Chapter 221 Locating Natalia’s Whereabouts
Rachel hung up the phone, her heart a tempest.
Anxiety etched deeper lines into her brow.
Outside, the rain continued its relentless downpour.
Andres guided her to the car, seeking shelter from the rain.
Yet, the drumming of raindrops against the roof only amplified Rachel’s unease.
Seeing her pallid face, Andres gently covered her hand with his, a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t fret. I’ve
given instructions, News will reach us soon.”
“Thanks.”
Thirty minutes crawled by, void of any updates from Andres, Brian, or the police.
Rachel’s brow furrowed again, her restlessness mounting.
She flung open the car door, grabbing an umbrella. “I can’t just sit here. I need to find her.”
Andres swiftly intervened. “I understand your concern, but the weather is treacherous. If something were to happen to you, it would only worsen the situation. Trust us, just a little longer. We’ll have news
shortly, I promise.”
Rachel hesitated, her gaze searching his, before ultimately placing her trust in him.
Andres immediately made another call.
Upon hanging up, he offered Rachel a reassuring smile. “We have a lead. My people are tracking the trail, and results are imminent. As soon as we have an address, I’ll take you there.”
“Thank you, truly!”
The rain persisted, the wind whipping at the trees.
Raindrops hammered against the glass.
Inside the car, however, a tense silence settled.
“You’re deeply worried about Brian, aren’t you?” Andres’s voice cut through the quiet.
Rachel turned to him. “Why do you say that?”
“If something has befallen Natalia, and Brian is implicated, Natalia’s father Wilson Carpenter would
Chapter 221 Locating Natalia’s Whereabouts
never forgive him. The White and Carpenter families would certainly clash, perhaps even become bitter enemies. A conflict between them would be catastrophic for both.”
Andres’s analysis was astute.
Yet, he underestimated Rachel’s genuine compassion.
She shook her head slightly, a hint of bitterness in her voice. “Do you think I only care about Brian? That
I only consider his interests?”
Andres tapped his fingers on his knee, intrigued by her response.
“Honestly, I haven’t known Natalia for long, and our time together has been brief. My initial impression was of a spoiled, headstrong heiress. But as I’ve gotten to know her, I’ve found her to be sweet, sincere, and kind. Despite her privileged background, she’s simple and genuine. Being with her is easy and comfortable. She understands the world’s complexities, yet remains pure. I believe that’s a rare quality among rich young ladies, and she possesses it fully.”
Rachel’s eyes shone with determination as she faced Andres.
“So, beyond the implications for the two families, I’m concerned for Natalia’s safety. Such a kind young woman deserves a life of peace and happiness.”
The sincerity radiating from Rachel’s face seemed to illuminate her.
Andres admitted, he was moved by her words.
In the dim light, he watched her clasp her hands over her heart, her prayer imbued with earnestness.
Light and shadow danced across her features, highlighting her gentle beauty. The curve of her profile caused his heart to flutter, unforgettable.
He watched a stray strand of hair fall across her forehead, and found his hand reaching out instinctively. But realizing his impulse, he quickly retracted his hand, snapping back to reality.
A voice echoed within him, “Andres, regain control. Some desires must remain unfulfilled. Your relationship with her can only be one of partnership, not romance.”
Just then, Rachel opened her eyes.
Andres quickly masked his inner turmoil and asked, “What did you pray for?”
“I prayed for Natalia’s safe return.”
“I’ve heard that some prayers demand a sacrifice of something precious. What did you offer?”
Rachel gazed out the window, observing the neon lights that lined the street.
Her own life was barely tethered, so whether she lived another month or two held little significance. Now that Jeffrey could provide for himself, she would have few regrets.
Therefore, she had offered a month of her remaining time, beseeching for Natalia’s safe return.
“If I told you I offered half of my remaining days, would you believe me?” Rachel suddenly asked, turning
to Andres.
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Chapter 221 Locating Natalia’s Whereabouts
Andres was visibly startled, his expression a mixture of surprise and disbelief.
Rachel offered no further explanation, simply redirecting her gaze.
Yes, her words were absurd. No one would believe her. But if she were a woman dying, a person who had lost all hope, perhaps it would all make sense.
The rain continued its relentless descent.
This time, however, Rachel’s steps as she exited the car were firm and resolute.
Andres attempted to stop her, but her resolve was unwavering,
As she stepped out, umbrella in hand, she swiftly opened his phone and sent an OK gesture emoji.
Within a minute, he received an address.
He quickly caught up to Rachel, pulling her back into the car. “Get in. We’ve located Natalia’s
whereabouts.”
Rachel’s face lit up with relief, and she immediately re–entered the car.
As soon as she settled, her phone rang. It was Brian.
“I’ve found Natalia’s location. Where are you? I’ll come and get you.”
“There’s no need. You focus on getting to Natalia first,” Rachel answered without hesitation.
Brian clenched the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. He exhaled sharply, then stopped the car, pressing a hand to his forehead. “You’re with Andres Garrett.”
“Yes,” Rachel replied, her tone calm and unwavering.
It wasn’t as if she had anything to hide. There was no secret, no betrayal.
Right now, finding Natalia mattered more than anything.
“Alright. We’ll meet up later.”
At least Brian knew when to set emotions aside and focus on what was important.
In the confined room, Natalia faced the injured man again, an hour later.
His hand was bandaged, but his expression was even more menacing.
He kicked the door open, dismissing everyone else, leaving only Natalia.
Fear seized Natalia, sending a chill down her spine, yet she refused to show weakness. She had to stand
firm.
“Don’t come any closer,” she warned, keeping her voice steady. “I want to talk.”
He snorted, unimpressed. “Talk? You mean negotiate? You planning to pay me off for this?” He jabbed a finger at the bandage on his hand.
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“No,” Natalia replied firmly. “I want to ask you something. Do you know about the Carpenter family?”
He hesitated for half a second before scoffing, a slow, mocking smirk creeping onto his face. “The Carpenter family?” He let out a short, humorless laugh. “Don’t tell me–you expect me to believe you’re
one of them? You think flashing that name will buy you freedom?”
