Chapter 995

Vivian Laurent gave a slight nod, her gaze resolute.

Patrick Alpinus tapped the table with his slender fingers. "This requires meticulous planning. How much intel do you have on DarkKingdom?"

He needed to eliminate not just the threat of Zero, but to dismantle the entire DarkKingdom organization. Vivian's assistance was crucial.

She shared all the intelligence she'd gathered. Patrick understood they must proceed with caution to avoid alerting their targets.

After over an hour of intense discussion, they finalized a preliminary strategy.

Felix Valdemar stood dumbfounded nearby. He finally grasped that this seemingly delicate woman wasn't just a top surgeon and racecar driver—she was also the legendary agent who struck fear into criminals' hearts.

No wonder Isabella Langley was equally formidable. Anyone who could stand beside Vivian Laurent was clearly extraordinary.

The realization that Ethan Roscente could handle such a woman made Felix silently tip his hat in respect.

Isabella waved a hand before his glazed eyes. "Earth to Felix!"

He snapped out of his daze, regarding Vivian with newfound reverence.

"Dr. Laurent—no, Ms. Laurent!" He stepped forward eagerly. "Are you still taking apprentices? I swear I'm sharper than Finn Deross!"

Vivian smiled faintly. "Not currently." Her gaze slid meaningfully toward Isabella. "But you could ask her."

Felix immediately recoiled. "Hard pass."

Isabella arched an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Apprenticing under you would be suicide."

"Only if you ask for trouble," she retorted. "Which you inevitably do."

Felix pouted, turning back to Vivian with undisguised admiration. What a shame to miss this opportunity.

Vivian checked her watch. Emily Garnache should be arriving soon.

"Let's have lunch together. My friend should be here shortly."

Felix thumped his chest. "My treat—order whatever you want!"

Isabella's eyes lit up. "Viv, let's bankrupt him!"

"With your appetite?" Felix scoffed. "You couldn't dent my wallet with an army behind you."

Patrick interjected, "This area isn't safe. How long are you staying?"

Vivian remained composed. "Two days max, then we're returning. Ethan, you can head back first if work demands it."

Ethan clasped her hand. "Everything's arranged."

Vivian checked her phone. Emily had texted about landing thirty minutes ago but hadn't arrived. The call went straight to voicemail.

"Strange..."

She should've been here by now. Another hour passed with no sign of her.

Vivian frowned. This wasn't like Emily—she never disappeared without explanation.