Finn took a step closer. "I heard someone raided the maritime prison to rescue a prisoner and got away unscathed. You must've heard about it, Master?"
Vivian picked up her water glass. "Vaguely."
"Do you know who did it?" Finn pressed.
Her fingers tapped lightly against the rim of the glass.
Dominic's gaze swept over her like a searchlight, studying her microexpressions.
"How would I know?" She took a sip of water.
"But you weren't home the past two days." Finn eyed her suspiciously. In his mind, only his master possessed such skills.
Vivian set down the glass. "Check the hospital overtime records if you don't believe me."
She suddenly realized something. "Wait, why am I explaining myself to you? Since when does a master report her whereabouts to her disciple?"
"I'm just curious!" Finn blinked innocently. "Something this big on the Dark Web must involve you. How could you not include me in such an exciting mission? Am I not your favorite disciple anymore?"
Vivian would never admit it, especially not in front of Dominic.
"Accusations require evidence." She narrowed her eyes. "No proof means it's just slander."
Finn fell silent.
But in his heart, he was certain his master was involved.
Vivian pointed at Finn. "You—bedtime."
Then she turned to Dominic. "And you, what are you still doing in my house this late?"
Dominic chuckled. "It's only nine. Still jet-lagged, Dr. Laurent?"
His X-ray gaze seemed to pierce through her.
Some things were better left unsaid.
Vivian gritted her teeth. "Seems the jet lag belongs to Mr. Atlante. Keep loitering and I might just create some problems for Integrity Group."
"Bring it on." He shrugged. "I've been bored lately."
Vivian ignored them both.
As she turned to leave, she noticed the glass on the coffee table.
"What's that?" She pointed at the orange liquid inside.
Finn's eyes lit up. "My special juice blend! Uncle said it's too sour. Want to try, Master?"
Truthfully, even he found it unpalatable and had been looking for someone to share the misery.
In the spirit of not wasting food, he decided his master should experience it too.
###Chapter
Vivian Laurent stared at the glass before her, its contents a pale yellow liquid.
"Is this drinkable?" She swirled the glass skeptically.
Finn Deross immediately raised both hands. "Master, I wouldn't dare poison you! Besides, someone as skilled as you would detect any toxin."
Vivian took a tentative sip, her eyebrows lifting in surprise.
It actually tasted good.
She drained the glass in one go, licking her lips. "More?"
Finn gaped at her.
He'd tried it earlier—it was sour enough to make his teeth ache.
"Master...you actually like it?"
Vivian nodded. "The lemon flavor is authentic."
Dominic Atlante stood nearby, his brow furrowed.
Finn had tricked him into tasting it earlier, and his mouth still watered from the acidity.
"Miss Laurent has...unique taste buds."
Vivian accepted a second glass from Finn and downed it immediately.
Setting the glass down, she turned to Dominic. "Mr. Atlante, it's late."
The implication was clear.
Dominic chuckled. "Is Miss Laurent dismissing me?"
"I simply think it's unsafe to have a strange man in my home at midnight."
"Strange?" Amusement flickered in Dominic's eyes. "It seems we're not well enough acquainted."
He stepped closer. "Perhaps I should stay the night and get to know Miss Laurent better."
Vivian narrowed her eyes. "Finn, see our guest out."
Finn immediately positioned himself between them. "Uncle, let me walk you out."
Vivian turned and ascended the stairs without another word.
Dominic watched her retreating figure disappear around the landing.
"She's certainly extraordinary."
Finn scratched his head. "Master has always been remarkable."
"No one else could have accomplished what she did." Dominic's tone was complex.
By all rights, such a threat should have been eliminated.
Yet he'd spared her repeatedly.
"Why didn't Master take me along?" Finn muttered.
Dominic gave him a sidelong glance. "Take you? As dead weight?"
Finn: "..."
He was still her apprentice, damn it!