Chapter 827

Vivian Laurent tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Weren't you boasting about taking my life? Now that your master is here, why don't you seize the opportunity?"

Annika Heilbronn stood rigid in the corner, her spine straight. The ruthless aura around her was unmistakably similar to Zero's.

Liam Valdemar spoke suddenly, his voice icy. "Kneel."

Annika's knees hit the ground with a heavy thud. "Master."

"Vivian told me about your recent actions." Zero's fingertip traced the rim of his teacup. "Annika, you've disappointed me."

"Forgive me, Master." Annika raised her hand and struck her own cheek with brutal force. The sharp slap echoed through the room, leaving her face swollen and red.

Isabella Langley, standing nearby, instinctively touched her own face.

These slaps were nothing to Annika. The real punishments within the organization were excruciating beyond imagination.

"I demand an explanation." Zero's tone held no emotion. "Do you understand what you've done?"

"It's my fault." Annika pressed her forehead to the floor. "I was jealous of Vivian. I thought you abandoned the organization because of her..."

She took full responsibility, making it seem as though Zero had no prior knowledge.

The Annika kneeling now was a far cry from the arrogant woman she'd been moments ago.

"And for that, you killed so many?"

"Master, I accept any punishment." Her voice trembled. "I know the rules—absolute obedience."

Vivian watched coldly. She knew the organization's laws too well—orders from superiors were absolute. Lower-ranking members had no right to defend themselves.

In that brutal world, every trial was like pitting scorpions in a jar—only one would emerge alive.

The organization's punishments were horrifying. Beatings and electric shocks were mere appetizers. In severe cases, limbs were severed. And betrayal? That only ended in death.

"Shadow, I need time to investigate." Zero turned to Vivian. "If her crimes are confirmed, Annika is yours to deal with."

"No!" Annika suddenly lunged forward, clinging to Zero's feet. "Master, please don't hand me over to them!"

Vivian narrowed her eyes. She saw through the act—Zero was protecting Annika. The organization would never allow one of their own to fall into police hands.

Especially since Zero had a special relationship with the Director. He was likely the next successor. Getting Annika out would only be a matter of time.

Annika's desperate performance only exposed their scheme.