Chapter 509

"Alright." Vivian agreed readily.

Theo jumped with excitement. "This is amazing!"

Now he could bring Uncle Ethan to visit Aunt Vivian whenever he wanted—she'd promised it herself.

Overcome with joy, Theo threw himself into Vivian's arms.

A sharp pain shot through Vivian's injured arm as the impact hit. She sucked in a breath through gritted teeth.

"Sister, are you hurt?" Theo immediately pulled back.

Vivian forced a smile. "It's nothing. Just a sore arm. It'll heal in a couple days."

Theo's eyes darted thoughtfully before he quickly texted Ethan: "Uncle! Aunt Vivian's injured!"

Knowing his uncle would rush over, Theo politely excused himself. "Pretty sister, I should go now."

"Let me walk you out?"

"No need! You should rest." He skipped out the door.

Vivian went to check on Liam's condition.

Despite stable vitals indicating he should've woken by now, Liam remained unconscious. Lucas and Isabella kept vigil by his bedside.

"Why aren't you two getting some rest?" Vivian asked.

Isabella stretched lazily. "I've been lying around so much my bones ache. Lucas is the one who needs sleep."

Lucas shook his head. "I can rest here."

"You don't even know him. Isn't this strange?"

Isabella replied matter-of-factly, "We need to see his reaction when he wakes up. It's important."

Vivian had no rebuttal.

"Suit yourselves. Notify me when he regains consciousness."

After finishing rounds, she returned to her office just as rapid footsteps approached.

"Vivian!"

Ethan burst through the door like a storm.

"What do you want now?" She frowned.

"I heard—" He abruptly cut himself off.

"Heard what?"

He couldn't very well admit Theo had tattled.

Ethan cleared his throat. "Heard you were back at work. Came to check."

"I—"

He interrupted, "Had lunch? Feeling alright?"

"Ate. Perfectly fine."

"Really?" Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Then take your clothes off so I can examine you."

Vivian's eyes widened.

What fresh madness was this?

"You first," she shot back.

"If I strip, you will too?" He arched an eyebrow.

"Get out!" She shoved him, only to wince when the motion aggravated her injury.

Ethan seized her wrist. "You're hurt?"