Reclaiming Her Heart

A day later, Raymond finally received the news.

Paul's car had plunged off a cliff and burned, leaving one charred body that couldn't yet be identified.

The news hit him like a lightning bolt.

Alex spoke rapidly on the other end. "It happened on the way to Ridgefield."

"Did he say why he was going to Ridgefield?"

"No."

Raymond slammed his fist against the wall, taking a deep breath. "Find out who Paul met with recently."

Alex's voice trembled with anxiety, "I did. Before leaving, he only saw Victor and one of his subordinates. Both were in the same car. We still don't know if the body is Paul's or his assistant's it's severely carbonized. We're waiting on DNA results."

Raymond's first instinct was to return home immediately, suspecting Paul might have been caught up in the tasks he'd assigned him. But since his forced departure from Stellaria, all his identification had been restricted. His only option was illegal entry-a crime in itself.

He took a deep breath and contacted his people still in the country to investigate Paul's situation.

Meanwhile, at Silver Bay City Hospital, the corridor was packed with members of the Adams family.

The medical examiner delivered the final report, "The deceased has been identified as Mr. Adams. My condolences to you all."

The hallway fell silent before erupting in sobs.

Alex's cigarette dropped from his mouth in shock. He stared in disbelief, taking several moments to process the news.

He rushed to the break room to find Victor, who had just finished surgery.

Alex said, voice quavering, "Victor, the examiner must have made a mistake. Check again-Paul can't be dead! There must be some error. Please, go check one more time!"

Victor had just completed a three-hour operation. At 3 AM, exhaustion lined his face.

He placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, saying nothing but conveying a clear message: Accept reality.

"Impossible..." Alex muttered, collapsing into a nearby chair. "It can't be! Paul wouldn't die so easily. Something's wrong. Raymond's barely been gone a few days, and now this happens. I need to go to Vistalia. I need to find Raymond."

Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you're on Ñe5s.com to catch every twist

and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now!

"Alex." Victor's voice was steady. "Stay in the country. This might be beyond our control. If Paul's fate is connected to Raymond's situation, going to him now would make you the next target. I can't lose another friend."

Alex's mind was reeling as he smoked, tears streaming down his face. "Victor, everything seems to be spiraling out of control. It all changed so suddenly, leaving us blindsided."

He took a drag, staring blankly for a minute before his eyes hardened with resolve. "I need to figure out what's happening."

He tossed his cigarette into a nearby bin and strode out.

Victor stood silently by the window, listening to the sobs echoing from the Adams family in the corridor. He sighed quietly.

How did things come to this?

Alex had barely stepped outside the hospital when he spotted a black car waiting. As

he approached, the door opened, and a graceful woman emerged.

Clutching her purse, she greeted him softly. "Mr. Reed."

Alex suddenly recognized her as Ann, Selena's assistant from S.M Corporation.

"What is it?" he asked curtly.

"How is Mr. Adams?"

"Dead."

Alex's voice caught between grief and anger as he uttered that single word.noveldrama

One after another, tragedies struck without warning.

Was this how true friendship ended?

As he climbed into his car, he couldn't help glancing back at Ann.

She stood by the roadside for a long moment before whispering, "Thank you."

Her expression reflected both relief and confusion.