Chapter 459

"Who issued the contract?" Vivian tapped her fingers against the desk.

Isabella's voice came through the phone. "An anonymous post on the Dark Web. Fifty billion bounty for the King of Eudora's head."

"Any takers?"

"Yes." Isabella hesitated. "My analysis suggests DarkKingdom accepted it. The operative is most likely Zero."

Vivian's grip tightened around her phone.

Assassinating a head of state?

The king's security was impenetrable. This mission bordered on impossible. She knew the Dark Web's rules—failure meant tenfold penalty. Fifty billion becoming five hundred. How could Zero possibly pay?

Worse still, capture meant facing international tribunal.

"Our organization never takes high-risk contracts like this," Vivian's voice strained.

"Exactly why it's suspicious." Isabella sighed. "What's his angle?"

"Keep monitoring." Vivian drew a deep breath. "Alert me immediately if anything changes."

"Understood. By the way, how's Fiona's surgery prep going?"

"Ryan's en route." Vivian gazed out the window. "Let's hope everything goes smoothly this time."

The call ended. Vivian sank into thought.

That failed mission four years ago was no accident. She still remembered the searing pain of the bullet through her shoulder. Those icy eyes in the darkness. Someone had betrayed her—yet no traces were ever found.

Now Zero walked the same dangerous path.

She closed her eyes. The boy who'd helped her up during training sessions. The partner who'd taken a knife for her in the rain. Even after leaving the organization, their bond remained.

May fate be kinder to him this time.

......

Three days later, Ryan stood gaping at the gilded palace gates.

"Dr. Laurent, this is..."

"Welcome to the Royal Palace of Eudora." Vivian smiled. "Fiona is the princess here."

Ryan's knees nearly buckled.