Chapter 49

The man's furious roar echoed through the hospital corridor outside the operating room.

"You let an intern operate on my brother?" He grabbed the head nurse by her collar. "Is this how your hospital treats human lives?"

The gathered family members of other patients gasped in shock.

"An intern performing surgery? This is outrageous!"

"I'm filing a complaint! My husband's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow!"

Vivian Laurent stepped forward, her lab coat swaying slightly with each step.

"I'm fully licensed." Her voice was calm but firm. "The entire procedure was recorded. We can review the footage anytime."

The man released the nurse and turned to Vivian.

"Bullshit! My brother was perfectly fine before your so-called surgery. How could he die right after?"

He slammed his palm against the wall, making the overhead lights flicker.

"No one leaves until I get answers!"

Vivian's gaze sharpened. "According to his post-op vitals, he should have woken up this morning."

She paused deliberately. "This kind of sudden death... is highly unusual."

The man's eyes darted briefly before he doubled down on his anger.

"Stop playing doctor!" Spittle flew from his mouth. "I want compensation! Ten million dollars! Not a penny less!"

A woman beside him tugged at his sleeve. "Brother, maybe we should—"

"Stay out of this!" He shook her off. "The kids need to eat!"

In the corner, Chloe Ashcroft smirked.

Vivian took a commanding step forward.

"If this was medical malpractice, the hospital will take responsibility." She locked eyes with the man. "But if someone committed homicide..."

The man involuntarily stepped back.

"Th-that's ridiculous!" Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "Trying to weasel out of this?"

Ryan Fairsprene couldn't stay silent. "The patient was out of danger!"

"Shut up!" The man jutted his chin defiantly. "Pay up, or I'll expose this hospital as a death trap!"

He pulled out his phone, pretending to start recording.

Vivian suddenly smiled.

"Perfect." She took out her own phone. "I was just about to call the police."

The man froze mid-motion.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said." Vivian dialed 911. "Let the coroner determine who's lying."