Chapter 74

"Hmm? News about me?" I was caught off guard. What could Mark have possibly uncovered?

Chase seemed unusually cheerful. "Where's Amanda?" he asked eagerly.

"During the time she vanished, over thirty women disappeared across various states and were smuggled out of the country via sea routes. They've left the country, and there's a good chance Amanda is among them."

Chase's brow furrowed. "And we can't confirm this yet?"

"No. Recently, these international scam artists have been bold and drawn attention from higher-ups. They've paused their operations. Those women have remained hidden. Gregory has contacted the leaders abroad. They've requested your presence to identify them."

Work chimed in, "Oh, and Mr. Reyes, Gregory mentioned some good news. Amanda might still be unharmed. The women traveled by sea, which takes much longer than land, and they ran into a storm. This means they'd only just arrived at the facility when Gregory contacted us. It's a stroke of luck in a tough situation."

Chase's frown softened, and he let out a relieved sigh. "Okay, send some money to Gregory to keep things stable there. I'll cover whatever it takes. Just ensure Amanda's safety. I'll head over to get her myself."

"Understood."

"But Mr. Reyes," Work continued, "a lot is piling up at the company, and you've been too preoccupied to manage it. If you're leaving, you'll need to sort out the company's affairs first."

"I'm heading back to the office now."

Chase ended the call, looking energized. His tired face now held a hint of color. He placed their photo on the bedside table. Sunlight gently fell on a bouquet of vibrant roses, the frame nestled in their shadow. This wasn't their wedding photo, but one from years earlier, before anyone came between them. Back then, they were all smiles, carefree and happy.

Deep down, I knew his hope was in vain. This time, he couldn't bring me back.

Chase returned to the office, tackling tasks with newfound energy. He worked late into the night, attending meetings without a break.

At 2 AM, Mark brought him a late-night snack: his favorite shrimp and crab boil with warm pastries. After one bite, he paused. "What's up, Mr. Reyes? Is it cold? I can warm it up."

"No."

Chase gazed at the boil, then said, "Amanda used to know about my stomach issues and would often make mushroom soup for me. It's been ages since I've tasted her cooking."

I remembered how he loved the mushroom soup from Lee's. I even bought the ingredients and had the owner teach me the recipe for half a month. That's how much I loved Chase back then. I also searched everywhere for traditional remedies for his stomach, brewed medicine, and brought him meals every day. Under my care, his stomach gradually improved.

But then he told me he was tired of it and turned to Nicole's spicy shrimp, even though his stomach couldn't handle it. From that moment, I stopped caring for him.

Chase looked at the spot where I used to stand and told Mark, "That night, she stood right here, eyes full of joy, urging me to eat the soup she made, but I refused."

"Mr. Reyes, you'll find your wife soon…" Mark noticed Chase's mood was erratic, his gaze unsettled, which was worrying.

Chase continued, "Actually, my stomach flared up that night, and I found the medicine she left for me in the drawer. Amanda always looked out for me, but I kept putting her in awkward situations for a bit of novelty."

"Mr. Reyes, it's all in the past. You and your wife have a strong bond. No matter what happened, she'll forgive you."

"Yes, she loves me, and that's undeniable. Once I bring her back, I'll treat her well and never hurt her again." Chase pulled out the wedding ring he hadn't placed on her finger during the ceremony. "I'll make sure she has a happy marriage." Mark nodded, relieved. "That's right, Mr. Reyes. You and your wife are family."

Chase's gaze deepened. "By the way, I need you to look into something else. Nicole. I want to know what she's been up to all these years!"