Chapter 123:
Everything else should proceed as usual.â
âGot it!â the manager said with a firm nod.
The previous incident at the Tartarus Club was pivotal, and once Shipley was rushed to the hospital, the manager didnât waste a moment.
He briefed Hamilton, providing a detailed rundown and forwarding the crucial surveillance footage.
As Hamilton watched the footage and recognized the woman Rhys had his eye on, fatigue was the last thing on his mind despite the late hour. With no further delay, he sped off to the club.
Owned by Rhys and discreetly disconnected from the Green family holdings, the Tartarus Clubâs true ownership was a well-kept secret.
After handling Mauriceâs demand, Hamilton intended to meet Harlee in one of the clubâs private rooms.
However, he arrived to find she had already departed.
With a mix of reluctance and urgency, Hamilton decided it was time to involve Rhys and made a call.
Harlee was, after all, the first woman to catch Rhysâ genuine interest.
Hamilton held his breath, hoping Rhys would react mildly enough to spare him from any backlash.
Without even offering a greeting, Hamilton plunged into his report as soon as Rhys picked up.
âMiss Sanderson took part in a high-stakes game in the rooftop casino tonight.â He then provided a thorough account of the events.
âMaurice is on a manhunt. It looks like heâs going to track down his eldest son first, then press Ritchie to disclose Miss Sandersonâs location.â
âââ¡â â¤ââââ£â⢠ââ ââââââ¥âââ¢.âââ
âAnd Harleeâs connection to Ritchie?â Rhys inquired, his voice low and compelling.
âUm⦠Iâll find out.â
âSee that you do,â Rhys commanded authoritatively.
âAnd keep Maurice from locating her.
As for Ritchie, delve into who he is and ensure his safety. Should he be taken, make certain he knows to keep quiet.â
âUnderstood.â
Rhys imparted one last directive before ending the call.
âYou performed admirably today. Keep me informed immediately about any developments related to Harleeâs safety.â
The night had settled deeply.
A crescent moon dangled like a slender hook in the sky, and a soft breeze wafted the delicate aroma of flowers through the air. In the solitude of the park, Harlee was seated quietly on a bench.
Disliking hotels intensely, she found herself without a home.
Rhys had been looking for Harlee. Walking around with the easy stride of a college athlete, Rhys was clad in a light T-shirt and khaki cargo pants, his demeanor effortlessly confident. Narrowing his eyes for a clearer view, he soon recognized Harleeâs lone figure there.
At that moment, Harlee seemed delicate, her stillness on the park bench belying the intense sorrow that enveloped her without a sound. Rhys felt a pang of distress stir within him. It was fortunate she had once mentioned her fondness for the serene solitude of park benches, prompting him to search through numerous parks until he finally located her here.
.
.
.