Chapter 899
Chapter 899:
“The bodyguards I sent to look for him spotted him in the suburbs of Wellden. In his condition, he couldn’t have gone far. Wellden isn’t far—if we leave now, we’ll be there in an hour or two p>
Anika’s face brightened with sudden hope. She jumped out of bed at once. “Hurry. Let’s go,” she urged.
An hour later, they finally arrived in Wellden. Annabel contacted the bodyguard who had called her. After he told her his location, she rushed over with Anika.
“Where is Jared?” Anika demanded the moment she saw him.
A middle-aged man standing beside the bodyguard spoke up. “I met the man you’re talking about once, when I was fishing in the suburbs. It’s only about a half-hour drive from the city. There’s a man-made lake nearby. It’s easy to find p>
Anika was already trembling with excitement. A whirlwind of emotions surged through her all at once—she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. Afraid she might break down, she squeezed Annabel’s hand tightly.
Annabel understood. She gently patted Anika’s back to steady her, then asked the middle-aged man for the exact directions to the man-made lake. They hurried to the car and drove off.
There weren’t many people on the suburban streets at that hour. The moment they reached the lake, Annabel and Anika jumped out and began searching for Jared. Anika climbed a small hill, with Annabel close behind.
Halfway up, Anika spotted a log cabin tucked into the hillside. It looked old and neglected, the kind of place no one should have been living in. She paused at the door, deciding where to search next. Just as she turned to leave, a sharp clang came from inside, like something dropping to the floor.
Anika froze, then pushed the door open.
The first thing she saw was Jared, standing there in stunned silence.
His right leg was crudely wrapped in gauze that had already turned yellow. It looked like the wound hadn’t been properly treated in days.
“Jared… Jared, I finally found you!” Anika’s eyes filled with tears. Overwhelmed, she rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
Jared stood rigid for a moment, shocked. When he finally reacted, the first thing he did was try to pull away. He took a painful step back, attempting to shake her off. The small movement clearly hurt him.
“What are you doing here?” Jared snapped coldly. “Didn’t I break up with you? We have nothing to do with each other. You should leave—now.” He turned his face aside, as if he couldn’t bear to look at her.
Anika stared at him, stunned. But she wasn’t going to give up. Not after everything.
She reached for his arm and said stubbornly, “I’m not leaving. Jared, your right leg hasn’t healed. It’s been days since you’ve treated the wound, hasn’t it? Chayce is already in Douburgh. Come back with us—at least let someone treat your leg p>
“No!” Jared suddenly grew agitated. His face flushed as he shouted, “I don’t need it! I’m a cripple now. Leave me alone! I’m not going back with you p>
As their voices rose, the cabin door was pushed open again.
It was Annabel.
The moment she saw Jared, surprise filled her eyes.