Chapter 983

Victor Laurent suddenly remembered something. He hopped back to the hospital bed on one foot and grabbed the bottle of Jo Malone cologne, spritzing it liberally. The crisp scent of English Pear & Freesia instantly filled the room.

He'd specifically chosen this fragrance for tonight—a youthful, summery blend with just the right touch of boyish charm.

Even during his two-day hospital stay, he hadn't been idle. When he'd asked about Vivian Dempsey's recent preferences and heard she'd developed a liking for younger men, he'd adjusted his strategy immediately. The glasses stayed, but everything else leaned younger.

The caregiver chuckled knowingly. "Still in the honeymoon phase with that girl who visits you? Young people these days—injured but still determined to date."

Aside from Alexander Hamilton, Vivian was the only one who'd come to see him recently.

Victor's smile froze for a split second before he replied matter-of-factly, "You've got it backwards. I'm the one pursuing her." His words were clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Vivian hated gossip more than anything. No matter how close they were, this wasn't negotiable.

The caregiver awkwardly rubbed his hands together. "Ah...my apologies. I just assumed..."

The door swung open abruptly. Vivian strode in, twirling her car keys. "Ready to go?"

Victor, who'd been listless all afternoon, instantly perked up. "Absolutely!"

If not for the cast on his right foot, he would've bounded over immediately.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Vivian assumed he was eager for the reunion. She pushed forward the rented wheelchair. "Hop in."

She always had patience with the injured.

Victor shook his head vehemently at the wheelchair. "No way. If I show up to the reunion like this, everyone will think I'm on death's door."

"Not that badly hurt, huh?" Vivian rolled her eyes, then spotted the crutches in the corner. "Those, then?"

Victor's eyes lit up. He snatched the crutches and made for the door with the energy of a man on stilts.

Vivian followed with a sigh, suddenly understanding how that client with the hyperactive husky must feel.

Noticing her gaze, Victor preened internally. So what if he was twenty-five? Still a rising star!

To showcase his vitality, he marched ahead with surprising speed on the crutches, only wiping his brow discreetly once safely in the car.

Two days without exercise, and his stamina was already slipping.

His injured foot needed space, relegating him to the backseat. As he watched Vivian in the driver's seat, he suddenly burst out laughing—first a suppressed chuckle, then full-bodied laughter.

Vivian, who'd just changed into flats, checked the rearview mirror in confusion. Her ponytail was intact, lipstick unblemished.

When his laughter subsided, she smacked his knee. "What's so funny?"

"Remember how we used to go out in high school?" Victor's eyes still glistened with mirth.

"Of course. Evelyn and I taught you to ride a bike." Vivian started the car as the evening breeze rushed through open windows.

"Back then it was either buses or bikes. That weekend we wanted to hike the mountain, and you suddenly admitted you couldn't ride!"

"I genuinely didn't know how." Even now, the memory made Victor cringe. That trip would've been canceled without Vivian's quick thinking.

A smile tugged at Vivian's lips unbidden. "But you learned eventually. Evelyn and I pushed you from behind while you kept looking back to make sure we hadn't let go."

She'd thought those memories were long forgotten. Victor's words were like a key, suddenly unlocking the floodgates.

That entire afternoon, they'd run up and down the same mountain path just to teach Victor. The tallest boy in class, yet the most afraid of falling. Vivian had held the bike seat until he found his balance, only releasing her grip when he was steady. By the time he noticed, he'd already ridden far ahead—nearly toppling over in surprise.