Chapter 988



“Don’t worry. Maybe your mom’s phone fell or ran out of battery. We’ll find her.”

As Clayton glanced up, his gaze caught on Brysen standing nearby.

Clayton squinted his eyes, his tone cautious.

“Is Brysen feeling better now? Is she well enough to travel with you?”

Sophie shook her head.

“No, she’s still the same. My mom brought her along, hoping it might lift her spirits and help her recover.”

Clayton nodded, relief flickering across his face.

They began their search for Kallie. Days turned into a week with no sign of Kallie.

Sophie, on the verge of a breakdown, cried herself to sleep every night. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Clayton the truth. Instead, she often sneaked back to the old neighborhood, only to leave disheartened every time.

The stress took its toll on Sophie when they couldn’t find Kallie. Her appetite dwindled, and the weight loss became more apparent each day.

Seeing Sophie in such a state, Clayton felt a sharp pang of sympathy. He brought her some food, hoping to offer comfort.

“You have to eat something. If you collapse before locating your mom, it won’t do any good. You’re the eldest of the three siblings, Sophie. You need to think about your brother and sister. They need you.”

Clayton’s words hit home. Sophie hadn’t contacted Calvin or Elma, terrified they’d panic if they knew Kallie’s disappearance. Calvin would act impulsively, and Elma, being young and attached to Kallie, would be devastated.

Sophie forced down a few spoonfuls of soup before drowsiness dragged her into a restless sleep.

Clayton urged Sophie to get some rest before leaving.

Clayton’s gentle facade vanished the moment he confirmed Sophie was sound asleep. His jaw clenched as he turned to his assistant.

“What’s really going on with Kallie? Wasn’t she held by the Duncan family?”

The assistant’s voice trembled.

“I don’t understand what’s going on with the Duncan family. They refuse to let Miss Nixon go, claiming it’s personal now. Neal’s gone off the rails, and they’re demanding Miss Nixon’s life in exchange.”

Clayton’s anger flared at the revelation.

“Demand Kallie’s life? Do they have a death wish? Tell them if Kallie isn’t returned safely, there will be consequences they can’t imagine.”

The assistant hesitated, his voice laced with concern.

“Mr. Morgan, I must remind you that if Miss Nixon is returned safely, she’ll inevitably discover everything about our actions.”

Clayton’s jaw tightened as he waved his hand dismissively.

“I don’t care about that right now. What matters is getting her back, safe and sound. If necessary, trade Sophie for Kallie. She’s Kallie’s daughter. If something happens to Sophie, Kallie will be devastated but cling to life.”

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