Chapter 458
Zero's fingers traced the phone screen absently. Complex emotions swirled in his eyes.
Four years.
She hadn't contacted him once.
Even after her rebirth, she'd left him buried in the recesses of her memory.
Perhaps she'd already moved on, unwilling to even speak his name.
It was time to make her remember.
"Master." Annika's voice came from behind, tentative.
She'd been standing there awhile, watching Zero stare at his phone.
As she approached, she glimpsed the photo onscreen. Her pupils constricted.
That woman... it was the legendary Shadow.
After all these years, he still kept her picture?
Zero locked the screen instantly. His expression smoothed when he turned. "Yes?"
"I just completed an S-rank mission." Annika smiled sweetly. "I wanted to celebrate with you."
She gazed up at him, eyes brimming with admiration.
Zero frowned slightly.
Lately, he'd noticed Annika resembled Shadow more and more.
But Shadow never smiled so obediently. Her eyes had always burned with defiance, arrogant as a queen.
Missions were routine for her. She'd never make a fuss over completing one.
Annika tensed as Zero's gaze grew distant.
He was looking at her, yet seeing someone else.
Shadow again.
Jealousy coiled in her chest like a venomous snake. How could this woman she'd never met hold her master's heart so completely?
"Master?" Her voice rose sharply.
Zero's focus snapped back. His tone turned cool. "Go ahead without me. I have business."
He stood and left without hesitation.
Annika's smile froze. Her nails dug bloody crescents into her palms.
Back in his room, Zero logged into the Dark Web.
With practiced ease, he switched accounts. First, he posted a bounty—50 billion for the assassination of F Kingdom's royal family.
Then he accepted the contract with another account.
The screen's blue glow illuminated his face, etching a predatory smile.
Time to set the hook.
......
Vivian jolted awake to insistent ringing.
She fumbled for her phone. Isabella's name flashed onscreen.
"What's wrong?" She was instantly alert.
"Check the Dark Web!" Isabella's voice crackled with excitement. "Someone posted a 50-billion bounty on the King of F Kingdom!"