Chapter 960

Vivian Laurent's fingertips brushed lightly over her abdomen. The prenatal test results made her frown—the poison's effect on the fetus was far worse than she'd anticipated. One misstep could lead to fetal demise.

She quickly composed herself, folding the report and tucking it into her bag. Ethan Roscente could never find out. Given his temper, he'd storm Zero's hideout without hesitation.

Emily Garnache's antidote was showing progress, but Mia Lombardi's condition remained critical. Vivian paced the lab, her eyes fixed on the eerie blue glow emanating from a test tube.

"Viv, dead end." Isabella Langley pushed through the door, tossing a stack of documents onto the table. "Every trace has been wiped clean."

Vivian flipped through the papers, the rustling loud in the quiet room. "Expected." She shut the file. "But I have another lead."

"Who?"

"Annika Heilbronn."

Isabella shot to her feet. "Are you insane? She wants you dead!"

Vivian tapped the desk thoughtfully. "She's been with Zero for years. She must know something."

"But she's overseas, and Patrick Alpinus has her under tight surveillance—"

"Which is why we need Felix Valdemar's help." Vivian picked up her phone. "He's close with Patrick."

Isabella's face flushed crimson. "I am not asking that arrogant bastard for anything!"

Vivian had already dialed. Felix's cheerful voice crackled through the speaker: "What's up, sis?"

"Isabella needs a favor." Vivian winked at her fuming friend. "She's too shy to ask directly."

Felix's booming laugh filled the room. "Knew she missed me! Be there in ten."

Isabella hurled a cushion at the wall. "That bastard!"

Thirty minutes later, Felix barged into the lab. His gaze lingered on Isabella as he smirked. "Missed me?"

"In your dreams!" She spun on her heel to leave.

Vivian blocked Felix's path. "I need Patrick's contact. Don't tell Ethan."

His grin faded. "Trouble?"

"Personal matter." She handed him a teacup. "Consider it a favor to Isabella."

Felix studied the cup before pulling out his phone. "I'll give you the number—but I'm coming with you."

Vivian arched a brow. "Why?"

"To keep certain people from getting scammed again." He glanced pointedly at the door. "Besides, Annika's no pushover."

Outside, Isabella pressed her ear against the door. At his words, she kicked the wall in frustration—then hopped on one foot, cursing.

Vivian sighed at their antics. "Fine. It's settled."

Her fingers flew across her phone screen, the cold glow illuminating her face. This path to Annika would be anything but smooth.