Maybe the Blanchet family had the media in their back pocket, keeping Mr. Blanchetâs mishap under wraps.
Belinda still had tears streaming down her face as she spoke. âHe mustâve been set up! Why else would he be at that abandoned factory on the outskirts of town?â
Jacob asked, âDid Mr. Blanchet go alone?â
Belinda choked up. âHe brought his trusty assistant and the family chauffeur.â
âWhat about the other two who went with him? Were they rescued?â
Belinda shook her head. âTheyâre still missing.â
Jacob frowned. As much as he felt for his girlfriendâs loss, he was lost himself when it came to the complex squabbles among the rich and powerful.
Belinda wasnât really looking for Jacob to solve anything; she just needed someone to vent to.
She continued, âHomeâs a total mess; my parents told me to keep it hush-hush, but Iâm really upset. He was always so good to me. He may seem stern, but heâd always give me whatever I wanted.â
Jacob patted his girlfriendâs shoulder, unable to say much more than a helpless sigh. âBelinda, I feel you, but I donât know how to comfort you. All I can say is, take it easy.â
Belinda wiped her tears. âIâm okay. At least I can let it all out and talk to you. But Ellinorâs not so lucky;
she doesnât even know yet. When I first found out yesterday, I wanted to call her, but Mr. Larios stopped me. He said Ellinorâs about to give birth, and hearing such bad news might affect her health. It could even trigger premature labor. That would be a disaster!â
Jacob was surprised, wondering why Mr. Larios was there with his girlfriend. But he didnât push it, simply offering some reassurance. âDidnât Mr. Blanchet and Ellinor break up? And I recall that Ellinor didnât want to forgive him. So, she might be upset, but it shouldnât hit her too hard. Donât worry too much, Belinda.â
Belinda shook her head. âYou donât get it; they had a spat, but we all know they still care for each other deeply. They just have some unresolved issues.â
Just as Jacob was about to speak, he noticed a figure approaching from behind Belinda.
After getting up, he greeted the man a bit nervously. âUh⦠Mr. Larios, are you here for coffee too?â
Belinda, wiping her tears, turned around to find Chase.
Chase glanced at his watch and then said to Jacob, âJacob, lunch break is almost over. Youâll be late if you donât head back to the office.â
Jacob quickly explained, âMr. Larios, itâs just that my girlfriendâs relative passed away. Iâm here comforting her.â
Chase glanced at Belinda and then back to Jacob, his smile polite but not quite sincere. âWell, whatever the reason, being late will dock your perfect attendance bonus.â
Feeling the pressure from his boss, Jacob quickly agreed. âUh⦠right! Iâll head back to work immediately!â
After excusing himself to his boss, Jacob turned apologetically to his girlfriend. âBelinda, Iâm sorry! I have to get back to work now. Iâll get in touch with you after work. Take care of yourself, and donât cry anymore. We canât bring back the dead. Remember to eat something; donât hurt your health over this.â
With that, Jacob rushed off, leaving in a hurry while feeling helpless.
After Jacob had left, Chase sat down across from Belinda, his voice gentle but reproachful. âWhy do you have to tell everything to outsiders?â
But Belindaâs years wouldnât stop; she was both sad and upset.
âMy boyfriend is not an outsider to me.â