Chapter 0233

“Well… at the bar earlier, there was this guy,” Emma explained. “He was hitting on Hannah, wanted to buy her a drink. He mentioned something about a nearby hiking trail with a waterfall at the end.”

Noah’s ears perked up. “A guy was hitting on Hannah? She didn’t go anywhere with him, did she?” he asked, partly to ensure her safety and partly because he was curious.

“Of course not. She turned him down,” Emma said.

“She told him she was married,” Amber added. “Showed him her ring and everything. He didn’t seem deterred and gave her his business card, but she threw it away when he left.”

As the girls spoke, a small part of Noah felt a surge of relief… pride? He pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the matter at hand. “Do you think this guy could be involved?”

Emma shrugged. “We don’t know, but it’s the only lead we’ve got. He was really persistent. Maybe turning him down pissed him off,” she suggested.

Noah turned to Drake and Zoe. “We need to find this hiking trail with the waterfall. It might be our best shot at finding Hannah.” He pointed at Drake. “Drake, you come with me. As for the rest of you, wait here for the police. Tell them everything you know. And call us if you hear anything at all.”

Viona, Emma, and Amber nodded. But Zoe pursed her lips and folded her arms, still wearing her sparkling red dress—now with Drake’s jacket on top. “No way,” she said. “I’m going with you.”

Noah huffed, already brushing past her. “You should stay here. It’s dangerous—”

“I know the trail they’re talking about. I’ve been here before, a few years back. I’ve hiked that same trail.”

With a sigh, Noah relented; it was best to have Zoe with them. “Fine,” he said, flinging the car door open. “You navigate. Drake, you keep trying to track Hannah’s phone.”

“I never stopped,” Drake growled.

With that, they sped off into the night, Zoe giving directions as Noah pushed the car as fast as it would go. The winding mountain roads were treacherous in the dark, but Noah navigated the curves and switchbacks with ease, so completely laser-focused on finding Hannah that he hardly noticed.

“There!” Zoe suddenly called out, pointing. “That side road. The trailhead should be down there.”

Noah jerked the wheel, sending them careening down a narrow dirt road. Trees whipped past as they bounced along the uneven surface.

“Are you sure about this?” Drake asked, gripping the dashboard. “This doesn’t look like a road that leads to a popular hiking trail.”

“It has to be,” Zoe insisted. “I remember coming here years ago. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s what makes the waterfall so special.”

Drake narrowed his eyes. “When did you even… Nevermind,” he said, shaking his head.

They drove for what felt like miles, the road getting rougher and narrower. Noah’s heart sank as they rounded a bend and found… nothing. The road ended abruptly in a small clearing.

Chapter 0237

“Is this… it?” Drake asked, leaning forward.

“No…” Zoe whispered. “Wait, this can’t be right. I was sure…”

Noah slammed his fist against the steering wheel. “Dammit, Zoe! You had one job!”

“Hey, don’t get mad at me!” she retorted. “It’s dark.”

Drake leaned out the window, peering into the darkness. “Maybe we missed a turn somewhere? Or there could be a hidden path we can’t see in the dark.”

“Look, I’m sorry,” Zoe said softly. “I really thought it was this way. Maybe my memory isn’t as good as I thought.”

Noah took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger and frustration building inside him. Getting angry wouldn’t help Hannah. He needed to think clearly.

“Alright, alright,” he finally said. “It’s not your fault, Zoe. We’ll find another way.”

With a heavy heart, Noah turned the car around, the tires kicking up dirt and gravel as they headed back.

As they drove back toward the main road, Noah’s mind raced with possibilities. Where could Hannah be? Was she hurt? Who had taken her, and why?

And underneath it all, a small voice, the voice of his wolf, whispered: “Why did it take something like this for you to realize how much she means to you?”