Chapter 658

Liam never expected Ethan to move so swiftly. The crushing punch left his cheek burning. Refusing to back down, he retaliated with a sharp counterattack. Within seconds, the two grown men were locked in a brutal brawl.

The commotion drew Emily's attention. She rushed over in panic.

"Stop it! Both of you!"

Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Frustrated, she dialed Vivian's number.

Vivian clenched her teeth when she received the call. These two troublemakers were testing her patience. She dropped everything and hurried to the scene.

Though untrained in combat, Ethan had never lost a fight. Liam excelled with weapons but struggled barehanded. Their battle raged fiercely.

By the time Vivian arrived, both men bore visible injuries.

"Enough!" Her sharp command cut through the air.

The effect was instantaneous. They froze mid-strike, exchanging glares before reluctantly separating.

Ethan's lip was split, Liam's eye swollen shut. Neither had emerged victorious.

Vivian took a deep breath, fury simmering beneath her composed exterior. "You're grown men acting like schoolyard bullies. Are you proud of yourselves?"

"Need more time to settle this? By all means, continue. I won't interfere."

The two formidable figures now resembled chastised children, heads bowed in silence.

Ethan ventured weakly, "We were just..."

"Quiet!" Vivian snapped. "Ethan Roscente, since when did brawling become your hobby? Perhaps you should consider professional boxing if you've got energy to spare!"

He ducked his head. "My apologies."

A throbbing headache pulsed at Vivian's temples. She knew this nonsense stemmed from their rivalry over her.

"Next time, I'll be the one throwing punches," she warned, shaking a fist at Ethan.

Despite the scolding, warmth spread through his chest. Her anger meant she cared. The polite distance she maintained with Liam only confirmed it.

"Understood. It won't happen again."

After ensuring both men were stable, Vivian went to fetch medical supplies. She spotted Annika passing by.

"Annika!" she called out.

The young woman turned, masking her distaste behind a neutral expression. "Dr. Laurent?"

"Could you assist me with some ointment? My friends have injuries."

"Friends?" Annika's pulse spiked. Had her mentor been hurt?

"Yes."

"I'll retrieve the supplies."

"Thank you."

Annika returned promptly with the medication. Vivian had changed from her swimwear into casual attire, waiting outside.

She fixed Ethan with a warning glare. "Stay put."

With the ointment in hand, she went to tend to Liam's wounds.