Chapter 50

Ethan Roscente's car sped toward the hospital.

His brow furrowed as he contemplated how to persuade Vivian Laurent to save Sophia Evans.

His informants had already reported the emergency situation.

"Faster," Ethan commanded the driver in a low voice.

The hospital corridor buzzed with tension.

The deceased's brother stood at the forefront of grieving relatives, refusing any settlement.

Vivian spoke calmly. "If you won't allow an autopsy, at least let me examine him."

"Over my dead body! Who knows what tricks you'll pull?" the man snapped.

The eldest daughter wiped her tears. "Doctor, please look at my father—"

"Ungrateful girl! Can't you let your father rest in peace?" the uncle berated.

The girl fell silent in fear.

Vivian stepped between them. "No shouting in hospitals."

She knelt to the girl's level. "Don't be afraid. I'll find out what happened."

Turning to the man, her gaze turned sharp. "Obstructing an investigation suggests guilt. We have every reason to suspect you."

The man's eyes darted nervously. "Slander! He was my own brother!"

Vivian addressed the widow. "Your husband died under mysterious circumstances. Even with compensation money, could you and your children ever have peace?"

The woman broke down sobbing and finally nodded consent.

The man exploded. "Weak woman!"

Vivian examined the body meticulously.

The coronary artery rupture contradicted yesterday's test results completely.

She spotted anomalies in the oxygen machine settings.

"Someone tampered with the oxygen regulator," Vivian declared.

The oxygen concentration had been deliberately increased, causing oxygen toxicity.

The post-surgical organs couldn't withstand the stress and failed.

The perpetrator had tried restoring the settings but botched it in panic.

"Who accessed this machine?" Vivian scanned the room.

Medical staff shook their heads.

"Time of death suggests tampering two hours ago." Vivian locked eyes with the man. "Calculated cruelty."

Nathan Clementson suggested, "Check surveillance."

Footage clearly showed the man entering the room that morning.

"The thief cries 'stop thief,'" Vivian scoffed.

She pulled up his records. "Massive gambling debts. You'd trade your brother's life for money? Ever consider your family?"

The man's face twisted. "Framing me!"

"Police are on their way," Vivian said coolly.

The man's hand tightened around a concealed fruit knife.

His loan shark had promised debt forgiveness upon completion.