Chapter 780

Vivian Laurent awoke with a suffocating weight on her chest.

Ethan Roscente's arm was wrapped around her waist like an iron band, trapping her against him. His body heat seeped through the thin fabric of her nightgown, dampening her back with sweat.

"Ethan!" She struggled to free herself.

He jolted awake but only tightened his grip. "What's wrong?"

"Let go! I can't breathe!"

Reluctantly, he released her and followed her to the bathroom.

Vivian rushed to the ICU. The orphaned girl had cried all night, her voice hoarse and eyes swollen like peaches.

Test results showed she could be transferred to a general ward.

As Vivian wheeled the bed, the girl suddenly grabbed her hand. "Dr. Laurent, I want to leave... I need to say goodbye to Mom and Dad."

"Just two more days, okay?" Vivian soothed gently.

"Did it hurt... when Mom died?" Fresh tears spilled down the girl's cheeks. "What were her last words?"

Vivian knelt to meet her gaze. "She said you must live well."

"But I want to give her my life..." The girl choked on a sob. "Why couldn't it have been me instead?"

Vivian's throat tightened. She rubbed the girl's back. "Try to sleep. Maybe you'll dream of her."

When the girl finally drifted off, Vivian turned to find Zoe Chamberlain standing in the doorway.

Zoe's face was deathly pale, but twisted with rage when she saw Vivian. "You were the one playing tricks last night!"

"I brought you here to see the consequences of your actions." Vivian held her stare.

"Spare me the act!" Zoe sneered. "You think this would make me repent?"

Looking at the stranger before her, Vivian's heart sank. The gentle girl she once knew was gone—only madness and hatred remained in those eyes now.