Chapter 617
Probably due to their upbringing, the Wilkinson siblings had all been fascinated by weapons since childhood.
When Rex was just starting elementary school, his room was already filled with models of guns, fighter jets, tanks, and warships.
When Vera moved back to Cresthaven with their parents, she had just learned to walk. Crawling and toddling her way into Rex’s room, she got her hands on this very gun and refused to let go.
Before Vera was born, Rex was the most spoiled child in the family, coddled to no end. Throwing a fit, he adamantly refused to give the gun to her.
Later, when he wanted to give it to her, the chance was gone.
Over the years living in Vistapeak City, he left everything else in Cresthaven, but kept this vintage prop pistol by his side.
Tonight, thinking little Elissa might show up, he had brought it along.
He never expected it to serve this kind of purpose.
Realizing he’d been fooled, anger surged in Tristan. Then Laurel spoke up,
“Something happened to Vera. Instead of picking a fight with Rex, you’d be better off finding out where she is.”
“Something happened to Vera?”
Tristan, who had been on the verge of exploding, struggled to keep up. “Isn’t Marcia a fake?”
Whatever happened to her had nothing to do with the Wilkinsons.
“Not Marcia.”
Laurel tossed the prop gun back to Rex. “The real Vera. She’s been kidnapped and is currently missing.”
Tristan felt a rush of both joy and fury. “You found Vera and didn’t tell me?”
As much as he favored Maya, his long-lost youngest daughter remained a sore spot in his heart.
“Weren’t you entirely focused on Maya?”
Rex mocked. “We had no reason to believe you still cared whether Vera lived or died.”
Choked by the remark, Tristan was furious but couldn’t find the words to argue back.
No wonder these three had been glaring at him with such hostility all day.
Forgetting his concern for Maya, he pulled out his phone. “I’m calling your grandfather.”
Laurel had already texted Serena earlier to inform the old man.
Still, she didn’t stop Tristan.
The more paternal love Tristan could show Vera, the better, so that she wouldn’t be disappointed by him when she returned.
With all this drama, the banquet couldn’t possibly continue.
After stepping out to apologize to the guests, Laurel wrapped things up hastily Anxious for Elissa’s* safety, she wanted to regroup with Jesse and the others.
Only Marcia stood in the distance, looking utterly lost.
Maya had been taken away…
And Carmela hadn’t shown up to propose the marriage either.
She didn’t know what fate awaited her, but she was unwilling to just leave like this.
Laurel gave her a cool glance. “The schedule changed. The people coming to propose won’t be here
today do back to Zephyr Manora
with the staff.”
With that, she prepared to leave with Rex.
Marcia, always good at reading the room, tentatively offered, “Has something happened? I can help…”
“Alright, I’ve called your grandfather.”
Tristan came over just as he ended
the call. “The old couple is on their
way to vistapeak City right now. I’ve
also contacted my local
subordinates to help track her down.”
Hearing this, Marcia barely hid the triumphant curl of her lips.
She had thought that bitch was about to live the pampered life of a wealthy heiress.
Turns out, she was teetering on the edge of death.
Man proposes, God disposes.
Laurel could easily spot her malicious glee, but she didn’t care. She just nodded at Tristan. “Rex and I are going to meet up with Jesse.”
Even though they had sent out countless men, she wouldn’t feel at ease unless she was there waiting for the news in person.
Tristan naturally couldn’t rest easy either. “I’m going too.”
“You should go back and keep Mom company.”
Laurel declined. “If none of us go home, Mom will definitely get suspicious. Her
health can’t take the shock. Don’t tell her about this yet.”
Suzanne had always disliked banquets, and after learning Elissa wouldn’t be there,
she had lost all interest and stayed home alone.
Tristan thought for a moment. “Alright, then all of you… stay safe.”