Chapter 818

Dawn had barely broken when Vivian Laurent arrived at the Delmonico residence with Bianca Semona in tow.

Madeline Delmonico's tense shoulders relaxed the moment she saw Vivian.

"Dr. Laurent, I didn't sleep a wink last night." Madeline twisted her handkerchief. "What should I do now?"

Vivian gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Stay calm. Just talk to Annika as usual when she arrives."

Bianca stood nearby, confusion written across her face.

"Vivian, what exactly are you planning?" she finally blurted out.

Vivian shot her a meaningful glance. "You'll learn the truth soon enough."

The two women were instructed to conceal themselves.

Moments later, Annika Heilbronn strode into the parlor, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

"Madeline, I see you've made your choice?" Annika's lips curled into a cold smile as she surveyed the room.

Madeline forced composure. "I'm still considering—"

"Though you didn't expect to see me here, did you?" Vivian stepped into view.

Annika whirled around, pupils dilating. "Vivian!"

Realization dawned. She'd been set up.

"You're working together against me?" Fury laced Annika's voice.

Vivian advanced slowly. "I prefer to call it exposing the truth."

Annika's expression darkened.

"Annika Heilbronn, Summer, or perhaps you prefer your original name?" Vivian locked eyes with her. "Which do you like best?"

Annika's fingers trembled slightly.

"Stop with the theatrics," she sneered, though her voice lacked conviction.

Vivian remained calm. "Sophia Sherwood's death. Bianca's parents' 'accident.' And let's not forget Sophia Evans..."

"Slander!" Annika snapped.

"All staged to look like accidents with no culprits." Vivian took another step forward. "Who else could orchestrate such perfect crimes?"

Annika's breathing quickened.

"Prove it," she challenged, tilting her chin up.

Vivian produced a file from her bag. "It's all here."

Bianca could no longer contain herself. She rushed forward. "You killed my parents?"

Annika's face drained of color.