Chapter 687

Annika Heilbronn accepted the mission without hesitation. This was the opportunity she'd been dreaming of.

"Master Zero, rest assured. I won't fail." Excitement flashed in Annika's eyes.

A lingering question haunted her—had her master already targeted Vivian four years ago?

After that mission, she'd secretly investigated for months. She'd uncovered traces of Master Zero's involvement.

So much for his supposed feelings for Vivian. Annika would be content if Vivian simply disappeared.

......

The next morning, Liam Valdemar arrived early at Vivian's doorstep.

He found her just stepping out with luggage in tow.

"Shadow... I mean, Vivian." Liam called out. "Where are you going?"

The suitcase suggested a trip.

"An impromptu visit to Eudora." Vivian offered an apologetic smile. "Is it urgent? I should've told you earlier."

"No matter." Liam's gaze flickered. His carefully laid plans were unraveling.

If she stayed away too long, everything would collapse.

"When will you return?"

"Undetermined."

"Fine. I'll wait."

Just then, Ethan Roscente's car pulled up nearby. He deliberately stepped out.

"What a coincidence... Mr. Lu."

Liam used the alias "Lu Liam" publicly. Ethan emphasized it mockingly.

"Why are you here?" Liam turned to Vivian. "Is he accompanying you to Eudora?"

Before Ethan could respond, Vivian interjected, "He's just driving me to the airport."

Ethan's chest tightened. Why would Vivian downplay their relationship in front of Liam?

Did she care about this man's feelings?

Acid bitterness spread through him, but his devotion remained unshaken.

Vivian had other concerns—if Liam learned the truth, he'd insist on coming.

The resort clash still fresh in memory, she wanted no repeats.

"Driver Ethan, we're leaving." Vivian shot Ethan a warning glare.

Obediently, Ethan returned to the wheel.

With boarding time approaching, Vivian had to cut the conversation short.

"Call if anything comes up," she told Liam.

He forced a smile. "Go ahead. Stay safe."

"Goodbye!"

Vivian waved and entered the car. Theo Evans, hidden by the rear seats, remained unseen.

Through the rearview mirror, she watched Liam's retreating figure. Something felt unsaid.

Once they'd driven a distance, Ethan finally spoke.

"Calling me just a driver... afraid he'd misunderstand?"

"Misunderstand what?" Vivian looked baffled.

"Our relationship. You didn't want him knowing we're traveling together."

Vivian massaged her temples. "Since when are you this sensitive? This is a medical trip for the Queen, not a vacation. His tagging along would complicate things."

The storm clouds in Ethan's heart instantly cleared. She wasn't protecting Liam's feelings—she found him bothersome.