Chapter 360

Hayden, quick as ever, caught my juice before it spilled. Before I could turn around, I heard Lena's voice.

“Kiki, you’re something else. Maybe I should start taking notes,” she teased, sliding beside me with a mischievous grin.

I swatted her arm lightly. “Scaring people isn’t cool.”

“If you’re scared, I definitely can’t afford the compensation. Right, Hayden?” Lena gave him a playful look.

This girl—around Nate, she was all sweet and innocent; with anyone else, pure sass. How she managed that switch in front of Nate, I'll never know.

“Where’s Nate?” I asked, glancing at his empty seat.

Lena shrugged, settling beside me. Her eyes flicked to Hayden. “Hayden, seriously? Two plates, and Kiki’s got none? Not exactly boyfriend-of-the-year material.”

She said it knowing Hayden had eaten my leftovers.

I nudged her under the table, hoping she’d calm down. It’s one thing for us to joke, but I didn’t want Hayden feeling awkward. He might take it personally.

But Hayden didn’t blink. He kept eating, completely unfazed. “Her plate’s right here,” he said calmly.

Lena’s grin widened. “Oh, so you two are sharing a meal now? That’s cute.”

“Yeah? Maybe you and Professor Neumann should try it next time,” Hayden retorted, equally unfazed.

I laughed, and Lena playfully pinched me—right where I’d had my blood drawn.

I winced. “Ow!”

Hayden immediately intervened. “She just had blood drawn from that arm.”

Lena froze, her teasing vanishing. Her eyes softened. “Wait, what? Are you okay?”

“I had a fever,” I said, leaning dramatically on her shoulder. “And now you’re bullying a sick person.”

Lena instantly went into mother-mode, feeling my forehead. “Why’d you get a fever? Where does it hurt?”

“My throat feels like I swallowed razor blades,” I pouted, exaggerating.

“Sounds like a viral infection. How long ago was the blood test?” she asked, concerned.

“8:30 this morning. We’re still waiting for results,” I said, glancing at Hayden, who was calmly finishing his meal. He was always so calm.

Lena glanced at her watch. “The basic results should be out by now.” She smirked. “You’re looking pretty lively for someone who’s supposed to be sick—especially with all that flirting with Hayden. I think you’ll survive.”

Classic Lena—never missing a chance to tease me, even with Hayden present. But I wasn’t backing down. “Well, duh. With Hayden taking such good care of me, how could I not get better?”

“Exactly. Love cures all,” Lena teased, standing. “I’ll head out. Once you get your results, come find me.”

I waved playfully. She rolled her eyes, but before leaving, asked, “Which department did you go to? I can check in for you.”

“Fever clinic,” I replied. Then I noticed a man walking toward us.

At first, I thought he was approaching Hayden, but then I heard him say, “Dr. Lane.”

Lena’s demeanor shifted instantly—her face darkened, her eyebrows furrowed. I saw irritation flash in her eyes.

Knowing her for years, I knew something was wrong. I stood, ready to support her.

“Dr. Lane, I’ve been looking for you. Didn’t expect to find you here,” the man said, his eyes fixed on Lena in a way that made my skin crawl. His sleazy vibe was unmistakable.