Chapter 65 Jeffrey’s Missing
Rachel managed a weak smile. “Carol, it was my own decision. I’m aiming to sharpen my skills, so I stepped up for the role.”
Carol squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“It’s wonderful to see your drive and personal aspirations. I’m behind you all the way. A woman needs to prioritize her ambitions, rather than orbit around a man. Otherwise, some might lose sight of their own significance,” she said, casting a meaningful glance at Brian as a gentle rebuke.
Brian was rendered speechless.
As Rachel made to depart, Carol clung to her, eyes moistening. “Rachel, have you sorted out the situation with your brother and Doris?”
Holding back tears, Rachel gave a nod. “Yes.”
It wasn’t that she wanted to keep Carol in the dark, she simply aimed to spare her additional worry.
Carol’s years were advancing. A recent doctor’s visit had revealed a slight elevation in
Carol’s blood
pressure.
Carol had been vibrant throughout the day. Discovering the day’s earlier conflicts would likely distress her. Rachel couldn’t bear the thought of Carol’s health suffering from
such news.
As Rachel and Jeffrey readied themselves to leave, Carol turned briskly to Brian. “Rachel is about to go. Won’t you drive her home?”
“Let me drive you,” Brian suggested, stepping closer.
Under Carol’s watchful eye, Rachel held back her refusal.
However, once they arrived at the front gate, she addressed Brian decisively. “We’ll manage on our own. You should go back.”
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Chapter 65 Jeffrey’s Missing
Brian said, “It’s hard to find a taxi around here. Let me drive you.”
“There’s no need. It’s still early. We’ll catch a ride soon enough.” Rachel dismissed his
offer.
Brian opened his mouth to protest, but Rachel was already leading Jeffrey away by the
hand.
As they proceeded down the road, scanning for any taxis, Brian sensed her lingering
annoyance.
Realizing that catching up would only make things worse, he decided against it.
Instead, he dialed Ronald. “Rachel and Jeffrey are trying to hail a taxi. Could you discreetly arrange one for them? Make it appear
coincidental.”
“Understood.”
Ronald, adept at handling such tasks, quickly organized the transportation.
Twenty minutes into their walk, Rachel hailed a passing taxi.
Eagerly, she dashed towards it, signaling the driver. “Excuse me, could you take us to
the train station?”
Eyeing their clothes, the driver paused momentarily before agreeing. “Hop in!”
“Much appreciated.”
Upon reaching the train station, Rachel managed to secure tickets for the next departure.
By evening, around 8 PM, she and Jeffrey reached Amberfield.
Samira and Trey were there to greet them.
Their presence immediately enveloped Rachel in comfort and a familiar warmth.
The day had drained her.
After a quick refresh and preparing for bed, the clock struck 10 PM.
Concerned for Jeffrey, Rachel slipped on a coat to check on him. Jeffrey was already fast asleep.
Meanwhile, Trey, having just emerged from his shower, was clad in a towel.
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When he heard the knock, he casually swung the door open.
Trey was taken aback the instant he saw Rachel standing there.
Rachel herself was caught off guard by the situation. After a brief pause, she spun around, as Trey dashed back to his room.
Shortly after, Trey reappeared, now properly attired in pajamas. “Rachel, I’m ready now!”
“Okay.”
The memory of their initial encounter still lingered, causing Rachel’s cheeks to warm
slightly.
Fortunately, her visit was primarily to check on Jeffrey, which gave her an opening to change the subject. “How is Jeffrey holding up?”
“He was quite exhausted. He dozed off right after his bath.”
Rachel gave a nod of acknowledgment. “There were some complications on our way back. I’m concerned about him. Trey, please watch over him tonight. Alert me if anything unusual happens. I’ll have my phone on.‘
Trey responded with a nod, full of confidence. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
“Thanks so much.”
Throughout the night, Rachel was restless, unable to find peace in her slumber.
Her heart was unusually heavy, laden with an indescribable fear. This unsettling anxiety hung over her, unshakable and persistent.
Only at 2 AM did sleep finally overtook her, as fatigue won its battle.
Her phone’s ring shattered the silence at 4 AM. Bleary–eyed, she noted the time before
answering.
Trey was on the line.
Dread surged through her as she took the call.
“Rachel, you need to come now! Jeffrey isn’t here!”
Rachel’s thoughts stalled in shock. She remained motionless for a brief eternity before she sprang into action, seizing her coat and phone, and dashing to the room where Jeffrey and Trey were staying.
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Chapter 65 Jeffrey’s Missing
The door stood open.
Inside, Trey paced back and forth, his expression etched with concern.
Rachel entered in a rush, her voice shaking. “When did you last see him?”
“I checked at 3:30, and he was asleep. I’m so sorry, Rachel. This is on me. I should have paid more attention. I…”
Rachel maintained her composure. “Let’s not focus on fault right now. We need to locate him. Have you checked the bathroom, balcony, closets, or any other potential
hiding spots?”
Trey confirmed with a nod. “I’ve looked everywhere.”
“Follow me!” Without hesitation, Rachel dashed to the reception desk.
She quickly briefed the staff on their predicament and requested to see the hotel’s security camera footage.
Under normal circumstances, police authorization would be necessary, but the receptionist, recognizing her, promptly reached out to Ronald.
Ronald’s voice was sleepy as he answered the phone, saying, “Hello, who’s calling?”
In subdued tones, the receptionist relayed the urgenc
“Are you telling me Ms. Marsh’s brother is missing?”
“Yes, that’s right. She is asking to review the camera footage.”
“Give her access to the footage right now,” Ronald commanded.
The gravity of Jeffrey’s disappearance was clear.
Without delay, Ronald dialed Brian. “Mr. White, it appears Ms. Marsh’s brother has
vanished!”
“What are you saying?”
Meanwhile, Rachel, Trey, artd Samira each took a section of the video footage to
scrutinize.
It wasn’t long before Trey shouted, “Rachel, you need to see this!”
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The footage from around 3:40 AM showed Jeffrey, fully dressed, stealthily opening his room door. He slipped into the hallway, his movements deliberate and quiet, seemingly
keen to avoid detection.
Rachel’s heart sank as she watched Jeffrey exit the hotel and make his way toward the main road, feeling as though the earth had shifted beneath her.
“Is there any footage from outside?” she asked urgently.
The receptionist responded with a regretful shake of her head. “I’m sorry, our cameras only cover the inside. There’s nothing showing the exterior.”
Desperation surged within Rachel. She frantically fumbled in her pocket.
It was crucial to contact the police without delay; Jeffrey’s safety was at stake.
Her fingers trembled, making several attempts before she could grasp her phone.
Once she managed to unlock it, a new message flashed on the screen. “You’re the best
sister ever. I love you so much!”
Typically, such words would warm her heart.
Now, however, they struck a cold, sinister note, echoing like a sorrowful goodbye.
