Chapter 40

"I can do it." Lucia nodded, though her expression looked troubled.

"But I can't guarantee success."

Jack's interest was piqued.

"You can hack into the Department of Defense, and a tech company can stump you?"

Lucia's eyes grew serious as she looked at Jack. "You don't understand. I've taken on jobs to investigate Fidelity Tower Technologies before, but their firewall is incredibly powerful. In the dark web, it's called the 'Wall of Sighs.' I've tried many times and failed every time."

"I even almost got traced back."

At these words, Jack's expression immediately darkened.

Just a tech company.

Yet their firewall was even more formidable than the Department of Defense's system.

What exactly were they doing that made them so afraid of being investigated?

It seemed William's death was indeed not simple.

Jack's brow furrowed slightly.

Things were becoming increasingly mysterious.

"Just do your best."

Jack said to Lucia casually, then pushed the door open and walked out.

After watching Jack leave, Lucia could no longer maintain her composure and collapsed onto the sofa.

At this moment, she suddenly realized her back was drenched in cold sweat.

This man was terrifying.

Although Jack had spoken the entire time gently, the oppressive aura he carried made Lucia feel like she couldn't breathe.

Lucia felt like she was encountering a superior, a natural sense of suppression.

Imperial City.

Night fell like ink.

In Dream Island's most exclusive, wealthy district, inside a luxurious villa full of modern design, lights blazed brightly.

On the villa's top floor, in a bathroom as large as a small pool, steam filled the air.

Vivian lay languidly in the bath.

She slowly scooped up a handful of hot water, crystal droplets sliding down her slender wrist, then gently poured over her smooth shoulders.

Vivian closed her eyes, enjoying this moment of tranquility and luxury. However, on that stunning face, there lingered a trace of worry that wouldn't fade.

In her mind, Jack's figure kept appearing.

The scenes from that night.

Constantly surfaced in her thoughts.

All her life, this was the first time she had wanted to see a man so badly.

Clearly, they hadn't known each other before.

That night's madness was only because she had been drugged.

Yet Vivian, as if poisoned, couldn't stop thinking about that man.

The feeling was both dangerous and fatal.

"Jack..."

She murmured the name softly, her voice echoing in the spacious bathroom, carrying a hint of obsession she herself hadn't noticed.

Just then.

Her phone suddenly vibrated nearby.

Vivian picked up the phone and saw it was Susan calling.

She immediately answered.

Her manager, Susan's voice came through instantly, "Vivian, we found Richard."

Hearing this, Vivian's eyes turned cold. "Deal with him."

As her own manager, Richard had dared to betray her. For Vivian, this was absolutely unforgivable.

"Yes."

Hearing the coldness in Vivian's voice, Susan, on the other end, trembled and quickly responded respectfully.

Then she turned to look at the people behind her, who were currently detaining a man.

This man had already been beaten black and blue, his features blurred beyond recognition.

He was Richard.

Richard had planned to flee the country with the money, but was caught just before leaving.

Susan nodded to the men.

They immediately dragged Richard toward the riverside.

Under the night sky, the river water rippled with cold light.

Richard seemed to realize what was happening. With a rag stuffed in his mouth, he made pleading sounds, struggling desperately, tears and snot covering his face, making his already swollen face look even more grotesque and terrifying.

Susan watched all this expressionlessly, without a trace of pity in her eyes.

"Fool, you dared to betray Ms. Roberts."

"Do you know who she is? In your next life, be more careful!"

Susan said coldly to Richard.

Soon.

Richard's feet were tied to stones, and he was thrown directly into the river.

This river was notoriously deep, and besides that, it was full of piranhas.

Richard had just sunk down when, moments later, blood began spreading across the water's surface. Clearly, the piranhas had already started feeding on Richard.

After dealing with Richard, Susan continued speaking to Vivian.

"By the way, Ms. Roberts."

"Your nineteenth concert is coming up soon. Where do you plan to hold it this time? Imperial City again?"

Imperial City was the fashion capital with the best entertainment resources.

Previously, all of Vivian's concerts had been held in Imperial City, and every one was sold out. After all, Vivian was extremely popular now!

"No."

Vivian leaned against the edge of the bathtub, her slender fingers lightly tracing the water's surface, creating ripples.

"Change locations."

A playful smile curved her lips, her eyes seeming to pierce through the phone, looking toward somewhere far away.

"Viridis State."

There was an obvious pause on the other end. Susan's voice carried a hint of hesitation, "Viridis State? That place... isn't really suitable, is it?"

"Do as I say."

Vivian's tone left no room for argument.

"But..."

"No buts."

Vivian cut her off. "And this time, I want the concert on the largest scale possible. Start promoting immediately. I want everyone in Viridis State to know where I'm holding my concert."

Though Susan didn't understand, she immediately agreed, "I understand. I'll arrange it right away."

After hanging up, Vivian gazed at the rippling water.

"Jack..."

"I told you, when we meet again, I'll definitely surprise you."