Chapter 476

"I could say the same about you!" Cassandra glared at William. Just as she prepared to unleash her sharp tongue,

her gaze landed on Adrian. A sharp pang pierced her chest.

She inhaled deeply, nails digging into her palms. No mercy. Not this time.

"This is the last favor. Delete every video and recording. After today, we're strangers." William's voice was ice as he carried Adrian out of the hotel.

Cassandra stood frozen, watching their retreating figures. Minutes ticked by, her face eerily blank—a porcelain doll with dead eyes.

Then suddenly, she collapsed to her knees. Hysterical laughter erupted from her throat, wild and unhinged. She rolled across the floor, clutching her stomach.

"Pathetic! Even the fool who loved you most walked away. You deserve this emptiness!"

She clawed her way up, spotting Adrian's abandoned sippy cup. The toys she'd bought him lay scattered nearby.

The sting of loss flickered—then vanished. She smothered it.

Nothing left to lose.

"Vivian... your time's up."

William buckled the sleeping boy into the backseat, tucking a fleece blanket around him. Adrian's lashes fluttered against cherub cheeks.

Guilt twisted William's gut.

Mr. Blackthorn's ultimatum echoed: Deliver the child before dawn or the contract burns. Along with you and Cassandra.

His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel.

The car purred through moonlit streets when his phone buzzed. Sophia's name flashed.

"Sweetheart!" He fumbled to answer. "You're not breaking up with me anymore?"

"Don't get excited." Her tone could frost glass. "But if you prove yourself, I might reconsider."

"Name it. Anything."

"Listen. My friend's desperate—her son's missing. You mentioned your cop friend? Find Adrian. Fast."

Sophia needed this test. Was William truly loyal, or just another snake?

His eyes darted to the rearview mirror. Adrian slept peacefully, oblivious.

William's resolve cracked.