Chapter 888:
âWeâve already broadened our search by an additional 10-20 miles.â
Only two scenarios remained possible: either Rhys hadnât tumbled into the river, or his body had been carried downstream to another city.
Three days had passed since the incident, and despite the full mobilization of the police forces, no leads had surfaced.
Harlee, huddled in the back seat, felt the sting of each passing hour. The latest message felt as though a blade twisted in her chest.
Despite the turmoil within, she composed a serene reply to shield Robbie from her distress.
âTell our team to stand down. Let the police handle it from here.â
Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she quickly composed another message.
âDonât concern yourself with Rhysâ teamâs approach.â
Robbieâs reaction was one of sheer disbelief. Wasnât Rhys the one Harlee cared about the most? Why did she suddenly call off the search?
As if sensing his confusion, Harlee tapped out another quick text.
âI have a more crucial task for you.â
Robbie, still processing, managed only a perplexed âOkay,â half-expecting her next message to direct someone else to proceed with the search.
But deep down, Harlee had already resolved to give up searching for Rhys. She held firm to the belief that Rhys was alive, and he hadnât plunged into the river. Likely, someone had abducted him.
Determined, she was set on uncovering the culprit.
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Parking outside the Sanderson family villa and exiting her vehicle, Harlee noticed Callie still kneeling in the exact same place. Though visibly drained, Callie managed to execute a deep bow.
âMiss Sanderson, I beg you to show mercy to Ettaâ¦â Her plea was so faint that it almost dissolved into the air.
Harlee remained silent, striding past Callie toward the couch. She was not one to grant forgiveness simply because Callie had been kneeling for three long days and nights.
Yet, Callie persisted. She dragged herself to Harleeâs feet, continuing to plead with increasing desperation.
A flicker of sympathy crossed Harleeâs features, but her resolve remained unyielding. What truly made her waver was Skyla.
Having just returned from visiting Nyomi, Skyla witnessed Callieâs desperate plea toward Harlee.
Her usually bright smile vanished instantly.
Skyla hissed, âCallie, I have kept you with the Sanderson family out of respect for your decades of loyal service.
But how have you chosen to repay me? Have you forgotten what Etta did? And now youâre trying to strong-arm Harlee into forgiveness? How ungrateful can you be?â
Her anger blazing, Skyla shoved Callie aside and sat on the plush sofa. She reached for Harleeâs hand, gripping it tightly in a protective gesture.
âHarlee, donât be afraid. Iâll have Kane throw her out.â
Raising her voice, Skyla called out sharply, âKaneâ¦â Harlee quickly interrupted, her voice soft yet firm.
âMom, donât do that.â
Harlee gave Skyla a reassuring smile and gently patted her hand, signaling she would take control of the situation.
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