Chapter 397
She had braced herself for Adrian’s trademark indifference, the same cold detachment he had five years ago when she half-expected him to shrug off any concern with a dismissive “So what?” Back then, Adrian was exactly that type of man-aloof, unapproachable.
Yet, to her surprise, he apologized.
Emily was momentarily speechless. She waved her hand, as if to swat away the awkwardness of the moment.
“When we got to the hotel to find her, the room was already turned over. The staff said a group had beat us to it, rummaged through everything. Was that you?” she asked.
Adrian nodded. “I found a few of her things,” he admitted.
“What things p>
He hadn’t brought Eva’s coat-it was too bulky. Instead, he’d pocketed the earring she’d left in the closet. Eva was clever that way, leaving something in plain sight to throw off a cursory search while tucking away smaller items. “Her earring, the one I gave her!” Emily gasped, recognizing it instantly. “You found this in her room?” “Yes p>
“Do you know where she is now?” Emily’s grip tightened on the earring, her eyes misting over. “Eva told me not to involve the police, but with things as they are, should we really keep them out of it? Yet, if I do call them and something happens to Michael, will she ever forgive me p>
“Don’t call the cops?” Adrian’s eyes narrowed at her words. “Did she tell you that herself p>
Emily suddenly grasped the weight of her admission. Adrian was Michael’s adversary; if he knew Eva had insisted on not calling the police, how would he react?
Rushing to clarify, she said, “Yes, she did, but I agreed. Michael has looked after her for five years. His recent actions are just… out of character. He hasn’t hurt her. If we get the police involved and Michael gets hurt, how would Eva cope with that p>
Adrian’s jealousy flared at the mention of not calling the police. He hadn’t called them either, confident in his own resources to handle the situation. This was a private matter, after all, with a history entangled with Michael’s. Escalation was the last thing he wanted.
“Did you hear me? Don’t call the cops. If something happens to Michael, it’ll complicate things between you two,” Adrian said, his gaze icy.
His demeanor suggested concession, even if he didn’t agree.
Emily shrank back next to Nathan, unnerved. “See how intense he is? I can’t fathom what Eva sees in him p>
Nathan remained stoic, even as a subtle scent wafted from Emily’s proximity.
Adrian, noting their closeness, remarked, “To each their own, I guess p>
Emily couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the platitude.
After a moment, she ventured, “You seem calm. Got a plan p>
“Search,” was Adrian’s terse reply.
Search, of course, but where in this sprawling city?
“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” she muttered.
Adrian’s silence was a frustrating contrast to his steely expression. Emily was about to retort when Nathan’s glance stopped her. Their eyes met, and she typed a message on her phone, “What now p>
Nathan’s reply came written below hers: “Do you think he’s not worried? If he were, would he be sitting here so composed?” Emily had to admit Nathan’s point made sense. Adrian had more reason to be anxious than she did.
Even if he wasn’t concerned for Eva, there was his child to consider.
His confidence meant she didn’t need to fret.
Adrian found a temporary safe place for them before leaving.
Jacob, too, reassured her, “If you need anything, let me know. Stay put for now p>
“Mr. Blackwood, do you know where Eva is?” Emily inquired.
Jacob, aware of their friendship, was forthcoming. “We have a lead, but it’s not precise. We’re still searching p>
That explained Adrian’s confidence. He had a lead.
“Why didn’t he tell me p>
“It’ll take time to pinpoint her exact location,” Jacob said candidly.
“How long p>
Emily was a bundle of nerves, despite knowing Adrian was on it.
Jacob hesitated, then offered, “Hard to say, but knowing Mr. Blackwood, it won’t be long. Stay calm, we’ll keep you updated p>
Stay calm? Easier said than done. “Can I do anything p>
Jacob shook his head. “We’ve got it covered p>
Emily retreated to her room, her thoughts with Eva. “Be safe,” she wished silently.
The next morning
Eva hadn’t stayed in her room, opting instead for the comfort of the children’s room, a precaution against the previous night’s fears.
The children were quick to slumber with their mother close, but Eva lay awake until the brink of dawn.
A knock roused her after mere hours of sleep.
“Ms. Hansen, good morning. Breakfast is ready p>
Barely awake and not hungry, Eva knew the children needed their routine.
With that in mind, she roused herself, taking the children downstairs to start the day.