Chapter 485

Nathaniel and Sophia exchanged glances. They assumed Vivian was still fast asleep and reached for her phone.

Before their fingers could brush the device, Vivian sat up silently and answered the call with eerie composure.

"Hello, Officer. Yes, this is Vivian Lockhart. Adrian Lockhart is my son. Do you have news about him?"

The conversation stretched for several tense moments before she finally nodded. "Understood. I'll be there immediately."

Vivian's expression remained unreadable—no panic, no relief. Just calm detachment. Meanwhile, Nathaniel and Sophia vibrated with barely contained energy.

"Was that the police?" Sophia blurted, eyes bright. "Did they find Adrian?"

"They've apprehended the kidnapper," Vivian said evenly, sliding out of bed. "Details will have to wait until we get there."

She stretched lazily, as if discussing weekend plans, then strolled to her walk-in closet to select an outfit.

Her nonchalance unnerved them. Nathaniel studied her with a frown. "You're... handling this remarkably well, Boss."

Vivian's fingers paused mid-air over a silk blouse. A beat passed before she turned with a wry smile.

"Contrary to popular belief, I'm not made of glass. I wasn't hiding under the covers to mourn. I was exhausted. Now that I've slept, I'm ready."

Sophia wasn't convinced. She crossed the room and gripped Vivian's shoulders, voice thick. "Nathaniel Blackwood was a bastard, but he was your first love. You watched him die saving you. Don't tell me you feel nothing."

Vivian exhaled slowly. "Sad? Yes. Devastated? No. Mostly... adrift." She met Sophia's gaze squarely. "But dead or alive, Nathaniel changes nothing. The Lockharts will still surpass the Blackwoods among Newport City's Elite Eight."

Sophia opened her mouth, but Nathaniel silenced her with a look. Some realizations had to come from within.

The police station hummed with fluorescent-lit urgency. After paperwork, Vivian was ushered into interrogation alone while Nathaniel and Sophia waited outside.

The detective—a weary-eyed man in his thirties—gestured to a chair. "Ms. Lockhart. Last night, we received a call from Adrian. He reported being trafficked, provided the perpetrator's name, address, and evidence." He leaned forward. "Is your son actually missing?"

Vivian didn't blink. "Yes. My entire circle has been searching. Given his history of... wanderings, we delayed filing a report."