Chapter 148

Vivian Laurent handed her plan to Lucas Lefèvre, and within 24 hours, results followed.

Chase Blanchet's father's company was suddenly audited by tax authorities, revealing glaring financial discrepancies. Simultaneously, police raided a private club after an anonymous tip, arresting several businessmen and politicians involved in an indecent party.

"Efficient," Vivian murmured, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she scanned the news.

Lucas texted: Everything's handled. They'll never recover from this.

Thanks, she replied.

Her phone buzzed again. Since when do you say 'thanks'? Are you an imposter?

Vivian chuckled. Yes, I'm an alien in disguise.

... Lucas responded with a string of ellipses.

Enough jokes, she typed, turning serious. Keep monitoring the situation. Alert me if anything changes.

Got it!

The next morning, Vivian headed straight to the pharmacy.

Without hesitation, she swallowed two morning-after pills. Her gaze lingered on the box, emotions flickering in her eyes. That unexpected night couldn't leave any consequences.

At the hospital, Finn Deross winced as Vivian changed his bandages.

"Ow—go easy, Dr. Luna!" he hissed through gritted teeth. "The mission was a success, wasn't it?"

Vivian pressed harder. "Success?" Her voice turned icy. "Do you have any idea what it cost me?"

Finn blinked, clueless. "What cost?"

She pursed her lips. This fool had no idea he'd nearly gotten her violated.

"Dr. Luna, seriously—who are you?" Finn leaned in, curiosity burning. "Those surveillance videos were pro-level, like something out of a spy movie!"

"Stop asking questions," she snapped.

Finn pouted. "You're so secretive. Just like my uncle..."

Vivian froze. "What uncle?"

His eyes darted away. Family rules forbade him from uttering a single word about that man.

Across the ocean, Zero's computer screen glowed in the dark.

Ever since spotting a woman who resembled Shadow in Country C, he'd been tracking events there. Now, a completed Dark Web contract caught his attention.

"Interesting," he mused.

The timing of the target's exposure matched the mission's completion—a signature Shadow move. She always cleaned up loose ends after a job.

His fingers flew across the keyboard. Though evidence was scarce, his instincts screamed: Shadow is alive. And she's in Country C.

A predatory smile curved his lips.

"Found you."