Chapter 831

"I was just worried about you. The online backlash is overwhelming. I feared it might be too much for you to handle."

"You've known me for years. Do I seem like someone who'd be affected by this?"

Vivian arched an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.

Ethan studied her for a long moment before conceding she truly didn’t care.

"No."

"I'm perfectly fine. The internet is clearing my name. I couldn’t be happier."

"Hmm."

A faint smile tugged at Ethan's lips.

"What are you smiling about?"

Vivian narrowed her eyes at him.

Ethan usually wore an icy demeanor, his sharp features radiating an unapproachable aura.

But lately, he’d been smiling more—each time devastatingly handsome.

She’d warned herself a thousand times not to fall for it, yet every glimpse of that face softened her resolve.

That face was his ultimate weapon.

"Seeing you happy makes me happy."

"Are you an idiot?"

"Even your insults make me happy."

Vivian exhaled in exasperation.

Talking to Ethan was impossible.

But since he refused to leave, she had no choice but to let him stay.

Meanwhile, Zoe Chamberlain curled into a ball in her apartment.

The relentless online vitriol suffocated her.

She kept refreshing the screen, watching praise for Vivian flood every corner.

"Vivian is incredible! So many hidden talents—a true genius!"

"Who does Zoe think she is, impersonating Dr. Luna?"

"Disgrace to medical students! I’d be too ashamed to live!"

"Murderer! Those innocent lives she destroyed!"

"What kind of parents raise a monster like her? They should disown her!"

Each comment stabbed like a knife.

She wanted to explain, to scream that she’d been forced—but no one would listen.

For the first time in her privileged life, she tasted true despair.

Tears streamed down her face unchecked.

Then her phone rang.

Caller ID: Vivian Laurent.