Chapter 511

The hospital room reeked of antiseptic.

Vivian Laurent stood by the bed, gazing at the frail figure.

"Liam," she whispered.

The man's lashes fluttered. His pale lips trembled as he struggled to sit up. "Shadow?" His voice shook with disbelief.

"It's me." Vivian dropped all pretense now that the rescue was complete.

"You...really are Shadow?"

Liam's disheveled bangs accentuated his pallor. He reached out with trembling fingers.

"Am I alive? Or is this heaven?"

Vivian had never seen him so fragile—like glass that might shatter at a touch.

"We're both alive." She clasped his hand. "This is a hospital in Canada. You're safe."

Suddenly he pulled her into a crushing embrace.

His face buried against her chest hid the calculating glint in his eyes.

Everything had gone according to plan.

From issuing the assassination contract to accepting it himself, then getting captured intentionally—each step designed to lure out the long-missing Shadow.

He had to know why she'd been avoiding him.

"I thought I'd never see you again." His voice cracked with emotion.

Vivian's heart twisted. Liam had always been too good to her. Had his capture been...

She allowed the embrace but remained clear-headed. Their bond was one of life-and-death camaraderie, sibling affection—never romance.

"I'm sorry for keeping secrets." She spoke softly. "When you're stronger, I'll explain everything."

"Ahem!"

Lucas Lefèvre's cough shattered the moment.

Vivian released Liam. "This is Isabella Langley and Lucas Lefèvre. They helped rescue you."

Liam's gaze flickered over them, his sharpness vanishing instantly.

"Thank you for saving me."

"Don't mention it!" Isabella grinned brightly. "Vivian's friends are our friends too."

She studied Liam covertly. This man was nothing like Dominic Atlante—no agent's edge, just boyish sunshine.