Chapter 48

Morning sunlight filtered through the hospital curtains.

Vivian Laurent pushed open the door to find Emily Garnache packing her schoolbag.

"You've recovered well." Vivian examined the girl's wound with a satisfied smile. "You can be discharged today."

Emily cheered and threw her arms around Vivian. "Thank you, Dr. Laurent!"

Mr. Garnache retrieved a thick envelope from his briefcase. "For your excellent care, Doctor."

Vivian gently declined. "Just doing my job."

"Then join us for dinner this weekend," Mr. Garnache insisted. "Emily keeps begging to watch movies with you."

Before Vivian could respond, the door burst open.

Ryan Fairsprene rushed in, pale-faced. "Dr. Laurent! Emergency!"

In the hallway, Ryan lowered his voice. "The fall victim from yesterday just died this morning."

Vivian froze. "Impossible!"

Chaos engulfed the first-floor ward.

A thick-necked man was screaming at the nurses' station. "Murderers! My brother could still talk when he arrived!"

A woman clutching an infant stood beside him, two young girls trembling behind her.

"Please remain calm," the duty doctor attempted to explain. "The patient's vitals were stable post-op—"

"Lies!" The man punched the wall. "Bring out the surgeon!"

Nathan Clementson stepped forward, but Vivian was already striding toward the commotion.

"I'm Dr. Vivian Laurent, the attending surgeon."

A mocking laugh cut through the crowd. Chloe Ashcroft leaned against the wall, drawling, "Ah yes, our most brilliant resident doctor."

She emphasized the word "resident" with deliberate malice.