Chapter 607: Chapter 607



“I’m not interested in Fannie—if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Jett scoffed.

“With your reputation, it’s hard to believe that.”

Bobby dropped his grin.

“I’ve already backed off. If you keep pushing, you’ll be crossing the line.”

“Just stay away from her.”

Jett ended the call after that.

Meanwhile, Joelle sorted through the notes from the tasting session. Since Katherine became pregnant, her cravings had leaned heavily toward sour flavors, so she kept that in mind while making decisions.

Fresh out of the shower, Adrian wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“Has Aurora gone to bed?”

“Yeah, she’s asleep.”

“Honey, I have something to tell you.” Adrian reached for her face and guided her to look at him, his expression serious.

“What is it?”

“Michael found Chris.”

Joelle stared at him, surprised and thrilled by the news.

“Really? Where is he? Is Ryland with him? We have to go and get him!”

“Now, calm down.”

Adrian had spent most of the day discussing matters with Michael in the study and had resolved to avoid acting impulsively.

He was convinced it wasn’t a coincidence that every time they tried to track down Chris and Wade, the two managed to slip away just in time.

It could only mean one thing: someone back home kept close tabs on their movements.

Joelle nodded.

“You’re right. We can’t let them get away again this time. Do you have a plan?”

“I reached out to Rafael,” Adrian said.

“Rafael?”

Joelle quickly grasped his plan. Chris would catch on and slip away again if they went after him.

Joelle’s excitement ebbed quickly, giving way to that familiar, sinking feeling.

She had heard news like this too many times before—each one promising but hollow.

Adrian wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“We’ll keep going, Joelle. We’re not giving up, not this time either.”

“Adrian, Ryland’s three now.” Joelle shook her head, her voice breaking.

“How many more of his years am I going to miss? He feels like my own son, and yet I couldn’t protect him. It’s heartbreaking.”

Adrian’s expression softened. He understood her pain—he had missed those first years with his own daughter, Aurora. Those irreplaceable years, when she was discovering the world, learning to walk, to laugh. Rafael had been there instead, filling the role he couldn’t.

“Joelle, Ryland won’t blame you.”

Joelle clutched his shirt, her quiet sobs shuddering through her. She had thought she could handle it, that she’d steeled herself enough, but every mention of Ryland felt like a thorn pressing deeper.

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