Chapter 258

"Master, you're finally back!" Finn Deross bounded toward her like an excited puppy. "I sent you over a dozen messages this afternoon. You didn't reply to any of them."

Vivian Laurent hung her bag on the hallway hook. "My phone was on silent."

"I knew it!" Finn leaned closer, then blinked. "Huh? Master, why is your face so red?"

Vivian turned away. "It's hot."

"But it's winter." Finn tilted his head. "Unless...you had dinner with Ethan Roscente?"

Vivian's steps faltered.

"I had dinner with a dog," she blurted out.

Then she remembered Ryan Fairsprene had been present and added, "To be precise, one human and one dog."

Finn's eyes lit up. "So Ethan was there after all?"

Vivian: "..."

Since when had her apprentice become so sharp?

"Master, when did you get a dog?" Finn suddenly asked, head cocked. "You brought a pet to dinner with Ethan?"

Vivian couldn't resist knocking his forehead. "Are you brain-dead? Ethan is the dog!"

Finn rubbed his head. "How was I supposed to know that? But Master, why are you blushing just from having dinner with Ethan?"

Vivian headed upstairs. "Did you finish your assignments? Or are you just here to gossip?"

"All done!" Finn hurried after her. "But I need your advice on something."

He handed her a tablet with a conspiratorial air.

The screen displayed the latest Dark Web bounty: In three days, an exclusive high-stakes gambling event would take place on a luxury cruise in international waters. The ultimate prize was the Stella Maris Necklace.

The necklace featured 128 flawless diamonds and was rumored to have been passed down through European royalty for a century. Currently valued at over $100 million, it was considered priceless.

"I want it," Finn said with rare seriousness. "My mother's birthday is next month."

Vivian arched a brow. "You're taking this mission?"

"No. I'm going to gamble for it myself." His gaze hardened. "I want to win it for her with my own hands."

Waves lapped gently against the cruise ship as crystal chandeliers bathed the casino in daylight brilliance. Finn nervously adjusted his bowtie and glanced at Vivian. "Master, can we really win?"

Vivian smirked. "Getting cold feet?"

"Of course not!" He squared his shoulders. "I just..."

"Remember what I taught you." Vivian cut him off. "Tonight's opponents are seasoned gamblers, but everyone has a weakness."

Her eyes flickered toward Ethan Roscente, who was sipping wine nearby. Sensing her gaze, he raised his glass in salute.

Finn followed her line of sight and gaped. "Why is he here?"

Vivian looked away. "Seems tonight won't be peaceful."