Chapter 2186

Austin tried to remain calm, but his voice trembled, unsettling in its shaky breathiness. Mike's eyes widened. "What did you say?"

"It's Rhea. She's missing!" Austin exclaimed, pointing toward the outhouse.

"Missing?!" Mike spun around, startled to see Alexander standing behind him. Alexander, having just awakened from a short nap, explained that he'd been sleeping poorly lately due to his family's absence and recent events. He'd only just received the twins yesterday. A quick rest had been sufficient, however, and after washing and changing, he'd come downstairs to check on them when he overheard Austin.

Austin gulped and stammered, "I—I went to check on Rhea's reaction to the virus, but she wasn't there!"

Alexander stepped forward. "Are you sure?"

Austin nodded vehemently. "Yes! I looked several times, but she's gone!"

Alexander frowned. "I'll check."

"I'll come with you," Mike offered quickly.

Alexander, concerned for the infants, replied, "You stay with the babies. I'll go with Austin."

Hesitantly, Mike complied, remaining seated while the other two proceeded to the outhouse. Alexander opened the door directly, foregoing a preliminary check through the window. The outhouse was empty. Rhea's usual spot was vacant. Alexander felt the cushion. "It's cold."

Austin was dumbfounded. "She's been gone a while? But how? We locked the door. There's no secret passage, no forced entry, and we would have heard anything." He added incredulously, "We have enough surveillance to protect a bank! How did she vanish?"

Alexander felt the cold bed, confirming Rhea's absence had lasted for some time. The mystery of her disappearance, right under their noses, deepened. He examined the small space thoroughly, then, finding no further clues, turned to leave.

"This makes absolutely no sense," Austin muttered.