Charlotte slid into the driver’s seat, buckled her seatbelt, and pulled out her phone to make a call


    “Pull the corporate records for Gibson Corporation.”


    Her <b>gaze </b>was cold and clear as her slender fingers topped rhythmically against the steering wheel,


    “And find me a reliable private investigator. I want someone to look into Zac Gibson.”


    “Yes, Miss Riley”


    After ending the call, Charlotte tossed her phone onto the passenger <b>seat </b>and stepped on the gas. The car eased out onto the road.


    Evening had fallen. The city lights began to flicker on


    Rush hour traffic was suffocating. The ck Rolls Royce Phantom crawled forward amid an endless line of gridlocked cars.


    The jam was enough to drive anyone restless


    Just then, her phone rang again. Charlotte nced at the screen.


    was Sear


    Since their breakup, she had never deleted his number, though it had been a long time since it had shown up on her call log


    At first, she had no intention of answering, but then she thought it might be about Jodie. After a brief hesitation, she picked up.


    Her tone was distant and cold “Yes? <b>What </b>is it?”


    #1 just got <b>a </b>call from the police. They’re coordinating with the Antis authorities to n a rescue operation for Jodie ”


    Charlotte’s heart clenched. Her breath quickened. “Do they think they can pull it off?–


    Sean paused before answering. His cool voice <b>came </b>through the phone. “They can’t guarantee anything.<b>” </b>


    Of course Charlotte knew that


    But when it involved her sister’s life, she <b>could </b>not help but ask.


    After a moment of silence<b>, </b>she spoke again. “Is there anything else?


    Sean hesitated. His voice was low and slightly hoarse. “Lottie, L


    Charlotte instinctively felt that what he was about to say had nothing to do with Jadie. She cut in sharply. “If it’s not about <b>Jodie</b>, <b>I’m </b>hanging <b>up </b>”


    “Wait,” Sean <b>said </b>quickly. “Lorrie, I’m sorry. About what my grandmother said to you earlier, 1 want to apologize for her.”


    Charlotte said nothing


    She stared through the windshield at the endless line <b>of </b>cars ahead, her eyes unfocused,


    She would be lying if she said those words from Mrs. Jasper Sr. had meant nothing to her.


    On the other end of the Line, Sean remained silent too, <b>as </b>if waiting for her response.


    The air <b>inside </b>the car felt stifling.


    Charlotte cracked the


    e <b>window </b>slightly, letting the cool night breeze sweep in and clear the heaviness from her chest.


    A momentter, she heard her own voice, light and almost casual.


    “No need. It’s not like I was ever nning to marry you.


    Before Sean could say another word, she ended the call


    by the time Charlotte arrived at the Riley estate, it was already nine o’clock in the evening. Desmond was still at the hospital with Xena, and Jodie was gone Therge house felt empty and cold. The Rolls–Royce Phantom padled into the underground garape


    Charlotte parked<b>, </b>grabbed the keys, and took the elevator up to the first floor.


    <b>-25 </b>conu


    The housekeeper was mopping the living room floor. When she saw Charlotte retum, she smiled and greeted her. “Miss Riley, you’re back. Have you had dinner yet?”


    Charlotte nodded. Remembering Xena at the hospital, she asked, “Has Aunt Xena eaten? Did someone bring her food?”


    The housekeeper replied, “Yes. Mr. Riley arranged for a cook to prepare ber meals at the hospital<b>.</b>”


    “Good Charlotte turned to head upstairs. “You should get some rest too.


    Back in her room, Charlotte stood in front of the floor in ceiling window, staring nkly outside.


    Thinking about her sister’s situation, her heart felt tight and heavy.


    Sean <b>had </b><b>said </b>the police were working on a rescue n, but she was still tempted to call and ask for an ute. After checking the time, though, she stopped herself. The police were probably off duty by now,


    She stood there for a while, lost in thought. Then suddenly something came to mind. A sharp pang hit her heart. She opened a storage box.


    Inside was a painting


    Charlotte’s gaze dimmed as she reached out with trembling fingers.


    It was one of Jodie’s drawings.


    It showed theirggy family of four.


    Desmond and Xena stood on either <b>side</b>, with Charlotte and Jodle in the middle. The four of them were holding hands, smiling together.