Chapter 753

Undercurrents

Annika Heilbronn stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her fingertips tracing the outline of her reflection on the glass.

A cold smirk curled her lips.

That fool Vivian Laurent still hadn't discovered the elaborate trap she'd set. Those dead people were merely stepping stones paving her way.

Master Zero was right—now wasn't the optimal time to strike against Vivian.

Her phone vibrated with an incoming message from Zoe Chamberlain. Annika scanned the list of elite names on the screen with satisfaction.

These people all believed Zoe was Dr. Luna.

The plane touched down at Capital Airport. Vivian massaged her stiff shoulders.

Ten hours of flight left her exhausted, but the sight of Isabella Langley and Lucas Lefèvre waiting for her instantly revived her spirits.

"You both came?" Vivian quickened her pace toward them.

Isabella pulled her into a tight embrace. "If you'd stayed away any longer, I would've flown to Eudora to drag you back."

Lucas took her luggage. "You've lost weight."

Vivian gave a tired smile. "Too much going on lately."

From the attack on Queen Eleanor to Theo's accident and Zoe's impersonation—each incident had drained her.

"Let's talk at home," Isabella said, linking arms with her.

In the car, Vivian watched the scenery blur past the window.

"Any progress with Zoe?" she asked abruptly.

Isabella shook her head. "Still investigating. But..."

Her gaze flickered to Vivian's abdomen.

Vivian understood the unspoken question. "He doesn't know," she murmured.

As the car entered the Valrose estate gates, the sight of Liam Valdemar made Vivian freeze mid-step.

"What are you doing here?" Instinctively, her hand moved to shield her stomach.

Liam's hungry eyes roved over her face. "I missed you."

He stepped forward. Vivian retreated subtly.

"I'm tired. We'll talk another time." She turned to leave.

Liam suddenly seized her wrist. "Now that you're back, don't leave again."

Vivian wrenched free, her expression turning glacial. "My affairs are none of your concern."

As she walked away, a dark glint flashed in Liam's eyes.

Annika lowered her binoculars, pleased.

Liam's obsession with Vivian ran deeper than she'd anticipated.

This move had been perfectly played.