After the luncheon, guests scattered about chatting amiably, with acquainted ladies forming groups to play cards in a side room, while the younger ones returned to the dance floor.
Generally speaking, at this point, the spring banquet was wrapping up. With the forthcoming afternoon tea, guests would gradually take their leave.
Camilla Farrell was conversing with several politiciansâ wives, and Jade Carlson followed by her side, the very picture of readiness and diligence.
However, Camilla made no further effort to introduce her to anyone else.
She was here to attend the spring banquet, not to network on Jadeâs behalf. If an appropriate opportunity arose, she would naturally offer a word or two of recommendation, but if not, she wouldnât insist.
But what Jade wanted was far more than these.
Jade couldnât help thinking to herself, âI was indeed right to do this, aiming to climb through the governorâs wifeâs secretary; merely garnering sympathy is far from enough, I need a great favor!â
At that moment, the nanny brought over by Mrs. Farrell rushed down from upstairs in a flurry.
âMadam, Madam! Something terrible has happened!â
Sister Ziaâs eyes were red-rimmed, her forehead drenched in sweat, her expression one of utter panic.
Mrs. Farrellâs heart skipped a beat.
Sister Zia was the nanny responsible for looking after the baby; could it be thatâ¦
Before she could think further, Sister Zia had already reached her, on the verge of tears, she cried out, âMadam! The baby is gone!â
âWhat?!â Camillaâs complexion turned deathly pale in an instant!
How could that be?!
This was the Summers Residence, not some crowded street market. How could the child just vanish?!
âAre you sure youâve looked everywhere? Could the child have simply rolled over while sleeping and burrowed into the blankets, out of your sight?â someone suggested.
The nanny, distraught, sobbed, âIâve searched everywhere! Thereâs no sign of him under or around the bed! And thereâs a bodyguard still at the door, but the child is just⦠gone!!!â
Cries and shouts drew the attention of everyone in the banquet hall, causing a stir amongst the guests.
âWhatâs happened?ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âTheyâre saying Mrs. Farrellâs child is missingâ¦â
âWhat? How could that be? Wasnât someone watching the child?â
âIndeed, itâs so strangeâ¦â
Dylan Summers also came over upon hearing the commotion, quickly offering reassurance, âMrs. Farrell, please donât worry, weâll find the childâ¦â
But Camilla couldnât hear a word, her mind in turmoil, she disregarded all etiquette and raced toward the staircase, fearing the worst for her child.
Jade followed closely behind, her heart rejoicing secretly: The big scene had begun!
As she ascended the staircase, she glanced back as if led by a specter and saw Purple Summers amid the crowd, a cold smile playing on her lips.
A tightness gripped Jadeâs heart.
âCould Purple be onto something?â Jade grew nervous. She had already made a few missteps with Purple. If once was bad luck, twice poor fortune, then thrice⦠Purple might truly be extraordinary.
âMy plan is foolproof, she couldnât possibly know!â Jade reassured herself, attempting to remain calm, âEven if she suspects something, itâs too late now!â
Jade pushed aside her unease and hastened to catch up with Camilla ahead.
Outside the crowd, Zara Jameson instinctively took Purpleâs hand, looking at her with concerned eyes.
âSomething really has happened,â Zara murmured softly.
Jane McCainâs expression was also tense, murmuring, âPurple guessed it rightâ¦â
Yet, they had only guessed generally and had not foreseen that Jade would use an infant, not even a year old, as a ploy.
âDonât worry, it will be all right,â Purple comforted her two friends, âLetâs go have a look too.â
The curious guests at the banquet hall whispered amongst themselves as they made their way upstairs.
Purple, along with Jane and Zara, blended into the crowd and ascended the stairs.
Nathaniel Summers, frowning, summoned a security guard and ordered, âSecure the front and back doors; donât allow anyone to leave or enter.â
â¦