Chapter 27%
The night before, Desmond called the Jasper estate.
“Lottie’s disappearance somehow connected to your illegitimate sam?” he asked, barely holding back his an
James’s expression darkened. “What? Charlotte’s missing? Did you call the police?”
“It was the police who called me to confirm she’s missing.” Desmond said through gritted teeth. “We’ve tried calling her over and over again, but her phone keeps going straight to voicemail. Kena and I have already searched her apartment and her law firm. She’s nowhere to be found.
His voice trembled with fury. “And where’s Sean right now? Lottie’s missing
g and he’s not out there looking for
“We just found out she’s missing,” James replied. “Sean’s still at the office working. He probably doesn’t know yet. I’ll notify him right away. Try not to panic. I’m sure she’ll be okay. Maybe her phone died. She might contact you once she gets it charged ”
“Phone died? We’ve been searching all night and haven’t seen a trace of her. That’s easy for you to say when it’s not your kid. You people don’t seem to care at all!”
“Desmond, calm down-”
“Calm down? How do you expect me to stay calm? Desmond’s voice rose to a furious shout. “If your Sean suddenly vanished, could you stay calm?
James rubbed his temple, clearly distressed “Let’s wait and hear what the police have to say
Lilian, who had been sitting beside him, had heard most of the heated conversation. Her expression grew anxious as she pieced together what was happening
She had always liked Charlotte, practically treating her like a daughter. Now, learning that Charlotte was missing, worry flooded her chest *What’s going on? Lottie’s missing?” she asked urgently.
James ended the call with Desmond and nodded. “Yes. Desmond said they’ve been trying to reach her all night, but there’s no sign of her
“Did they call the police?”
“They did. That’s how they found out she was unreachable!
“Does Sean know? Call him right away. He needs to help with the search,”
“I’m dialing him now.”
But before he could, Sean’s name appeared on the caller ID. He was already calling in..
Sean got straight to the point. “Dad, I’m sure you’ve heard, Lottie’s missing. She’s been kidnapped”
James’s face went pale, Kidnapped? What happened?”
anywhere.”
Soun’s voice was low and strained with exhaustion. “It’s Joseph Ford. I’m heading home right now. Don’t panic, and whatever you do–don’t call the
“Joseph Food?”
“James’s expression turned grim. “But Desmond said they already reported it
“What?” Sean’s grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles turned white, iis voice sharpened with urgency. “You can’t call the police! Joseph contacted me earlier. I was on my way home to discuss a plan with you. If the police get Involved, he’ll kill her, Lorrie’s life is in danger!”
“What do we do now? The police already know she’s missing.”
“Just stay home and wall for me. I’m almost there.”
Sen hung up before James could respond
Litian, riestly shaken, turned to him. “Any news? Did they find her?
“That was Sear,” James said heavily. He paused, then continued, “Charlotte’s been kidnappes. The one who took her was Joseph Ford.”
“Joseph Furd“” Lilian’s face instantly drained of color Him again? Why her? What does he even want with Loute? If this is about revenge against Sean because of their engagement, Hut makes no sense. They broke up long ago!”
