Chapter 971

Terms of Exchange

"Patrick Alpinus, Shadow retired from the organization long ago. Her missions never involved casualties." Ethan Roscente's voice was low.

Patrick tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. "I understand. I just need to confirm Vivian Laurent's identity. I won't act rashly."

He knew better than anyone that without concrete evidence, any move would be futile.

"Your source?"

Vivian had sworn him to secrecy, but Patrick answered without hesitation. "She met with Annika Heilbronn today."

"What?" Ethan shot to his feet, sending documents scattering across the floor.

"She specifically asked me not to tell you." Patrick added, "Pretend you never heard this."

"What was the purpose? Who accompanied her? What did they discuss?" Ethan fired off questions like bullets.

"She detected the recording device. Isabella Langley was likely with her." Patrick narrowed his eyes. "Now it's your turn to answer me."

Ethan cleared his throat. "No."

"Are you messing with me?" Patrick's voice turned icy.

"You asked if it was, and I said no." Ethan feigned innocence. "What's the problem?"

Patrick clenched his phone.

He should've known better than to trust Ethan's slippery tongue.

But the truth was already obvious.

The call disconnected abruptly.

Vivian approached him. "Thank you for the convenience, Detective Alpinus."

"Finished your discussion?" Patrick pocketed his phone, his gaze sharp.

"Very smoothly." Vivian smiled faintly.

"How about dinner?" Patrick suggested. "My treat as your host."

Vivian shook her head. "Another time. Tonight's on me."

She needed time to process today's revelations.

"I'll arrange accommodations." Patrick left no room for refusal. "This area isn't safe. If anything happens to you, Ethan will have my head."

Vivian didn't argue. "I appreciate it."

"Drop the 'detective'—too formal." Patrick suddenly stepped closer. "Should I call you Vivian... or Shadow?"

His smile was pleasant, but his eyes cut like knives.

Isabella broke out in a cold sweat.

Annika's words had completely exposed Vivian's identity.