Chapter 93

The police station stood eerily quiet at 4:00 am, the darkness swallowing any signs of life.

Victoria Dawson stormed out with Julian Whitmore, slamming the car door of the sleek black Mercedes behind her.

She yanked the seatbelt across her chest with visible irritation. "What took you so damn long?"

Julian's lips curled in a mocking smile. "Private jets don't fly themselves, darling."

"Did Grandfather find out?" Victoria rolled her eyes dramatically.

"He did." Julian exhaled sharply through his nose.

"Whatever. Take me to the compound." She crossed her arms petulantly.

Julian's knuckles turned white against the steering wheel, tendons standing out on his neck. "Final warning, Victoria. Lay one finger on her and I'll end you."

Victoria's eyes burned with fury. "This is your fault! If you'd eliminated her when you had the chance, I wouldn't be in this mess!"

Julian barked a humorless laugh. "The mask is slipping, isn't it? You can't keep up the act anymore."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Victoria hissed.

"Two years was all it took for her to outclass you completely. Back then she was just a naive girl clinging to Liam's arm. Now? She knows exactly when to hold back. Unlike you - still throwing tantrums like a spoiled child."

Victoria's nails dug into her palms, her gaze turning lethal. "I've seduced princes and billionaires. None could resist me."

Julian started the engine with a derisive snort. "Liam isn't like your usual prey. Try those cheap tricks on him and you'll only push him further away."

She kicked the dashboard violently, earning a disgusted side-eye from Julian before he deliberately looked away.

"Why didn't you tell me that bitch paints and speaks six languages?" Victoria spat. "She's working alongside Liam now! What other surprises does she have?"

Julian smirked. "Her talents are... extensive. Even I don't know the full extent."

"You raised her!" Victoria accused.

"After she went abroad, she enrolled at Solterra's most prestigious university under a pseudonym. Like her parents, I only saw her once a year. We know nothing about her actual studies or work."

"She might as well have vanished off the grid," Julian added dryly.

Victoria's eyes narrowed to slits as she stared at the passing streetlights. "If I don't eliminate her soon, Liam will fall for her completely."

Though Julian didn't catch the muttered words, his warning came sharp and clear: "Harm one hair on her head and I'll skin you alive."

Victoria scoffed. "Have you forgotten your mission?"

Silence.

"Shall I remind you?" she taunted.

Julian's jaw tightened. "Assist you in marrying Liam Blackwood to infiltrate Aldenrian military intelligence. Locate Cassandra Wright and secure additional hydronium supplies."

"Good dog," Victoria sneered.

Julian suddenly swerved, slamming the brakes. In one fluid motion, his hands closed around Victoria's throat, eyes blazing with murderous intent. "My mission doesn't require Cassandra's death. Touch her again and I'll personally send you to hell."

Victoria clawed at his wrists, face purpling as oxygen deprivation set in.

Only when her struggles weakened to feeble twitches did Julian release her.