Chapter 50

“Mr. Reyes, I’m afraid it’s not just Mrs. Reyes’ issue,” the assistant interjected. “I’ve discovered some unsettling news. Recently, there have been multiple cases of women disappearing in our city and the neighboring one.”

Chase’s brow furrowed. “Disappearing? How are they going missing?”

“There are various circumstances. Some met people online, others were job hunting, and some were abducted from poorly surveilled alleys. There’s talk that…”

Chase snapped, “Out with it.”

“There’s been a recent rise in overseas scams targeting single women and young girls. Did Mrs. Reyes ever mention anyone following her before she disappeared?”

I had mentioned this to him a few days earlier. When I called, his voice was impatient. He said, “You’re about to be my wife. Who’s got the nerve to tail you? With the wedding right around the corner, maybe steer clear of the children’s shelter charity for now. If you’re really worried, get more bodyguards. I’m swamped.”

I established the charity in Chase’s name last year, leveraging his influence to raise millions for a good cause. The pandemic had severely impacted the city, leaving many children orphaned. After my miscarriage, I stepped back from work and spent much of the last three months at the children’s shelter, caring for those orphans.

Chase believed that with a driver and occasional bodyguards, I was safe. He hadn’t taken my concerns seriously.

Now, Chase regretted his dismissal. “So, there was something like this. Are you saying she was tricked by scammers? That’s ridiculous. Amanda’s lived a life of wealth. She wouldn’t be fooled by small-time cons. She wouldn’t fall for a scam.”

Suddenly, an idea struck him. “Get the car ready. We’re heading to the shelter. She’s dedicated herself to that place. Amanda must be there!”

He hadn’t visited the shelter all year except on opening day. He always dismissed the children’s crafts I brought him.

This was his first time entering the shelter’s courtyard. It was large, mostly filled with children’s play equipment, with flowers and plants around the edges. But he didn’t pause to appreciate it, striding quickly inside.

“Ding-a-ling…”

The seashell-decorated door curtain jingled, and laughter echoed from within.

Chase’s pace quickened, his expression intensifying. He saw a woman with her back to him, reached out to take her hand, and said, “Amanda.”

The woman, wearing a white faux fur sweater, turned, revealing a lovely face—but it wasn’t mine.

“Mr. Reyes?”

Disappointment and embarrassment clouded Chase’s eyes. “Sorry, I thought you were someone else. You know me?”

The woman smiled warmly. “I’m Emily. I just returned from overseas. Mr. Reyes, your reputation precedes you.”

Chase then remembered Emily as the third Graham daughter. She had recently returned home and was one of the potential matches his grandfather had suggested for Derek.

He quickly released her hand. “I’m sorry, Ms. Emily, I mistook you for someone else.”

“No worries. Who did you think I was?”

Chase replied coolly, “My wife.”

Chapter 51