?Chapter 1287:


    Urgency sharpened Sadie’s tone as she turned to the stunned guards. “Well? Why are you just standing there? Go find him—now!”


    Her orders snapped them into motion. Grim determination settled over their faces as they hurried out, ready to search every corner.


    Silence swept through the sprawling living room, with just Sadie and Noah remaining.


    Stillness hung heavy in the air, each second stretching ufortably between them.


    A wave of vertigo hit Sadie, nearly toppling her before she caught herself.


    Noah’s reflexes saved her from falling, his arms steady as he drew her against his chest.


    “Try not to worry, Sadie. ine’s smart. He’ll be fine,” he remarked, his voice low and steady with reassurance.


    Support from Noah offered smallfort as Sadie leaned against him, though his words couldn’t chase away the storm inside her.


    Nothing eased the dread burrowed deep in her heart.


    All the recent disasters—from the loss of Tina to the tampered surveince and ine’s sudden disappearance—felt too connected to be random.


    Some hidden force seemed to tug at every string, always a step ahead.


    A chill ran through Sadie, dread settling over her skin like ice.


    With effort, she forced herself to breathe deeply, steadying her nerves.


    Panic would get her nowhere; rity was what the moment demanded. Chaos threatened to take over, but Sadie refused to let it win.


    “We need to go to Castro Manor,” she said, her resolve cutting through the fear.


    Glossy ck paint glinted as the sedan rolled steadily toward Castro Manor. Passing scenery blurred into streaks beyond the window, yet inside the car, Sadie felt as though her chest carried a stone, making every breath feel shallow.


    Noah’s tight grip on the wheel was evident in every taut line of his hands, silent strength radiating from his posture. From time to time, he nced over, his eyes full of unspoken questions and quiet concern. His worry didn’t go unnoticed, but Sadie’s thoughts swirled too fast forfort or conversation.


    Before long, they pulled up to the gates of Castro Manor, the weight of whaty ahead settling over them. Waiting beneath the columns, Ralph stood tall and poised, his stern demeanor softening the moment he spotted Sadie. “Sadie, you’re finally here.”


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    Strong hands closed over hers, a steady presence that anchored her. “Come in. The weather’s far too cold to linger outside.” Even in hister years, Ralph exuded vitality—each word clear and confident. His warmth toward Sadie remained undiminished, offering her a brief sense of peace.


    Behind them, Noah trailed quietly, his eyes sharp as he took in every detail of the entryway. With Ralph guiding her inside, Sadie answered questions about business and her wellbeing while carefully scanning her surroundings. Staff bustled about, the living room hummed with quiet activity, and theforting aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. Appearances suggested that nothing was amiss.


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