Chapter 494

The hospital corridor lights glared harshly.

Vivian Laurent leaned against the wall, absently tapping her fingers on the medical chart. Moments later, the examination room door opened.

Theo Evans shuffled out with his head down.

"Big brother said it hurts here." Theo pointed to his chest. "Because people called him stupid and threw stones at him."

Vivian's brows knitted together instantly.

"They said he was a stray dog. Worse than a mutt." Theo's voice grew smaller. Tears splattered onto the floor tiles. "They used to say that to me too..."

Vivian immediately crouched down and pulled the trembling boy into her arms. The faint scent of milk clung to him.

"Those people are vile." She rubbed soothing circles on his back. "Our Theo is the kindest boy."

Theo buried his face in her shoulder. "Auntie..."

Vivian froze.

"I mean Dr. Vivian is as nice as Auntie!" Theo corrected hastily, ears turning scarlet.

Pretending not to hear, she took his hand. "Come see big brother with me?"

Inside the exam room, a teenage boy huddled in the corner, watching them warily. Theo approached and murmured something. The boy's guarded expression gradually softened.

By the time Vivian finished, her scrubs clung to her damp back. She checked her watch—lunch break long gone.

"Hungry?" She patted her growling stomach. "My treat for cupcakes?"

Theo's eyes lit up before he shook his head fiercely. "I already ate!" His lips pressed tight beneath the mask.

A nurse rushed over. "Dr. Laurent, Bed 3 is crashing!"

Vivian sighed and took a long sip of the milk tea Theo handed her. Sugar flooded her veins, pushing back exhaustion.

"Go save people, Doctor." Theo waved obediently. "See you next time!"

Watching the boy skip away, Vivian smiled unconsciously. She didn't see Theo glance back from the corner, eyes shining with hope.