Chapter 591
Vivian Laurent studied the unfamiliar girl before her, her brow slightly furrowed.
"Just call me Dr. Laurent," she said calmly.
Annika Heilbronn's eyes flashed with displeasure, though her smile remained sweet. "My apologies. Someone like me shouldn't presume to be familiar with you."
The words carried an edge, but Vivian dismissed it as youthful sensitivity.
"You misunderstand," she replied evenly. "I simply prefer professional boundaries."
Annika lowered her gaze, her voice tinged with hurt. "I know I'm not welcome here..."
Vivian cut her off. "Let me treat you to lunch. Consider it a celebration of your clean bill of health."
Annika's head snapped up, calculation flickering in her eyes. "I couldn't possibly impose—"
"No need." Vivian turned to organize her files. "Meet me at the hospital entrance at noon."
The restaurant gleamed with crystal chandeliers scattering prismatic light across polished surfaces.
Annika's fingers trembled slightly as she scanned the menu prices.
"I'll...just have the greens and tofu," she murmured timidly.
Vivian took the menu and briskly circled several signature dishes.
Annika clenched her napkin. This woman was deliberately humiliating her with extravagance!
"Excuse me," Vivian stood abruptly. "I need to visit the ladies' room."
At the hostess stand, she produced a black card. "Check for table eight, please."
The server blinked. "The young lady already left a deposit."
Vivian's eyebrow arched. This girl was more cunning than she appeared.
Returning to the table, she caught Annika staring at her water glass with an unreadable expression.
"Food's here," Vivian remarked casually, seating herself. "Try the truffle steak."
Annika forced a smile. "You're too kind, Dr. Laurent."
The clink of silverware underscored their silent tension.
Vivian suddenly spoke. "Those calluses on your hands don't look like they're from menial labor."
Annika's fork stilled.
"I did competitive shooting for years," Vivian continued, methodically cutting her steak. "Gun calluses are distinctive."
The restaurant lights dimmed abruptly.
Annika's smile froze in place.