Chapter 992

"You're overcomplicating things. I wasn't thinking anything. Time to get up!"

Vivian's cheeks flushed pink. She could never win a verbal sparring match against Ethan.

She quickly rose and hurried toward the bathroom.

Hotels weren't like home. Changing clothes here was always inconvenient.

Ethan's clothes were still with Patrick and hadn't been delivered yet.

While Vivian changed, he called Patrick. "Where are you? I'm waiting here completely exposed."

Two seconds of silence passed.

"How is that my fault?" Patrick sounded exasperated. "You didn't pack spare clothes for your business trip. I'm doing you a favor by running this errand."

"Less talking, more moving," Ethan urged.

Patrick chuckled. "What's the rush? I thought you'd be eager to show off your physique to Dr. Laurent."

"I wouldn't mind," Ethan glanced toward the bathroom, "but she's not giving me the opportunity."

The call ended just as Vivian emerged, dressed and avoiding Ethan's gaze as she walked straight to the living room.

Felix was rubbing sleep from his eyes on the couch. "Morning, Dr. Laurent," he yawned.

"Morning." Vivian nodded, checking her phone.

A message from Emily popped up: Boarded the plane.

Vivian raised an eyebrow. The girl worked fast.

She quickly replied with the hotel address, noting she'd arrange for pickup.

The doorbell rang as she sent the message.

Patrick stood outside holding two paper bags—clothes and breakfast.

"Thanks." Vivian took the food.

Patrick placed the clothes by the bathroom door where water was running. "Thought you were in a hurry to get dressed?" He knocked on the frosted glass.

"Almost done," Ethan's voice carried over the shower sounds.

By the time Ethan finished and joined them, everyone was seated at the dining table.

Patrick looked at Felix. "Couldn't give me a heads-up about your sudden arrival?"

"Last-minute decision." Felix shrugged. "Didn't Boss Ethan tell you?"

Patrick nodded, then turned to Vivian. "Any plans today?"

Vivian shook her head. "Already met the person I came to see."

She set down her chopsticks and met Patrick's gaze. "But do you have time to talk, Inspector Alpinus?"

Patrick's eyes lit up. "I'm all yours."

This was exactly why he'd come. Collaborating with "Shadow" would be a major breakthrough in taking down the DarkKingdom organization.

The elusive crime syndicate had evaded justice for years. Now, finally, an opportunity had arrived.