Chapter 739
The call ended abruptly.
He immediately dialed Annika's number.
She picked up with her usual swiftness.
"Master Zero!" Her voice bubbled with barely contained excitement.
"Do you have instructions for me?" Her tone grew noticeably brighter.
"How are you handling the Zoe Chamberlain situation?"
A sudden silence filled the line for a full second.
"Master... I don't quite understand." Annika's voice turned cautious.
"You think you can hide things from me?"
Her breath hitched audibly.
"Master, I was wrong!" She rushed to apologize. "If this displeases you, I'll stop immediately. I just... thought you seemed displeased with Vivian..."
Her words trailed off into a mumble, carrying a performative note of grievance rather than genuine remorse.
"Continue."
Annika froze.
"I... wasn't planning anything major." She tentatively outlined her scheme.
Only a quiet hum responded through the phone.
"You're not angry?"
"Why would I be?"
Her pulse accelerated. Was her master tacitly approving her actions?
"You're the best, Master! I adore you!" The words burst from her lips before she could stop them.
"Never say such things again."
Her heart plummeted.
"But why, Master..."
"Have you forgotten the rules?"
"N-no." Her voice trembled.
First rule of their organization: Absolute obedience. No questions asked.
The call disconnected abruptly. Annika clutched her phone, thoughts churning.
Her master's attitude toward Vivian was perplexing. He seemed to despise her, yet...
This worked to her advantage. As long as her master no longer favored Vivian...
The online storm intensified.
Queen Eleanor personally stepped forward to endorse Vivian, declaring her the true Dr. Luna.
"My daughter's health improved solely through Dr. Laurent's exceptional skills."
The Queen deliberately omitted Fiona's facial disfigurement, citing only general health concerns.
"Even the child I carry owes its wellbeing to Dr. Laurent. Henceforth, any enemy of hers is an enemy of the Eudoran royal family."
Her statement carried undeniable weight.
But Annika had prepared for this. She'd mobilized several influential society matrons to champion Zoe's cause.
"My chronic condition was cured by Zoe Chamberlain—she's the real Dr. Luna."
These women owed Annika favors, now conveniently called due.