Chapter 745

Vivian Laurent finished her last prenatal checkup in the examination room. She adjusted her clothes and gently caressed her rounded belly, a soft smile unconsciously curving her lips.

Ethan Roscente stood at the corner of the hallway, watching her through the glass window from a distance. As soon as he confirmed she was about to leave, he turned and quickly returned to Theo's hospital room.

"Uncle Ethan, why are you back?" Theo looked up from the building blocks he was playing with on the bed, blinking in surprise.

Ethan pressed a finger to his lips. "Remember, if Aunt Vivian asks, tell her I've been here with you the whole time."

Theo nodded obediently, his large eyes full of innocence.

Vivian pushed the door open, exhaustion lingering on her face after the checkup. She sat by the bed and chatted gently with Theo for a while.

"Theo, let me talk to you alone for a moment." Vivian glanced at Ethan, signaling for him to step out.

Without protest, Ethan left the room and closed the door softly behind him.

"Was Uncle Ethan really here the whole time?" Vivian lowered her voice.

Remembering his uncle's instruction, Theo answered without hesitation. "Yes, he stayed with me."

Vivian exhaled, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly. She planned to leave Eudora quietly when her pregnancy reached six or seven months, retreating to her private villa to prepare for the birth.

Outside the room, Ethan leaned against the wall, his gaze dark and unreadable.

When Vivian emerged, he feigned nonchalance. "What was so secretive?"

"Nothing." She avoided his eyes. "Theo's recovering well. You should go rest."

Ethan smirked. "Worried about me?"

"Don't flatter yourself." She rolled her eyes. "I just don't want you collapsing and blaming me."

"Relax, I'm in perfect health." His smile faded. "I booked a hotel nearby. Want to come?"

"I'm going back to the palace." She stifled a yawn. "All I want right now is sleep."

Ethan didn't press further. They walked side by side out of the hospital.

At the entrance, his phone rang. The caller ID showed it was the bodyguard assigned to monitor Sophia Evans.

"Mr. Roscente, Ms. Evans insists on seeing you," the bodyguard said, sounding uneasy.

"Denied." Ethan's voice was icy.

"She claims... someone ordered her to harm Theo. That the weapon was provided to her."

Ethan's eyes sharpened. "Who gave the order?"

"She refuses to say. Demands to tell you in person."

"Then let her rot in prison." He ended the call abruptly.

Vivian glanced at him curiously. "What did Sophia want?"

"She says someone instructed her to hurt Theo." Ethan scoffed. "Who knows if it's another one of her schemes."

Vivian gazed into the distance, sunlight casting shadows across her delicate profile as she fell into thought.