Walker Grant’s expression remained indifferent, his gaze occasionally drifting to the antique clock on the wall.

Judith Pierce didn’t mind his cold demeanor. She was just worried about his well-being, so she spoke again, "Walker, I know you can’t let go of Chloe Reed, but it’s over between you two. She doesn’t love you anymore. You should let her go."

"Who says I can’t let her go?"

The man who had been silent finally spoke, his tone tinged with sarcasm as a chilling iciness radiated from him.

Upon hearing this, Judith Pierce was stunned for a moment before breaking into a smile. "It’s for the best that you can let go. I’m glad you’ve come to terms with it. There are so many women out there; you’ll meet someone you love sooner or later. Now that you’ve seen things clearly, I’m not worried anymore."

Walker Grant said nothing more after that single sentence.

Judith Pierce glanced at the time and said, "Walker, I have to go."

"Mm."

This time, Walker Grant showed a slight reaction, looking at her. "Travel safely."

"Okay."

Judith Pierce turned and left the Grant Family Estate.

The second hand on the antique clock ticked steadily onward, and the minute hand crept slowly forward.

Walker Grant sat in the silent living room for a long time before rising and heading upstairs.

The nanny was looking after Noah Grant.

He was taking his afternoon nap and hadn’t heard the commotion downstairs at all.

Walker Grant sat on the edge of the bed, watching the sleeping little boy intently. After a long moment, a flicker of helplessness crossed his eyes.

He arranged for two more nannies to take care of Noah Grant.

Noah was now old enough for kindergarten; he could start next month.

’Once he’s busy, he won’t even remember that his mother exists.’

Having arranged everything, Walker Grant got in his car and headed for the Civil Affairs Bureau.

But just then, his phone rang.

He took it out and saw it was a call from his bodyguard.

"Hello?"

The bodyguard’s tone was frantic. "Mr. Grant, something’s wrong! The young mistress is gone!"

Walker Grant’s brow furrowed instantly. "What happened?"

The bodyguard quickly explained what had happened.

After getting in the car, Sunny Reed had quieted down and hadn’t caused any trouble all the way to the airport.

Once they arrived at the airport, she’d said she needed to use the restroom. They couldn’t very well stop her, so they just waited outside the door.

A lot of people were coming and going from the airport restroom, and they carefully watched each person who came out.

But half an hour went by, and Sunny Reed still hadn’t emerged.

With the plane about to take off, the bodyguards asked an airport employee to check inside, only to learn that Sunny Reed was gone!

She had vanished!

Walker Grant massaged his temples and said in a low voice, "Pull the security footage from the restroom entrance for that time frame. Watch it over and over!"

"Yes, sir."

’Sunny Reed hadn’t boarded the plane. She’d hidden herself and vanished without a trace.’

’He hadn’t expected this.’

’He certainly hadn’t expected that she was capable of escaping.’

Walker Grant’s fingers drummed against his thigh, his expression growing increasingly grim.

Glancing ahead, he saw they were almost at the Civil Affairs Bureau. "Head to the airport," he ordered.

"Yes, sir."

...

Chloe Reed arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau at one o’clock, but there was no sign of Walker Grant at the entrance. She frowned.

’What is he playing at?’

’Is he backing out again?’

A wave of anger washed over her. Sitting in her car, she dialed his number, but he never picked up, and the call eventually disconnected. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

’Is he messing with me?!’

Chloe Reed called him again and again, but he simply wouldn’t answer. Finally, she called Dylan Finch.