Chapter 118

Ethan Roscente sat in his office at Roscente Group, staring at the computer screen with a furrowed brow. The overwhelming online support for Sophia Evans unsettled him.

Simon Eisner had just finished delivering his report. The suspect apprehended by the police was a mentally unstable girl who claimed Vivian Laurent resembled the woman who stole her fiancé. The engagement ring on the girl's finger seemed to corroborate her story.

"The evidence chain is airtight, Mr. Roscente." Simon handed over the investigation file.

Ethan took the documents, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the desk. While the surface evidence appeared flawless, his instincts told him there was more to this.

"Dismissed."

Once alone, Ethan massaged his temples. The mountain of paperwork on his desk suddenly felt unbearable. He couldn't focus on a single word.

His phone vibrated abruptly. The call came from the subordinate assigned to escort Sophia abroad.

"Sir, we have a situation." The voice sounded urgent. "Ms. Evans collapsed at the airport."

Ethan shot to his feet. "What happened?"

"The doctor says it's sudden hypoglycemia."

"Take her back to the hospital." Ethan's voice turned grim. His gaze fell on the calendar—Vivian's promised assistance remained pending, and now this complication with Sophia.

Ending the call, he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, surveying the city lights. His reflection showed deeply creased brows.

Meanwhile, Vivian had just completed an eight-hour surgery. Leaning against the locker room wall, she closed her eyes to rest.

The ringing phone shattered the silence. Isabella Langley.

"Viv!" Isabella's furious voice crackled through. "That bitch Sophia is at it again!"

Vivian chuckled. "What now?"

"Those paid trolls are spreading blatant lies online! Despite concrete evidence, they're whitewashing her crimes." Isabella sounded ready to explode. "I can't swallow this!"

"Patience." Vivian changed out of her scrubs. "The fox will show its tail eventually."

"By the way, have you checked the Dark Web lately?" Isabella suddenly lowered her voice.

"No time. Why?"

"There's a one-million-dollar bounty on your head!"

Vivian paused. "One million?" She burst out laughing. "That's all I'm worth?"

"The point is someone wants you dead!" Isabella practically stomped through the phone. "Should we investigate?"

Buttoning her shirt, Vivian met her own sharp gaze in the mirror. "Unnecessary. I'd like to see who dares take this contract."

Memories surfaced—of exorbitant Dark Web contracts she'd once accepted as Nightingale, the top assassin in her former organization.

How was Zero doing now? The thought flickered and died instantly. Any connection to her past could be lethal.

"Viv, are you serious?" Isabella's voice snapped her back.

"Dead serious." Vivian grabbed her car keys. "Good exercise."

Hanging up, she exited the hospital. In the darkness, her trained senses detected multiple watching eyes. A smirk curled her lips as she deliberately slowed her pace.

Come on. Let's see who's foolish enough to try.