Chapter 950

"We've confirmed Zero was spotted in Eudora." Ethan Roscente slid an encrypted file across the table to Vivian Laurent. "He used a fake identity, but surveillance caught a blurry profile."

Vivian's fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the dossier.

"More suspiciously," Ethan lowered his voice, "he met secretly with Eudora's Deputy Health Minister the day before the Queen's incident."

Silence stretched between them.

When no response came, Ethan turned to find Vivian gazing blankly out the window.

"Vivian?" He gently touched her shoulder.

She startled. "Hmm?"

"You're pale." Ethan frowned. "Should I call a doctor?"

She shook her head. "I'm fine."

Her thoughts lingered on Zero—the man who'd once saved her life now seemed determined to end it.

"I suspect the Queen's premature delivery wasn't accidental." Ethan's voice turned grave. "Zero may be involved."

Vivian nodded mechanically.

Mia Lombardi suddenly dropped to her knees. "It's all my fault, Vivian! Punish me however you see fit!"

Vivian helped her up. "This isn't on you."

Turning to Ethan, she said, "Don't alert him yet. Let Mia keep pretending to poison me."

In the lab, Vivian studied the blood sample containing the toxin extracted from Mia. She needed to develop an antidote quickly.

A memory flashed—ten years ago in a damp basement.

Bruised and broken, she'd curled in a corner. Young Zero offered a handkerchief and half a cold meat bun.

"Eat." His voice had been soft then. "Only the living have hope."

That Zero still had light in his eyes.

Now...

Vivian tightened her grip on the test tube. The glass reflected her pallid face.

Zero, what do you really want?