Chapter 206

Maxwell let out a dark chuckle, withdrawing his hand. "Still as feisty as ever, I see." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Don't tell me you're actually expecting Adrian to come riding to your rescue?"

Vivian remained silent, her emerald eyes flashing with defiance.

A cruel smirk twisted Maxwell's lips. "If Blackwood truly gave a damn, don't you think he'd have assigned security the moment your name started trending? The Blackwood Group has endless resources - private security, investigators, whatever you need."

"Even if he doesn't care about me personally," Vivian countered, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart, "the Blackwood family's reputation and their stock prices are at stake. They'll intervene."

Maxwell's words cut deep, but Vivian refused to let it show.

The financial implications alone would force their hand. That's what she told herself.

Maxwell's laughter was soft, chilling.

He turned to his hired men, producing two thick stacks of bills from his coat. "Job well done. Take the speedboat to Ashford and arrange transport from there."

The men's faces lit up with greedy relief as they pocketed the cash.

When they'd disappeared, Maxwell turned back to Vivian with a predator's smile.

"Do you believe in fate, darling?" he purred. "Because mine's been spectacular. First, you had that unfortunate incident in Emberglow County. Now Sebastian's rabid fans have made you public enemy number one online." He leaned closer. "Even if Adrian finds you, how could he possibly connect this to me?"

Ice flooded Vivian's veins.

The unspoken threat hung between them like a guillotine's blade.

Dead women don't testify.

Her pulse roared in her ears as realization struck - Maxwell never planned to let her leave this yacht alive.

Meanwhile, tension crackled through Sebastian's penthouse. Most of the production crew had gathered, transforming the spacious lounge into a cramped war room. With Damien unavailable at a fashion show in Azurevale, they felt leaderless.

Sebastian ended his call with Lydia, his face grim. "She says Vivian never made it home. She's checking security footage now." He grabbed his jacket. "We need to call the police."

Harrison blocked his path. "Vivian's a grown woman who's been missing less than sixty minutes. The police aren't your personal concierge service." His practical tone cut through the panic. "If paparazzi catch wind of this, imagine the headlines."

Isabella nodded in agreement. "If this is a kidnapping, alerting authorities too soon could endanger her further."