Chapter 488

"I appreciate your efforts. I'll take my leave now."

Vivian gave a slight nod to the officers before turning on her heel and walking away.

In the waiting area, Liam and Sophia had been pacing nervously. The moment they spotted Vivian emerging, they rushed forward.

"Finally! What happened? Any news about Adrian?" Sophia demanded, her fingers twisting anxiously.

Vivian's expression remained unreadable. "Keep an eye out for Cassandra Delacroix. When she exits, detain her immediately. She knows where Adrian is."

"Cassandra?" Sophia's face darkened instantly. "That venomous witch! Don't tell me she's behind this?"

Vivian didn't confirm or deny. Instead, she locked eyes with Liam. "I'm counting on you. The Osbornes have... particular expertise in these matters."

The Osborne family's roots ran deep in the underworld. Their reputation was built on walking the razor's edge, collecting interrogation methods like trophies along the way. If anyone could make Cassandra talk, it was them.

Vivian had initially planned to let Cassandra go after obtaining Adrian's location. But gentle persuasion clearly wouldn't work on her. Sometimes cruelty was the only language certain people understood.

That's precisely why she'd arranged for Cassandra's release—to make their upcoming "conversation" more... private.

"Leave it to me." Liam's icy gaze glinted dangerously. "She'll be singing like a canary within the hour."

Previously, Nathaniel's protection had shielded Cassandra, forcing Liam to hold back. But with her guardian gone? The gloves were off.

Meanwhile, Cassandra nearly wept with relief upon hearing of her impending release.

"Mr. Blackwood must have intervened! I knew Nathaniel wouldn't abandon me!" She dabbed at her tears dramatically.

"Just get out already," the officer snapped, shoving her toward the exit.

Free at last, Cassandra immediately reached for her phone to call Nathaniel.

No answer.

Her elation curdled into unease. "This doesn't make sense. Unless..."

A chill ran down her spine. Something wasn't right. The police station suddenly felt safer than the outside world.

Just as hesitation gripped her, a familiar voice spoke from behind.

"Ms. Delacroix?"

Cassandra spun around, her breath catching.

"J-Julian Blackwood?"

Nathaniel's cousin stood there, hands casually tucked in his pockets, smiling like a shark scenting blood.

"You look well," he remarked smoothly. "Nathaniel asked me to escort you home."