Chapter 256: Trouble Behind the Wedding
Jordan pushed open the door and saw Elsie, a red slap mark on her cheek, crying in Lily’s arms. As soon as she saw someone enter, Elsie looked at Carl, wearing the look of someone bullied but silent. Lily blinked twice.
Without warning, Wyatt grabbed Elsie by the throat and pulled her toward him. “Where’s Yunice?” His voice was eerily calm, but his grip was ruthless. Elsie felt like she was suffocating. She flailed her hands at Wyatt’s wrist, her face turning blue from lack of air. Lily was horrified.
“Didn’t she marry you today? How do we know where she is?” Then it hit her. “Wait… Yunny is missing?” Her eyes flickered, and she suddenly remembered the wedding wasn't over yet. If Yunice didn’t show up, wouldn't that mean she was missing from her own wedding?
Seeing Elsie about to faint, Lily quickly stepped forward and tugged at Wyatt. “Let go of her! Even if you strangle her, we don’t know where Yunice is. Let her go; I have a solution!” Wyatt gave her a cold look, then released his grip.
Lily collected herself and said, “With Yunny gone, the priority now is to make sure the wedding goes on. Otherwise, people will think she ran away, and Mr. Cooper, you’ll be the laughingstock.” She turned to Elsie. “Elsie and Yunny are biological sisters. They look at least 70% alike. Elsie can step in and help you out.”
She spoke with great seriousness, but Wyatt suddenly let out a deep, sarcastic laugh. The next second, Elsie was thrown violently to the ground, completely disoriented by the impact. Lily froze in fear, unable to move.
“You better pray that Yunice comes back safe. Otherwise, whatever happens to her will happen to you.” Wyatt stepped aside to make a phone call, exuding anger. Meanwhile, Lily ran to Carl as if clutching at her last hope.
“Carl, what’s going on?” Tears streamed down her face. “Why are we locked in here? Why did Freya hit us? What did we even do wrong? Not only will he not tell us if Yunny is alive, now we can’t even attend her wedding?” Freya looked at her in disgust but didn’t bother to explain.
Still, Lily continued, pointing her finger. “Did Freya say something to you? Is that why you’re all targeting us? I admit I’ve contacted Carl a few times, but I’ve already explained! It’s because we’re old friends, nothing more. You’re the one thinking too much!”
Carl turned to Freya with a look. Although he showed no emotion, Freya felt a sour sting in her chest. She spoke coldly. “Madam Lily, the priority is to find Yunny. Is your grievance more important than her safety? Every second you waste now delays the search.”
Lily was at a loss for words. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked sheepishly at Carl. Carl didn’t dwell on her embarrassment. He calmly asked, “Lily, think carefully. Who else knew that Yunny would be at the wedding today? Where could she possibly go?”
After all, the Saunders family had known Yunice the longest and would know her habits best. Lily wiped her tears with her fingertips and thought for a moment. “Everyone knows that Yunice has deep feelings for Paul. Even though he’s getting married, she’s never given up on him. I think her disappearance today might have something to do with Paul’s wedding.” Wyatt looked over at her.
Lily stole a glance at him and continued carefully. “She never liked Mr. Cooper. Being with him was all about status and money. Otherwise, why would she disappear right after stepping off the stage? The hotel had layers of security, and she was wearing a very conspicuous wedding dress. It’s impossible that someone kidnapped her. She must have planned it and snuck out.”
“You’re saying it was Paul Powell?” Elsie seemed to realize something. “But Paul’s wedding is over. What’s the point of going to him now? He’s married, and so is she. Even if they had a history, it wouldn’t continue…”
In the middle of a sentence, Elsie suddenly stopped, as if she remembered something. “Wait, could this be another mission…” Everyone turned to her at the strange words. Elsie looked startled and quickly backtracked. “I’m just rambling. Don’t believe me.”
Seeing Wyatt step forward again, Elsie quickly backed down. “Okay! I’ll talk! Maybe you all don’t know… Yunice may be sweet on the outside, but in private, she and her boyfriend had some quirks… She liked to call Paul ‘Master’ and always made him do weird things… like give him embarrassing challenges… Like that yacht party nine years ago…”