Chapter 500

"How is Fiona's recovery progressing?" Vivian rubbed her temples. Her packed surgery schedule had left her no time to check in.

Ryan adjusted his glasses. "The skin graft was successful. Though the stitches haven't been removed yet, the wound is healing better than expected."

Vivian exhaled in relief. "That's good. I'll make sure to visit when the stitches come out."

A flicker of hope crossed Ryan's eyes. No one wanted Fiona to fully recover and step back into the sunlight more than he did.

"Going on rounds, Dr. Laurent?" Ryan glanced at the medical chart in her hand.

"To the ICU." She straightened her lab coat collar. "There was a heart transplant yesterday. Need to check on the post-op condition."

Ryan quickened his pace. "I'm heading that way too. Let's go together."

They walked side by side toward the elevators.

......

In his top-floor office at Roscente Group, Ethan stared blankly at his computer screen.

His fingers tapped absently against the desk. Theo should have arrived at the hospital by now. Was letting the boy visit Vivian alone the right decision?

He grabbed his phone and sent a text. The screen remained dark.

"That little rascal..." Ethan frowned and called his security detail. Only after hearing their report did his shoulders relax slightly. At least the two were getting along.

Maybe... Vivian would like Theo? The boy was impossible not to adore.

The clock struck six. Ethan snatched his suit jacket. Time to pick him up—and maybe catch a glimpse of her from afar.

......

In Vivian's office, Theo was engrossed in a copy of Basic Anatomy.

"Pretty lady!" He held up the book as she entered. "What does this diagram mean?"

Vivian's eyebrows rose in surprise. A child his age understanding medical textbooks?

She knelt beside him, pointing at the illustration. "This is our stomach—like a balloon. It digests the food we eat."

Theo's eyes sparkled. "Can I borrow these books? I'll return them next week, promise!"

"Of course." She ruffled his hair, amused by his unexpected passion for medicine.

His smartwatch vibrated. Theo checked the caller ID and reluctantly closed the book. "Uncle's here to get me."

As Vivian helped pack his bag, she recalled the previous "Auntie" misunderstanding. If he already had an aunt, his uncle must be married, right?

......

Outside the hospital, Ethan leaned against his car, gaze fixed on the entrance.

"Uncle!" Theo came running, proudly presenting the stack of medical books. "Look!"

Ethan took them with one hand, using the other to tousle the boy's hair. "Did you have fun with Auntie today?"

"So much fun!" Theo bounced excitedly. "Auntie gave me these!"

Ethan opened the cover to find Vivian's elegant signature. His fingertips lightly traced the inscription.

"Uncle, I want to be a doctor when I grow up!" Theo tugged his sleeve. "An amazing doctor like Auntie!"

Ethan crouched to his eye level. "Medical school means endless studying and experiments. It's hard work."

"I'm not scared!" Theo puffed out his chest. "Auntie said doctors save lives. I want to save people too!"

As twilight fell, Ethan's lips curved into an unconscious smile while watching the hospital lights flicker on.