or rather, divorced - from someone who shared my name. What a coincidence. Now you want me to save your mistress?"

Ethan's pupils contracted sharply. "How did you know about the divorce?"

Few were privy to that information.

Vivian's pulse jumped, though her expression stayed neutral. "Research. If you weren't ashamed, why hide it?"

"Sophia and I are just friends."

"Friends warrant multiple pleas for help?" Vivian scoffed. "Do I look stupid?"

Ethan fell silent. Some truths couldn't be spoken.

Seeing his hesitation, Vivian pushed the registration form back. "Get out."