Chapter 803

Sunlight streamed through the hospital curtains as Vivian Laurent walked beside Ethan Roscente after breakfast. Concerned about Theo, she detoured to the pediatric ward.

"Auntie!" Theo bounded toward Vivian like an excited fawn.

Ethan intercepted him with lightning reflexes. "Careful."

His protective hand accidentally brushed Vivian's abdomen. She recoiled instantly. "What are you doing?"

"Didn't want him hitting your injury." Ethan's expression remained unreadable.

Vivian exhaled discreetly. For a heart-stopping moment, she'd feared he'd discovered her secret.

"Theo, let me check your wound." Her voice softened.

The boy obediently lifted his hospital gown. The scabbed incision showed good healing. "We'll run tests tomorrow to monitor internal recovery," Vivian nodded approvingly.

"You're the best!" Theo's eyes sparkled. "I'll protect you when I grow up!"

Vivian sighed. "Could you call me something else? Sister or aunt would work."

"Why?" Theo tilted his head. "Are you getting a new boyfriend?"

Ethan's gaze sharpened on Vivian's face. He'd noticed her discomfort with the title—was there truly another man?

"It just sounds odd," she deflected, avoiding Ethan's stare.

"Does it bother you, Uncle?" Theo appealed to Ethan.

"Not at all." Ethan's tone brooked no argument.

Two pairs of identical eyes pinned Vivian with matching wounded expressions. She surrendered. "...Fine for now. I'll reconsider when I have a boyfriend."

"You're seeking a boyfriend?" Ethan's voice dropped ten degrees.

Vivian lifted her chin defiantly. "Got a problem with that?"

Dark currents swirled in Ethan's eyes. This woman carried his child yet contemplated making another man the father?

"Found one?" Each word sounded forcibly extracted.

"Taking my time." She feigned nonchalance.

Ethan's lips curled. "So that's a no."

"No rush."

"Why look elsewhere?" He stepped closer, his proximity electric. "Wealthy. Handsome. Skilled in...every way." The lowered timbre of his voice made her pulse spike. "Care for a demonstration?"

Vivian's cheeks burned as she averted her gaze. For all her bravado, every ounce of her romantic experience had been learned from Ethan himself.