Chapter 299

Nathaniel's throat worked as he swallowed hard. "The hospital staff can take care of me. You both have busy schedules. Really, there's no need—"

"I insist." Ethan's voice left no room for argument. "You saved her. This is the least I can do. No objections."

Oliver had no choice but to comply.

Before he'd finished the first spoonful of congee, Ethan was already shoving another toward his mouth. By the end, Oliver felt ready to burst.

God, what had he done to deserve this? Saved a life, broken his leg, and now caught in the middle of their marital spat. This had to be the universe's idea of a cruel joke.

Vivian produced a freshly peeled apple the moment the congee disappeared. "Fruit aids digestion," she said brightly.

"Eat it," Ethan commanded.

Oliver's internal scream was almost audible: I'd rather face another car crash than endure this torture.

The apple vanished under Ethan's watchful eye. Vivian immediately produced a slice of cake. Predictably, Ethan ensured every crumb disappeared.

"You've got something on your face—" Vivian began.

Ethan was already scrubbing Oliver's face with a towel before she could finish her sentence.

It became painfully clear—Ethan would intercept every single gesture Vivian attempted to make toward Oliver.

Dominic observed the spectacle with amusement. "Never seen Nate play nurse before. Consider yourself honored, Prescott."

Oliver's strained smile begged: Shoot me now.

When Vivian finally stepped out, Ethan followed like a shadow.

"If you're angry with me, take it out on me. Stop torturing Oliver." Vivian whirled to face him in the empty hallway.

Ethan's smirk was infuriating. "Torture? I was being exceptionally attentive to my injured friend."

"Attentive?" Vivian's laugh held no humor. "You force-fed him like a goose being fattened for foie gras. That wasn't care—that was waterboarding with congee."

"He didn't complain."

"Because you'd probably break his other leg if he did!"

Ethan's gaze turned speculative. "Why so defensive over Oliver? Planning to repay him... personally?"

Vivian's mouth fell open. "You're unbelievable. Fine. If you're so worried I'll corrupt your precious friend, consider me officially out of the picture. He's all yours."

She stormed toward the elevators without looking back.

Ethan stared after her, frustration warring with confusion. How had she twisted this into him protecting Oliver?

Couldn't she see the only person he was protecting Oliver from... was herself?