Chapter 636

Worlds Apart

Fiona Grandelle followed Ryan Fairsprene into Vivian Laurent's office.

Her slender fingers lingered at the edge of her surgical mask, hesitant to remove it.

This would be Ryan's first time seeing her face post-surgery.

"What's wrong?" Ryan noticed her hesitation.

Fiona took a deep breath and finally removed the mask.

Ryan studied her face for a long moment.

He reached out unexpectedly, fingertips lightly brushing her cheek.

"The recovery is excellent."

Fiona's face flushed crimson.

"All thanks to you and Dr. Laurent."

Her voice grew progressively softer.

"I was so reckless back then..."

Ryan shook his head. "Dr. Laurent's surgical skills deserve the credit. I just assisted."

"That's not true!" Fiona looked up abruptly. "You stayed with me the whole time, telling jokes..."

"That was part of my job." His tone remained neutral.

Fiona bit her lip. "Could you...stop calling me 'Miss'?"

"Hmm?"

"Just call me Fiona." Her eyes shone with hope.

Ryan nodded. "Alright."

"Then can I call you big brother?" Her eyes sparkled.

Ryan hesitated briefly.

"I suppose that's acceptable, given our age difference."

Fiona clapped her hands gleefully. "Brother!"

She stepped closer. "Promise you'll reply when I message you?"

Ryan retreated half a step. "I might be busy with work."

"I don't mind!" She advanced again. "I'll wait."

Tilting her head up, she pleaded, "Brother, show me around Canada?"

Ryan frowned. "I have a packed schedule..."

"Just after dinner tonight!" She tugged his sleeve. "You promised we'd eat together."

Ryan checked his watch. "I may need to work late."

"We'll wait!" Fiona insisted stubbornly. "However long it takes."

Ryan exhaled heavily.

The memory of Queen Eleanor's generous compensation surfaced.

"Fine. See you after work."

Fiona nearly jumped for joy.

She missed the complicated emotion flickering through Ryan's eyes.

A royal princess.

An ordinary doctor.

The chasm between them was simply too vast.