Chapter 967

The air in the visitation room turned icy.

Vivian Laurent guided Isabella Langley to sit at the metal table.

Annika Heilbronn wore an oversized prison jumpsuit, silver strands already visible in her hair. Her face—so similar to Vivian's—was etched with fine wrinkles, her eyes clouded like a woman twice her age.

"Vivian, you dare show your face!" Annika's nails screeched against the table surface.

Vivian crossed her legs, lips curling. "I haven't broken any laws. Why wouldn't I come?" She leaned forward. "Master Zero can't visit this place. Give up already."

Annika's pupils contracted violently.

"What do you want?" she hissed through clenched teeth, looking ready to tear Vivian apart.

Vivian smoothed her sleeves with deliberate slowness. "To see how you're doing." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And to inform you—your master's position in the organization is... precarious now."

"Liar!" Annika slammed both palms on the table.

Isabella flinched backward.

Vivian's laughter tinkled like broken glass. "I know you want me dead." She locked eyes with Annika's bloodshot gaze. "Because you're jealous Zero chose me."

The words stabbed like daggers.

"He doesn't love you!" Annika's voice cracked with hysteria.

Vivian reclined in her chair. "He confessed his feelings personally." She ran her tongue over her lips. "You copied my face hoping he'd love you instead, didn't you?"

Annika's breathing turned ragged.

"Shall I share our intimate moments?" Vivian's gaze turned suggestive. "He cooked for me. Held my hand. Even stole a kiss while I slept." Each revelation drained more color from Annika's face.

Isabella pinched her own thigh under the table.

"We'll be together soon." Vivian delivered the final blow. "You'll have to call me 'Master's Wife' then."

Annika lunged, only to be yanked back by her handcuffs. "Lies!" she howled like a caged beast. "Master would never love a bitch like you!"

Vivian's victorious smile bloomed.

Every whispered confession was fabricated. But watching Annika unravel made the performance worthwhile.