?Chapter 1288:
Still, the absence of a familiar face unsettled her, tightening the knot of unease inside. Ralph ushered her onto the plush sofa and resumed his inquiries about the Wall Group’s affairs. Sadie answered each question patiently, her polite smile unwavering. She allowed no hint of anxiety to slip through; she needed Ralph to believe that everything was perfectly ordinary.
Older people often sensed trouble before it was spoken aloud, and the news about Tina remained lodged in Sadie’s throat—impossible to share, at least for now. Worry about ine pressed at the edges of her mind, but she shoved those thoughts aside, refusing to dwell on them.
She adopted an easy tone. “Mr. Castro, where is ine? Is he away on business?”
Ralph’s brows drew together, puzzlement flickering in his eyes. “ine? What’s happened to him? I haven’t heard from him in some time.” There was a hint of disapproval in his voice, but it gave way to quiet resignation. Tension wound tighter inside Sadie; if even Ralph was in the dark, then ine’s disappearance must be more serious than she had feared.
She tapped her forehead lightly and released a sheepishugh. “Can you believe my memory? I sent ine out to oversee a project on the outskirts a few days ago. It’s a demanding assignment, so he’s probably engrossed in work and simply forgot to check in with you.” The excuse fell t, but it was all Sadie had under the pressure.
Urgency gnawed at her—every instinct told her she must find ine as soon as possible.
“Mr. Castro, I have some pressing business at thepany. We shouldn’t trouble you any longer,” Sadie said, rising from the sofa with an apologetic look.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Ralph’s face. “Leaving already?”
Warmth filled his eyes as he tried to persuade her to stay. “Why not join me for lunch, Sadie? The kitchen has been preparing your favorite dishes just for you.”
Guilt tugged at Sadie, but her worry for ine outweighed everything. “You’re too kind, Mr. Castro, but let’s save lunch for another day. I promise I’ll join you next time.”
Noah stepped forward, his timing perfect. “Mr. Castro, there’s a situation at the office that really can’t wait. We’ll be back to see you soon.”
Sighing, Ralph gave in. “All right, all right. Please drive safely, both of you. My door is always opene back whenever you like.”
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Sadie offered a grateful nod. “I’ll remember, Mr. Castro.”
They exchanged farewells and slipped out of Castro Manor, heading back to the car. Not even a mile down the road, Sadie’s phone erupted into an urgent ring that cut through her thoughts.
A jolt of panic shot through her as she answered without hesitation. On the line, her bodyguard’s voice crackled with urgency. “Ms. Hudson!” His tone was strained. “We’ve located Mr. Castro.”
A chill swept through Sadie’s veins, her breath catching as anxiety took hold. “Where is he?”
“By the river where Tina’s body was discovered,” the bodyguard whispered, his voice barely more than a breath.
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