Chapter 826

"Did you truly know nothing about Annika's crimes?"

Liam's brow furrowed slightly. "What has she done?"

"Sophia Sherwood, Bianca Semona's parents, Sophia Evans..." Vivian listed each offense coldly. "She even impersonated Dr. Luna's identity."

Liam's pupils constricted sharply. "She dared to—"

Vivian studied his reaction intently. "You really didn't know?"

"If I say no, you won't believe me." Liam gave a bitter smile. "During our hot springs meeting, she only asked me to return to the organization."

"I refused. Told her to keep my existence secret. I assumed she'd stay quietly within the ranks..."

His voice darkened. "If she's truly crossed the line, I'll discipline her as her master."

"This isn't about discipline." Vivian's tone sharpened. "These are criminal offenses."

Liam's gaze turned shadowed. "I understand. But if she's prosecuted, the organization will discover we're still alive."

"Then..." He paused. "I'll take full responsibility."

"That's not what I meant!" Vivian protested urgently.

Liam raised a silencing hand. "You've always upheld justice. The fault lies with us. The punishment should be ours."

The doorbell chimed abruptly.

Turning, Liam opened the door to find Lucas and Isabella restraining a bound Annika.

Duct tape sealed the young agent's mouth, but her eyes burned with feral defiance.

Isabella smirked coldly. "Keep glaring and I'll gouge those eyes out myself."

"We caught her." Lucas looked to Vivian. "Your call on handling this."

Annika locked eyes with Liam for one fractured second. His gaze was glacial.

She understood instantly—her master must never be implicated.