Chapter 460

The surveillance feed abruptly cut to an episode of Pinky Pig the moment Adrian stepped into the CEO's private elevator.

For over an hour, the cartoon played on loop before the footage finally reverted to normal.

But Adrian was nowhere to be seen.

Someone had deliberately spliced the Pinky Pig clip over that segment of the recording.

"Security breach?" A technician paled. "Did someone hack into Blackwood Group's surveillance system?"

"Our firewalls are impenetrable," another muttered, sweat beading on his forehead. "Whoever did this is terrifyingly skilled. The boy might be in serious danger."

"Assemble the crisis team immediately. We need to report this to cybercrime—this isn't something we can handle alone."

The entire tech department stared at the looping cartoon with mounting dread, their professional pride in tatters.

Meanwhile, Vivian Lockhart massaged her temples in exasperation.

She recognized her son's handiwork instantly.

Adrian Lockhart, you little devil.

Not only had he sneaked into Newport City alone, but he'd also deployed counter-surveillance tactics against her.

Just wait till I get my hands on you.

Her fingers curled into fists.

Nathaniel Blackwood sighed, equally resigned. "Boss, should we involve the authorities?"

"Absolutely not."

Vivian's tone brooked no argument. "This stays in-house."

The last thing she needed was Adrian's identity leaking to the press. The twins' existence was her most closely guarded secret.

Liam Osborne nodded. "Understood. I'll mobilize our networks. Finding one boy shouldn't be—"

"He doesn't want to be found."

Vivian exhaled sharply. "You know how he is. That child has outmaneuvered me at every turn for years. Unless he decides to surface himself, we're chasing shadows."

A reluctant chuckle escaped Liam.

If Vivian was a genius, then Adrian and Abigail were prodigies that defied logic.

The only person who'd ever outsmarted Vivian Lockhart was her own offspring.

Searching all of Newport City would be futile if Adrian chose to vanish.

From the sidelines, Julian Blackwood observed their whispered exchange with narrowed eyes.

Though he couldn't catch every word, their intimacy matched the rumors perfectly.

His lips twisted into a cold smirk. "Miss Lockhart, you've seen the footage. Time to honor our agreement."

Vivian met his gaze squarely. "I keep my promises. Name your terms."