Chapter 141
Chapter 141:
A shadow crossed Asher’s eyes as the softness in his expression vanished, replaced by something sharp and unyielding. “If Kristine were taken for money, demands would have surfaced by now. But there has been complete silence p>
Leaning back, Devin stroked his chin. “So you do not think this was a kidnapping? If that is the case, then what was the purpose p>
Asher shook his head slowly, his thoughts tangled in a way he had never experienced before. Even the shock of discovering that his two older brothers had divided his resources had not unsettled him this deeply.
“Do not stop looking. We have to find her.” He spoke with firm resolve, his hand tightening around the armrest.
Watching his profile, Devin frowned, unease settling across his face. For the moment, that was all they could do.
Light filtered through the curtains as Kristine regained consciousness and found herself lying on a pristine bed. A clean freshness lingered around her, and the faint smell of detergent confirmed the sheets had been recently washed. Pushing herself upright, she surveyed the room, noting its warm décor with a flicker of surprise. Near the bedside, a vase held her favorite flowers.
At that moment, a gentle female voice drifted in from beyond the door. “Helen, see if the young lady has woken up. If she has, bring her something to eat p>
Confusion flickered across Kristine’s face as her thoughts raced. Had she been taken somewhere far away? She focused on the sounds around her and caught the steady rhythm of waves. Was she near the sea?
Scanning the room again, she searched for anything she could use to defend herself, but found nothing. After a moment’s hesitation, she picked up a small stool, moved quietly to the door, steadied her breathing, and waited in silence for it to open.
The door swung open abruptly.
A young girl entered the room and glanced at the empty bed with confusion. “That’s odd. Where did she go p>
𝖱𝘰𝗆a𝗻𝗰𝖾 𝘢𝘯𝘥 р𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗂о𝗇 𝗼ո 𝘨𝗮𝗹ո𝗼𝗏𝖾𝗅ѕ.𝖼o𝘮
Turning around, she spotted Kristine behind her, stool raised overhead and ready to strike. Startled, she ducked down and cried out, “Kristine, wait! It’s me p>
Kristine froze mid-motion, her eyes scanning the girl’s features. Something about her was familiar, but the memory would not come.
Keeping a firm grip on the stool, Kristine’s tone remained guarded. “Who are you p>
“You don’t remember me? I was at your school the year my brother graduated p>
“Your brother p>
“Yeah — Vance Bailey!” the girl said brightly.
The memory finally clicked. Kristine remembered taking pictures during Vance’s graduation ceremony. His whole family, including his younger sister, had been there. That must have been five or six years ago. Piece by piece, the girl’s face settled into place, and some of the tension left Kristine’s shoulders. “Wait — you’re Helen p>
Helen Bailey’s face lit up with a wide smile. “You got it. I’m glad you finally remember me p>
“How did I end up here?” Kristine asked, confusion resurfacing.
Fragments of being taken flickered through her mind.
Helen’s smile faltered. “Let’s get some food in you first. Vance will explain everything p>
Kristine studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod.