Chapter 189
Eddy had gone so far as to set a trap for his wife, luring her out under the guise of signing divorce papers, with court officials standing by to witness. But when the
officials tried to pull up their marriage record, it was nowhere to be found in the
system.
o
Eventually, they managed to dig up a backup–the old paper copy.
The whole incident made Eddy recall the time he’d wondered if his wife was some kind of computer genius. All traces of her seemed to have vanished from the internet–her school records, from elementary through college, had disappeared. Some had survived on paper, others were gone for good.
He couldn’t be sure of anything anymore.
And now, the same strange thing was happening all over again.
“Sir, is it possible it’s just someone with the same name?”
“No. It’s her. My wife is back.”
There was a stubborn determination in Eddy’s eyes. Back at the Royal Feast Pavilion, he’d felt certain his wife had been close–so close he could almost sense
her presence.
At that moment, Rebekah rushed in, breathless. “Eddy, why didn’t you wait for me?”
“Don’t be upset,” she cooed. “Mr. Jordan’s always been good to me. He’s just in a mood right now, but once he cools off, I’ll take you to ask him about Pacifica Isle, okay?”
Eddy didn’t waste time. “What kind of expert did Mr. Jordan meet with today? Was it a man or a woman?” His dark eyes locked onto Rebekah.
It was the first time Rebekah had ever been the focus of Eddy’s intense gaze, and it made her heart flutter. “I–I’m not really sure. But Mr. Jordan’s been worried sick about that hacker attack, the one that exposed security flaws at the bank and led to all those accounts being drained. I guess it was someone in IT or something…”
“I’ll find out,” she said, pulling out her phone.
But the moment Eddy heard the word “computer,” he strode out the door, not willing to let slip the slightest chance of finding his wife.
“To the Royal Feast Pavilion.”
Rebekah yelped and hurried after him. Just then, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Mr. Jordan.
“Rebekah, I’m busy with something important tonight. I won’t be seeing your guests.
“Mr. Jordan, I just wanted to ask–who was the VIP you met in the private room earlier? Was it a man or a woman?”
“Grown–up business, Rebekah. Best not to pry. But if she finishes her work and has time, she might pay a visit to you and your parents.”
“Huh?”
“You’ll see when it happens.”
By then, Blanche had finished erasing her tracks. The car carried her to the most discreet hotel in Capitol City, a place reserved for visiting dignitaries and VIPs.
After bidding Caleb goodbye, Blanche entered her suite across the hall. She switched on the entryway lamp, locked the door, set down her suitcase and briefcase, and padded barefoot into the room. From her coat pocket, she pulled out her phone and powered it on, seeing a missed call pop up immediately.
She wandered over to the minibar, poured herself a glass of red wine, and stepped out onto the balcony.
The night breeze washed away the fatigue of travel.
“Sorry I was delayed–just finished meeting with Mr. Jordan,” Blanche said softly.
A man’s voice drifted through her earbuds, calm and even. “Did it go smoothly?”
l’ao “It did.” Blanche took a sip of wine. “Once I wrap up work, I’ll go visit your parents. It’s my first time meeting them–tell me what they like, so I can bring them a gift.”
“That’s not necessary.” His voice carried a trace of something unspoken. “Just having you there is enough.”
Blanche smiled, curling up on the balcony sofa, wineglass in hand, her legs draped over the armrest. She let her bare feet dangle and sway.
Her spirits were high. “I am your wife, and their daughter–in–law. Wouldn’t it be rude if I showed up empty–handed?”
She rarely had the chance to tease him like this. Being far away seemed to make her bolder.
21:54)
Chapter 189
Meanwhile, out on the neighboring balcony, Eddy stepped outside from the adjacent.
suite.
His head bodyguard approached. “Sir, we checked the Royal Feast Pavilion’s surveillance–no sign of your wife.”
“And Mr. Jordan isn’t pleased. He doesn’t want another meeting.”
“Isn’t he supposed to be losing sleep over the bank’s cyber attack? We gave him our best people for free.” Eddy unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, frustration written on his face, then lit a cigarette.
Blanche, hearing the familiar voice, turned her gaze toward the balcony next door.
