Chapter 120

The woman's voice cut through the darkness like a razor.

"Did you consider the consequences when you decided to kill me?"

The assassin shuddered. "You knew I was coming?"

Impossible. This was a private contract from the Dark Web—a place ordinary people couldn't access.

"A million dollars? That's all my life is worth?" Vivian Laurent chuckled.

Cold sweat drenched the assassin's back. She even knew the payment amount.

"Spare... spare me..."

"Do you know where the last person who tried to kill me is now?" Vivian's tone was glacial.

"Who?"

"Sophia Evans. Still lying in the ICU." Her voice was merciless. "I don't let assassins walk away."

The assassin discreetly pulled out knockout powder and flung it at her.

Vivian sidestepped. Seizing the chance, he yanked a needle from his collar and bolted.

She didn't give chase.

The villa's lights suddenly blazed to life. The assassin reached the staircase—only to slip on the oil Isabella Langley had poured. He tumbled down the steps.

"This is your skill level?" Isabella doubled over laughing.

With a broken leg, the assassin was swiftly tied up.

"Who the hell are you people?" he snarled.

Isabella pointed at Vivian descending the stairs. "She's your mentor's mentor."

Confusion twisted his face.

Vivian looked down at him. "Did the Dark Web lower their recruitment standards?"

"I—I've never failed before!" he spat.

"Which organization sent you?"

"None."

"Let him go," Vivian said abruptly.

Everyone froze.

"Viv!" Isabella protested. "He tried to kill you!"

"He's useful alive." Her tone left no room for argument.

Lucas Lefèvre suggested, "Should I have him tailed?"

"Unnecessary." Vivian was certain. "His injuries will slow him down."

She had anticipated this. Deliberately leaking her location online, she'd set a trap. When Isabella and the others spread oil on the stairs, she'd thought it overkill.

Turns out, it came in handy.