Chapter 83

The Kennedy family lacked the Reyes family's influence, so everyone cautiously observed Chase's mood. When he became upset, the room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him. "Hey, what's wrong, Chase?" someone asked.

Chase's voice trembled, his eyes welling. "Amanda might be in trouble."

"Trouble? What happened? She's probably just with a friend," someone offered, attempting to lighten the mood.

"I've looked everywhere, and there's no sign of her. Mom, several women have gone missing lately. Amanda mentioned someone had been following her before she disappeared. The last call I received was a plea for help, but I dismissed it. Now look."

Mom's usual composure vanished. "What's happened to Amanda?" she asked, fear evident.

"She's been kidnapped and trafficked to a place called Shadowmoor."

A fork clattering to the floor broke the silence. "No way. How could this happen? Chase, are you sure?"

"I wish I weren't, Mom, but it's been over twenty days with no word. If something else had happened, the police would have contacted us. She's alive, but someone's taken her. I had to tell you all."

I watched my family, wondering how they would react.

Mom paced, her voice a mixture of anger and worry. "That foolish girl. Why did she wander off? Now she's been taken, and we're left to pick up the pieces. What kind of place is Shadowmoor? Once you're in, you don't get out…"

Her voice trailed off into sobs. "Oh, what are we going to do?"

Dad embraced her. "Let's not panic. We don't know for sure if Amanda's there. Chase, how reliable is your information?"

"Things in Shadowmoor are chaotic right now. I spoke with a reliable source. I haven't seen Amanda, but a woman matching her description—including an injury and a tear in her wedding dress—was mentioned. It's likely her."

"Oh, my poor daughter… we need to get to Shadowmoor, and fast," Mom insisted.

"Let's breathe first. Shadowmoor is in turmoil. We need a plan," Dad said, striving for calm. "I know someone there. I'll contact them and arrange for help."

"Dad, we should all go. No matter what Amanda did, she's still family. We can't leave her there," Ricky said.

"No, Ricky, Andrew, you two need to stay. The company can't run itself." Dad turned to Chase. "Chase, you're coming with me."

Chase hesitated. "Dad, I…"

"I understand. If Amanda's truly in Shadowmoor, this could damage the Reyes family's reputation. Derek's been stirring things up, but remember Amanda's your grandfather's favorite. If you don't go, it will look bad. Do you want people calling you a coward?"

"Dad, I'll go!"

"Okay, pack your bags. We're heading to Shadowmoor tonight to bring Amanda home."

Chapter 84