Chapter 582

Annika's fingers trembled slightly.

She finally understood why Master Zero had taken this dangerous mission.

Shadow.

The legendary operative who was supposed to be dead.

Master Zero had never stopped searching for Shadow. This mission was just a ruse. He was gambling with his life to lure out the person hiding in the shadows.

"Go back," Zero's voice was terrifyingly calm. "The organization needs you."

He suddenly reached out and gently ruffled Annika's hair.

The gesture made her eyes burn.

"I'm not a child anymore," she said stubbornly.

A faint smile tugged at Zero's lips. "To me, you'll always be my little girl."

Annika bit her lower lip.

She wanted to ask him what that woman meant to him. But she didn't dare. She was afraid of the answer.

"Master, let me stay for a few days," she pleaded softly. "I need to know you're safe."

Zero hesitated before nodding.

Annika noticed the change in him. The ruthless assassin now had warmth in his eyes.

It made her heart ache.

Because of Shadow.

Only Shadow could make him like this.

"Don't blow your cover," Zero warned.

Annika immediately brightened. This meant she could stay by his side openly.

"There's something I need you to handle," Zero said suddenly.

"Anything, Master."

"I killed someone."

Annika's expression remained neutral. For people like them, killing was as ordinary as drinking water.

"The body was discovered too soon," Zero said flatly. "I staged it as a suicide, but the police aren't buying it. Find a scapegoat."

"Consider it done."

Annika followed Zero into the apartment, her heart racing. She'd been looking forward to this time alone with him.

Meanwhile, at Ethan Roscente's private club...

Felix Valdemar's glass slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor.

"Sophia Sherwood is dead?" His voice shook. "That's impossible!"

Ethan's expression was grave. "Preliminary reports say suicide."

"Suicide?" Felix shot to his feet. "She would never kill herself!"

Patrick Alpinus set down his file, sharpness flashing in his eyes.

"The woman from last time?" he asked.

As an Interpol agent, Patrick's instincts immediately kicked in.

Ethan nodded. "The case is suspicious."

Patrick narrowed his eyes. "I can look into it before my vacation ends."

The three men exchanged glances.

The air grew thick with tension.