Chapter 593

Vivian Laurent had been feeling off lately.

She couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong, but an unsettling sensation clung to her—the distinct feeling of being watched.

That invisible gaze followed her everywhere, sending chills down her spine.

Today at the mall, the familiar prickle of surveillance returned.

She deliberately took the escalator up, slipped into the restroom, then exited through a side door.

She wanted to catch her stalker.

Annika Heilbronn was about to follow when a hand clamped around her wrist.

"Master?" She whirled around in shock.

Liam Valdemar stood behind her, his expression glacial.

"Are you tailing her?" His voice was arctic.

Annika lowered her head in panic.

Words failed her.

"You've been made." Liam cut her off.

"Impossible! I maintained a safe distance." Her eyes widened in disbelief.

For the past two days, she'd been shadowing Vivian.

She'd also been the one creating minor inconveniences—nothing lethal.

Jealousy festered in her chest over Liam's special attention toward Vivian.

"Leave. Now." The command brooked no argument.

"But Master—"

"Go!"

Annika bit her lip and stalked away, resentment burning in her chest.

She knew she'd angered him.

Once certain she was gone, Liam approached Vivian's hiding spot.

Vivian emerged from the shadows, intercepting him.

"It was you?" Her eyes narrowed.

"Is something wrong?" Liam remained impassive.

"Someone's been following me these past days. Was it you?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Vivian frowned.

She'd assumed it was an enemy, not Liam.

"Protection."

"I don't need protection."

Liam shook his head. "It's dangerous. Someone might target you."

"Who could possibly hurt me?" She arched a brow confidently.

"I know you're capable." He paused. "That Roscente nuisance—shall I eliminate him for you?"

Vivian froze.

"He hurt you before." Deadly intent flashed in Liam's eyes. "His son too. I'll handle them both."

"Don't!" She grabbed his arm. "Murder solves nothing."

"Can't bear to lose him?" Liam searched her face.

"That's not the point."

"You're avoiding the truth." His voice softened. "But I'll always stand with you."

Vivian's breath hitched.

Ethan's words about Liam's feelings surfaced in her mind.

The attention from these powerful men unsettled her.

She preferred solitude—no protectors, no complications.