The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 46

Vivian barely slept that night. As soon as dawn broke, she grabbed her last piece of luggage and drove straight to the office.

Almost everything that needed packing was gone, leaving the space hollow and empty.

"Vivian."

Zoe walked up from behind. "Is there anything else you need me to take care of?"

"No, that's everything." Vivian turned to her with a smile. "You did great. Go home and pack your things. We're leaving together tomorrow."

Zoe looked at her striking features and nodded.

"Alright."

Without the computers, the office felt inexplicably desolate. Vivian stood by the window, her black dress billowing in the wind. From a distance, she looked like a resilient rose clinging to the edge of a cliff, blooming proudly against the gale.

She gazed out over the city, taking in the sprawling modern skyline.

Her mother had built Astra Media from the ground up decades ago.

Now, she was relocating it to Northside...

"You won't blame me, right?"

Her soft murmur was carried away by the wind, fading into silence.

After standing there for what felt like hours, Vivian took a deep breath, grabbed her suitcase, and headed downstairs without looking back.

***

In an office at the hospital, Jonah had just finished a surgery. Having been awake all night, his face was lined with exhaustion.

At the sound of a knock, he called out firmly, "Come in."

"Oh, Dr. Granger, I'm so sorry."

Dr. Giles flashed an obsequious smile. "My wife was running a fever last night, and I couldn't leave her side. I really appreciate you stepping in to handle this surgery for me."

Jonah looked up impassively. "As long as the patient is fine."

"Yes, exactly! Everyone knows Dr. Granger has the best bedside manner."

Dr. Giles continued to heap on the praise, waving a hand dismissively. "You were in surgery all night, Dr. Granger. You should go home and get some rest. I'll cover your shift today. Don't worry, you can count on me!"

Jonah shot him a glance. "Then I'll leave it in your capable hands, Dr. Giles."

He stood, slipped into his own coat, and strode out of the office on his long legs.

Once in the parking garage, he checked the time on his watch.

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