Chapter 581

"Murder and arson are strictly prohibited here."

Vivian's voice was soft but carried unshakable conviction.

"If you choose to live as an ordinary person, you must abide by ordinary rules."

She was reminding Zero that since he'd decided to leave the organization, he should completely abandon those dark methods.

"I understand."

Zero's response was brief and firm.

Vivian said no more. Though her instincts told her this matter involved Zero, she had no evidence.

More importantly, Zero had no motive.

Surely he wouldn't have targeted Sophia Sherwood just for her sake?

Her conflict with Sophia hadn't reached a life-or-death level yet.

Halfway home, Vivian suddenly hailed a taxi.

"I'm tired. I'll take a cab. You should rest early too."

Without hesitation, Zero followed her into the vehicle.

"I promised to see you home. I keep my word."

Unable to dissuade him, Vivian let him escort her.

As she exited the car, Zero suddenly called out.

"Shadow... no, Vivian."

"Yes?"

"You and Ethan Roscente... is it really over between you?"

Her heart skipped a beat.

Legally, they were already divorced.

But the tiny life growing inside her felt like an invisible thread still binding them together.

"Why do you ask?"

She avoided giving a direct answer.

Zero shook his head.

"Just concerned he might cause you trouble. Call me if you need help."

"Thank you."

Vivian turned toward her apartment complex.

The moment her back was turned, Zero dropped all pretense. His razor-sharp glare sent the driver stomping on the accelerator in panic.

When Zero returned to his residence, he found someone waiting at his door.

"Master!"

Annika rushed forward, eyes glistening with tears.

"I told you not to come here."

Zero's voice was glacial.

"But I was worried about you!"

Annika's voice trembled.

"I saw you having dinner with her. She's alive, isn't she? You did all this for her, didn't you?"

Initially, Annika knew nothing—only that she'd desperately tried to rescue her master.

When news broke about the Dark Web prison break, she'd begun suspecting the truth.

For days she'd searched frantically, finally spotting Zero today.

What shocked her most was seeing that woman in person.

The photos hadn't done her justice—she was breathtakingly beautiful.

What hurt most was the tenderness in her master's eyes when he looked at her, an expression she'd never seen directed at herself.

"Tell no one about this."

Zero's tone turned dangerous.

"Did you leave the organization without permission?"

Annika shook her head.

"I came under mission pretext."

"Good."

Zero's eyes narrowed threateningly.

"Remember—not a word to anyone. Or else..."

Annika's heart felt slashed open.

Or else what? Would her master kill her?

After all these years together, what did she even mean to him?

"Master... will you return to the organization?"

She choked back sobs.

"Can I come with you? I want to remain your apprentice forever..."