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Chapter 325:

Inside the hall, Carlee kept glancing toward the restroom while idly checking her phone.

After waiting several more minutes without Amelia appearing, Carlee couldn’t wait any longer and tapped Amelia’s number, only to hear the phone buzzing on the table.

Grabbing Amelia’s phone, Carlee walked toward the restroom but was stopped at the entrance by a notice stating it was under maintenance.

A sense of relief came over Carlee; she assumed Amelia had gone to the restroom on the second floor, which explained the long absence. Just as she turned to return to her table, she caught sight of a purple object lying near the sink.

Shoving aside the barrier at the entrance, Carlee stepped into the restroom. Her complexion drained when she picked up the purple earring resting on the tiles. That earring was the birthday present she had given Amelia, and because of its simple style, Amelia often wore it.

“Who on earth left this sign here? Such mischief…” A grumbling voice suddenly echoed.

Watching a worker remove the maintenance sign, Carlee asked hurriedly, “Wasn’t this sign placed by the store staff p>

“We already inspected the restroom this morning; nobody knows who left the notice here,” the worker replied.

𝗕𝖾 𝘱𝗮rt о𝘧 𝘰𝘶r со𝗺m𝘂𝗇𝗶t𝘺 о𝗇.со𝘮

Unable to listen further, Carlee bolted toward the second floor.

She shoved the restroom door open and shouted nervously, “Amelia? Are you here p>

Even after several calls, Carlee was met with silence.

The restroom contained about eight stalls. Carlee moved ahead, knocking one after another, drawing irritated remarks from those inside.

Clutching at one last hope, Carlee went back to her table, but Amelia was still nowhere in sight.

By then, over thirty minutes had gone by since Amelia had left.

Carlee, pale and trembling, lifted her phone to dial Wyatt, only to realize after unlocking it that she didn’t have Wyatt’s number.

Just as she prepared to call Davin, her eyes landed on Amelia’s phone.

Since the password for Amelia’s phone was her birthday, Carlee swiftly unlocked it.

Locating Wyatt’s number, Carlee immediately pressed dial.

Wyatt picked up without delay. “Weren’t you supposed to be dining with Carlee tonight? Why are you calling me now p>

“Mr. Stewart, it’s me,” Carlee interjected, her voice tense.

Wyatt’s voice on the line carried confusion. “Why are you holding Amelia’s phone p>

“Amelia is missing!” Carlee said urgently.

“What do you mean missing? Weren’t you sharing dinner together?” Wyatt’s voice tightened at once.

Through the line, Carlee breathlessly relayed the events at the restaurant — from the spilled juice to someone purposefully placing the sign outside the restroom. Before she finished speaking, Wyatt cut her off, saying, “I’ll have Davin head over immediately. You go see the restaurant manager and check the surveillance footage p>

Down a narrow alley downtown, Zainab, nearly finished with her shift, stared at a shabby van parked by the curb, puzzlement flickering in her eyes.

This was one of the busiest sections of Kretol, and it was her first time seeing such a worn vehicle here. The van stood out against the polished area.

“What are you staring at? Aren’t you off duty yet?” a voice barked.

“Coming!” Zainab answered.

At Collen’s impatient urging, Zainab quickly snatched her bag to leave. Yet as she turned, she cast another glance at the van — and froze, eyes widening in shock.

She saw a man in a cap carrying a woman toward the vehicle. In the next breath, he swung open the trunk.

The man shoved the woman inside, and as he lowered her down, strands of her hair fell, revealing a striking face.

“Am p>

Zainab instinctively wanted to shout Amelia’s name, but she clamped her mouth instantly, realizing the danger.

Collen, irritated by the delay, strode over with annoyance etched on his face. “Are you coming or not p>

“Collen, I just saw Mrs. Stewart!” Zainab muttered, her face taut with fear.

Following her finger, Collen noticed the van beginning to pull away. Thinking of Amelia’s status, Collen looked doubtful. “Are you certain you didn’t imagine it? Why would Mrs. Stewart be inside that kind of vehicle p>

“She wasn’t walking inside. A man carried her; she was unconscious,” Zainab said.

As they spoke, the van rolled forward.

Seeing this, Collen shoved his motorcycle keys into Zainab’s hand. “Go to Hillside Villa and find Mr. Stewart. I’ll follow that van p>

“Can you handle it alone?” Zainab asked, her voice full of worry.

Tattoo artists often dealt with rough crowds, and Zainab could sense the man she had glimpsed was dangerous, making her fear for Collen’s safety.

“I’ll be careful!” Collen said, dashing away, leaving Zainab clutching the keys tightly.

The distance from downtown to Hillside Villa stretched beyond thirty kilometers. Zainab pressed the throttle to its limit, reaching the entrance in barely more than ten minutes.

As she prepared to enter, a speeding car rushed past, forcing her to turn and give chase.

She recognized the number plate as Wyatt’s personal vehicle. Watching it surge forward, Zainab’s eyes brimmed with urgency.

“Mr. Stewart, the young lady on the motorcycle behind seems to be Mrs. Stewart’s friend,” the driver said to Wyatt.