Chapter 549

The black sedan slowly pulled away. Ethan Roscente gazed through the window at the shrinking figure.

His knuckles turned white from gripping his fists too tightly. It wasn't the right time for a reunion yet, but he believed someday he could stand before Vivian Laurent openly.

"Uncle Ethan, I had so much fun today!" Theo Evans excitedly kicked his little legs in the backseat. "Aunt Vivian took me on the carousel and bought me cotton candy!"

A faint smile touched Ethan's lips. "Did she?"

"She was so gentle, always asking if I was tired." Theo counted on his fingers. "We even made plans to visit the aquarium together next time!"

Hearing the word "family," warmth spread through Ethan's chest. Since returning home, Theo had been smiling more often, gradually becoming less dependent on Sophia Evans.

"Uncle Ethan, Aunt Vivian is going on a business trip to the States tomorrow." Theo leaned forward conspiratorially. "For a whole week!"

Ethan's eyes flashed. He immediately sent a message to Simon Eisner.

The next day, Vivian boarded a flight to the States.

Her mission was to steal confidential files from a multinational CEO's phone. Intelligence indicated the target would host a private party at his villa that evening.

"Should we get an invitation?" Isabella Langley's voice came through the earpiece.

Vivian adjusted her wig in the mirror. "Too conspicuous. A server blends in better."

With practiced ease, she disguised herself as a mixed-race woman and infiltrated the waitstaff. Inside the lavish villa, no one noticed this "server" carrying champagne flutes.

The target stood surrounded by guests, his phone barely visible in his suit pocket. Vivian moved closer, planning to create an "accident" during his conversation.

The opportunity came.

A guest gestured animatedly with a wine glass while chatting. Vivian prepared to strike—

"Careful."

A pair of distinctive hands suddenly appeared, steadying the tilting glass.

Vivian's pupils contracted.

Those long, capable fingers wore a wristwatch glinting coldly under the lights. When she looked up, she nearly crushed her tray.

Ethan Roscente!

What was he doing here? Vivian gritted her teeth. Her entire plan was ruined. Worse, the man gave her that infuriating half-smile.

"Thank you." The oblivious guest took back his glass.

Ethan nodded slightly, but his gaze remained locked on Vivian. Those deep eyes seemed to say: Got you.