Chapter 297

"Dominic Atlante is ruthless." Lucas Lefèvre lowered his voice. "They say the blood on his hands could dye an entire river red."

Vivian Laurent tapped the table lightly. "The rumors might be exaggerated, but they're not far from the truth."

"Are you insane?" Both siblings slammed their hands on the table simultaneously.

Isabella Langley set down her coffee cup with a clatter. "Keeping Finn Deross by your side is like carrying a ticking time bomb."

"Finn as a spy?" Vivian burst out laughing. "The boy stutters when he lies."

"What if he's faking it..." Lucas frowned deeply.

"He couldn't keep up the act for three days." Vivian waved her hand dismissively. "If it comes to deception, who's fooling who remains to be seen."

Isabella snorted. "True. That kid's definitely missing a few screws."

Miles away at the Atlante residence, Finn suddenly sneezed.

"But there's been movement on the Dark Web since your Winner identity was exposed." Isabella changed the subject. "Someone put a bounty on that necklace. The contract was accepted, but no action's been taken. That's highly unusual."

Vivian's eyes sharpened. She knew the Dark Web's rules - accepted contracts must be executed, or face astronomical penalties.

"The necklace is already in Mrs. Atlante's possession." Vivian tapped the table. "I went through auction procedures. Two hundred million anonymous transaction."

Money transferred from one pocket to another, perfectly laundering its origins.

"The weather's perfect today..." Isabella suddenly stretched. "How about some horseback riding?"

Lucas glanced out the window. "I'm game."

"Let's bring a young friend." Vivian shook her phone. "An eighteen-year-old girl. My former patient."

Isabella's eyes widened. "Don't tell me it's the Roscente—"

"Don't be ridiculous." Vivian rolled her eyes. "Emily Garnache, heiress to the Garnache Group."

Emily was bored out of her mind at home when Vivian's call came through. She nearly jumped off the couch in excitement.

"Dad said yes!" The girl's bright voice came through the receiver. "Dr. Laurent, wait while I change!"

Thirty minutes later, a pink sports car pulled up in front of the Garnache mansion. Emily bounded into the vehicle like a bird set free from its cage.

"Finally getting out!" Her eyes sparkled. "Dad wouldn't even let me walk in the garden."

Vivian ruffled her hair. "We'll have fun today."

Three cars headed toward the Royal Equestrian Club in the suburbs. Sunlight filtered through clouds, casting dappled shadows on the asphalt.