Chapter 53

Vivian stood at the end of the corridor, her fingertips trembling slightly. She took a deep breath and approached the mother and daughter who were weeping uncontrollably.

"My condolences." She handed them a tissue. "I did everything I could on the operating table."

The older woman clenched the tissue, her knuckles turning white. "Dr. Laurent, we know you tried your best. The paramedics said... there wasn't much hope from the beginning."

Who could have predicted the patient would be taken off life support by his own brother right after stabilizing?

Ethan appeared behind Vivian without warning. He pulled out an embossed business card and handed it to the woman. "The Roscente Group has an education fund. We'll cover your child's tuition."

The woman froze, tears streaming harder down her face.

Vivian scoffed and turned to leave. Ethan followed swiftly, his white shirt sleeve stained with dark red.

"Take it off," Vivian snapped, slamming her office door shut.

Ethan leaned against the doorframe with a smirk. "In a hurry, Doctor?"

"One more word and I'll throw you out." She grabbed a pair of scissors. "When your wound gets infected and they have to amputate, don't come crying to me."

The shirt clung to the injury, peeling away with fresh blood. Vivian frowned. "Five-centimeter laceration. Needs seven stitches."

The clink of sterilized instruments filled the room.

"Why did you take that knife?" She pulled on gloves. "Don't think this changes anything."

Ethan stared at the ceiling. "Can't stand ungrateful bastards." He paused. "You were in surgery for eight hours."

When the needle pierced his skin, Ethan tensed. Vivian's fingers moved deftly, the suture thread glinting silver under the light.

Her lashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyes, a sheen of sweat on her nose. Ethan suddenly noticed a tiny mole near her right tear duct.

"Change the dressing in three days. No spicy food." She snipped the thread. "Now get out."

As Ethan buttoned his shirt, he murmured, "Dr. Laurent breaking her oath to save a Roscente... does that mean—"

"It means you need a neurologist." She slammed the forceps down. "I'm calling security if you're not gone in ten seconds."

A knock interrupted them. Nathan's voice came through the door. "Vivian? There's an emergency—"

When the door opened, he found Ethan adjusting his tie, Vivian's ears flushed pink.