Chapter 514

Sunlight streamed through the window at the end of the corridor. Ethan Roscente stood at the edge of light and shadow, his gaze soft as he watched Vivian Laurent.

Isabella Langley shielded Vivian like a protective mother hen.

"Vivian, are you okay?" Isabella asked nervously, gripping her hand.

Vivian shook her head, her eyes sweeping over the three of them.

Ethan's tall figure cast a long shadow down the hallway. His lips were pressed together, his attention fixed on Vivian.

"I was just worried about you," he said, his voice low.

Lucas Lefèvre scoffed and moved to Vivian's other side.

A cough sounded from inside the hospital room.

Vivian immediately glanced back, her brow furrowing slightly.

"This isn't the place to talk," she murmured.

Ethan noticed her reaction, his expression darkening.

"Is that patient important to you?" he couldn't help asking.

Isabella bristled instantly. "None of your business!"

Vivian sighed. "Ethan, you should go."

Ethan clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed.

"Alright," he nodded. "Call me if you need anything."

Before turning away, he gave the hospital door a long, searching look.

Only when Ethan was gone did Isabella finally exhale in relief.

"Vivian, what was he doing here?"

Vivian rubbed her temples. "It's a long story."

Inside the room, Liam Valdemar leaned against the headboard, listening to the voices outside.

He stared at his bandaged hands, his eyes shadowed.

In the hallway, Vivian turned to Isabella. "You two should head back. I need to stay with the patient."

"Is it the one who saved you?" Lucas asked.

Vivian nodded. "His injuries are severe."

Isabella glanced uneasily at the door. "Do you want me to stay with you?"

"No," Vivian forced a small smile. "Come back tomorrow."

After seeing them off, Vivian pushed open the hospital room door.

Liam immediately softened his expression.

"Did we disturb you?" Vivian asked quietly.

He shook his head. "I'm fine."

She poured him a glass of water, noticing the veins standing out on his hands as she passed it to him.

"Does it hurt?" she asked.

Liam took the cup, his fingertips brushing hers briefly.

"Not when you're here," he said with a smile.

Vivian didn't catch the dark glint that flickered in his eyes.

Outside the window, Ethan stood on the sidewalk below, staring up at the hospital room.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Run a full background check on everyone Vivian has had contact with recently."