Chapter 619

Vivian spun around sharply, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor.

"How much longer are you planning to follow me?" She glared at the man trailing behind her.

Ethan Roscente leaned against the wall with a lazy smirk, one hand tucked in his pocket. "A bodyguard who doesn't guard his charge isn't much of a bodyguard, is he?"

"I don't need one."

"That's not your call to make."

Vivian exhaled sharply and pushed open her office door. Ethan slipped in before she could shut it.

"Out."

"I'll be quiet." He raised his hands in surrender and retreated to lean against the wall. "Won't disturb the CEO at work."

She ignored him, settling behind her desk to review documents. In her periphery, his towering frame remained motionless—a silent sentinel in the corner.

Liam Valdemar ended the call and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. Ten minutes later, Annika Heilbronn slid into the passenger seat.

"Master Zero!" Her voice dripped saccharine sweetness.

He didn't look at her as he started the engine.

"Why did you kill that man?" His tone was casual, as if discussing the weather.

Annika's smile froze. "What are you talking about?"

"I told you not to touch Vivian Laurent."

"I didn't!" She grabbed his arm desperately. "Master, you have to believe me—"

He shook her off, his gaze glacial.

"Recite the organization's rules."

All color drained from her face. Trembling, she retrieved a folding knife from her bag. The blade glinted coldly in the sunlight.

"I'm sorry, Master..."

The knife sliced across her forearm. Blood welled instantly. She produced a packet of salt next, tearing it open with her teeth.

When the salt hit the wound, Annika let out a piercing scream. She curled into herself on the seat, sweat soaking her bangs.

Liam watched impassively.

"Enough." He handed her a tissue pack. "Bandage it."

Tears blurred her vision as she looked up. "Do you forgive me?"

"Don't let it happen again." He pushed the car door open. "Next time, our master-disciple relationship ends here."

The door slammed shut. Annika stared at his retreating figure, nails digging bloody crescents into her palms.

Why? She'd even gotten plastic surgery to resemble Vivian. Why wouldn't Master Zero spare her a second glance?

The cruelest irony? Her investigations suggested the very man who'd failed Vivian's mission years ago might have been Liam himself.