Chapter 240

Adrian pulled Vivian closer, fixing Serena with an icy glare. "Do I need your permission to have friends now?"

Serena gave a careless shrug before addressing the officers. "I had some issues while filming in Emberglow County, and Maxwell happened to assist me." She turned to Adrian with a knowing smile. "Doesn't this all feel a bit too convenient, darling?"

She slipped her arm through his and batted her lashes.

"The timing is suspicious indeed. We should investigate this so-called friend thoroughly." Adrian looked down at her, his stern expression melting into quiet admiration.

The lead detective nodded. "Could you provide this friend's contact information for verification?"

Vivian hesitated, then glanced at Natasha lying motionless on the hospital bed. "Actually, Natasha was the one who communicated with him. You'll have to wait until she wakes up." She assumed the police couldn't proceed while Natasha remained unconscious.

The detective saw through her deception immediately. "Know that providing false statements to obstruct justice carries serious legal consequences."

A flicker of panic crossed Vivian's face, but she stood her ground. "I'm telling the truth."

With no immediate way to verify her claims, the officers moved on, summarizing the situation involving Natasha and Maxwell.

Ethan checked his buzzing phone.

After reading the message, he stepped forward. "Regarding the suspects in Mrs. Blackwood's case—"

"The kidnapping suspects were apprehended in Ashford. They confessed Maxwell orchestrated the entire operation before suddenly passing away in custody."

The detectives exchanged relieved glances. "We'll arrange for their transfer—"

Ethan shook his head grimly. "That won't be possible. They suffered sudden health complications and died before questioning could be completed." His pointed emphasis on "died" was accompanied by a meaningful look at Vivian.

Vivian's grip on Richard's arm tightened, her face draining of color.

The terrifying realization hit her—this was no accident.

Adrian's earlier warning echoed in her mind—the Blackwoods truly had the power to make people disappear!

On the hospital bed, Serena remained perfectly still, absorbing every word.

At first shocked, she gradually accepted the truth.

If she was going down, she'd make sure Vivian joined her in whatever came next.

Seabreeze Villa

After leaving the hospital, Vivian and Adrian returned to their luxurious home.

Settling onto the plush sofa, Vivian studied Adrian as he typed on his laptop beside her. "You've been home much more than usual lately. Any particular reason?"

It was unusual to see the notoriously workaholic CEO spending so much time at the villa.