Chapter 828

Vivian gave a slight nod, signaling Isabella to take Annika away.

"Master Zero! Please don't abandon me!" Annika screamed, struggling against the restraints.

Liam stood with his back to her, unmoving.

"I'll continue investigating," Vivian said, locking eyes with him. "If you truly knew nothing, that's for the best."

But if he had condoned it—or worse, ordered it...

Liam gave a bitter smile. "Shadow, you may not think me a good man, but I swear I knew nothing about this. I have my limits. I don't condone murder."

"Good." Vivian turned away. "Get some rest."

Downstairs, Isabella was waiting.

"What should we do with her?" She gestured to the restrained Annika.

"Call the police." Vivian rubbed her temples. "Post guards. Don't let her escape."

With the mastermind finally caught, this ordeal was over at last.

Days of relentless pursuit had left Vivian exhausted. She desperately needed sleep.

Tomorrow was her prenatal checkup. She had to find a way to avoid Ethan.

The bigger problem was arranging to leave the country soon. Her growing belly made staying here too dangerous.

Ethan could discover the truth any moment. And there were always threats like Annika lurking in the shadows.

With a sigh, Vivian pushed open the car door.

A familiar black Maybach was parked at the entrance. Ethan leaned against it, waiting.

Spotting her, he strode forward and opened the passenger door.

"Got her?" His gaze burned with intensity.

Vivian nodded. "Mm."

The internet was already exploding. Night's true identity had been exposed. The mastermind was in custody.

"What's next?"

She hesitated. "That police friend of yours..."

"Patrick Alpinus?"

"Yes." An ordinary officer wouldn't stand a chance against Annika. As an Interpol agent with uncompromising integrity, Patrick might be trustworthy.

But this case involved their organization. The risks were too high.

"I'll contact him." Ethan offered his arm. "Let's get inside."

"Thank you," Vivian murmured.

Ethan paused mid-step, lips curving. "Since when do we say 'thank you'?"

His warm palm cradled her elbow with infinite care, as though she were something precious and fragile.