Chapter 576

Sophia Sherwood's attempted homicide case was closed as an incomplete offense. Since the victim remained unharmed, she was released after just seven days in detention.

Upon hearing the news, Ethan Roscente immediately gathered lavish gifts and went to apologize in person. But Vivian Laurent kept her doors firmly shut, refusing to see him. Her emotions were in turmoil—every glimpse of Ethan reminded her of the child growing inside her.

Days passed, the fetus quietly developing within her. Vivian remained torn, yet the reluctance in her heart grew more palpable. If not for this inner conflict, she wouldn't have agonized for so long.

"Vivian, are you asleep?" Ethan's knuckles rapped lightly against the door, met only with silence. He lingered outside before finally sighing.

He discreetly arranged for security to watch over Vivian. Though he knew the elite agent Shadow needed no protection, Ethan couldn't shake his unease.

Sunlight stung Sophia Sherwood's eyes as she stepped out of detention. Freedom was hers again, but clarity had come at a price.

Ethan had never cared for her. Felix Valdemar was nothing but a useless coward. And Vivian—that woman should've died! The memory of her own humiliating loss of control made Sophia's teeth grind.

Worse, the incident had left a permanent stain on her record. Not only had her plan failed, but Ethan now despised her even more. Sophia glared at her phone, scrolling through the Dark Web for contract killers.

The doorbell rang.

Alert, Sophia peered through the peephole. A man in a security uniform stood outside, his cap pulled low.

"What is it?" she called through the door.

"Downstairs reported a plumbing leak. I need to inspect your pipes." His voice was deep and smooth.

"Impossible. I haven't been home for days." Despite her words, Sophia's gaze lingered on his striking profile. There was something familiar about him, though she couldn't place it.

After a pause, she opened the door.

The moment he stepped inside, Sophia arched a brow. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?"

Liam Valdemar's pupils constricted. Had she seen through his disguise? Well, at least he could let her choose how she wanted to die.

"I knew it." Sophia smirked, tilting her chin up. "You're just a lowly security guard with a crush on me, aren't you? Using work as an excuse to get close?"

She completely missed the icy glint of murder in his eyes.