Chapter 550

Jerry shook his head. “Based on the leads provided by Mr. Rhodes, we conducted surprise inspections of all the hotels, but we didn’t find her.”

“I’ve already reported the situation to Mr. Warren at the Jayrodale Police Department. If even he can’t find her, then it’ll be a real problem.”

Michael frowned, visibly unsettled. “That’s strange. Troy was just captured—there’s no way Ruby could’ve sensed it and escaped so quickly.”

Tiana snapped, “Shut up. Do you think everyone’s as incompetent as you? Keep searching for that wretch! After the loss she’s caused the Rhodes family, I won’t rest until she’s torn to pieces!”

Meanwhile, Lauren lingered at the Moonlit Sanctuary until late at night before reluctantly returning home. The moment she stepped inside and turned on the lights, Tiana was already there, like a ghost waiting in the darkness.

Lauren wasn’t surprised. She said calmly, “Please leave. I need to rest.”

Without a word, Tiana strode forward, pulled up Lauren’s sleeve, and inspected her arm before exhaling in relief. Lauren sneered. “Relax. The mark is still there. I’m still a virgin.”

Tiana instinctively wanted to lash out but, for some reason, her expression softened. Taking Lauren’s hand gently, she asked in a quiet voice, “Lauren, do you hate me as your mother?”

Lauren shook her head. “Hate is too strong a word. There’s just no bond between us. You gave birth to me but didn’t raise me. When I finally grew up, you found me, only to talk endlessly about how amazing the Driscoll family is, how wealthy and powerful they are, and how deeply rooted their legacy is.

“All you wanted was for me to marry Joe for the family’s sake. I’ve never heard of a mother like you—someone who didn’t care for their child growing up but swoops in later to dictate their marriage and force them to marry for convenience.”

For a brief moment, a flicker of pain appeared in Tiana’s eyes, but she quickly concealed it. Without saying another word, she turned and walked out of the room.

Lauren stood frozen, her composure finally breaking as she began to sob softly.

Unbeknownst to Lauren, Tiana had stopped just outside the door. Leaning against it, she listened to her daughter’s quiet cries and murmured softly, “My child, no one in this world loves you more than I do. It breaks my heart to see you unhappy.

“But there are things you don’t understand yet. One day, you’ll know that everything I’m doing is for your own good.”

“Ms. Stevens, there’s nowhere left for me in Jayrodale. Please arrange for me to leave the city immediately!”

At a secluded location, Ruby appeared in a state of panic, urgently pleading with Aspen.

The Rhodes family had issued a powerful warrant against her within the aristocratic network, effectively turning her into a fugitive with no choice but to run.

Chapter 550

Aspen gritted her teeth. “How did this plan go so wrong? Where exactly did things fall apart? How did the Rhodes family find out you stole the formulas?”

Ruby cursed angrily. “It’s all because of that idiot Troy. He confessed everything to the Rhodes family!”

Aspen’s tone turned icy. “That’s impossible. Troy wouldn’t be that foolish. Besides, considering his infatuation and desire for you, he wouldn’t betray you to the Rhodes family. Doing so wouldn’t win him your favor—it would only bring him their wrath.

“From what you’ve said, Troy was utterly obsessed with you. Men like that—driven by lust—are easily controlled. Once you’ve got a hold of them, they become nothing more than obedient dogs.”

Her words dripped with disdain and contempt for men, revealing her deep-rooted hatred and scorn for them.