Chapter 193 He’s Cornered
Eric’s words hard hit like a punch.
William’s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles blanching as he fought to keep his voice steady, his teeth clenched tight.
“What do you mean?” he demanded, the words escaping through gritted teeth.
Eric’s voice was cool and detached. “I’ve ordered the search and rescue team to stand down. No one will help you find her from here on out–not even Abbott.”
William’s eyes flashed with fury, his gaze burning with unspoken wrath.
“If you return now, I’ll instruct them to resume the search. I can guarantee Renee’s safety,” Eric continued, his tone almost too calm.
“I don’t need your help,” William answered, each word sharp, laced with iron resolve.
Without another word, he ended the call.
Denton rushed over in no time, his breath short and quick. “William, what’s happening? Why did they pull back? Why is no one searching anymore?”
William wiped his face wearily. Despite only one night passing, exhaustion was written all over him–his face gaunt, with stubble already forming.
His voice, usually unwavering, now sounded thick and strained. “It’s Eric.”
“Your father?” Denton’s surprise was clear, and then the realization dawned on him. Everyone in their circle knew Eric’s political games. To secure his power, Eric had been maneuvering for William to marry Laurie,
using the Chadwick family’s influence to boost his own career.
Such political marriages were commonplace in families like the Mitchells. Even William and Renee’s union had been partially influenced by interests, though fortunately, their affection for each other had been real.
“So, what now?” Denton asked, his brow furrowed, knowing all too well what this meant.
Though he had little hope left for Renee’s survival, he understood that without proof of her death, William would never stop fighting.
“He said the wedding’s in three days,” William replied, his voice heavy with the weight of the revelation.
“So soon?” Denton asked, his surprise evident.
William remained silent, lost in thought.
Denton hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Are you going to…?”
He stopped himself before he could finish the question—he wasn’t sure if he should ask if William was planning to go back.
But before he could say another word, William stood up sharply, his posture rigid, his gaze unwavering, as if he were making an unbreakable
VOW.
“I’ll find her myself,” William declared, his voice filled with determination. “Go find Marvin. Get him to arrange a boat to the nearby islands.”
“Marvin? Can he really pull this off?” Denton asked, skepticism lacing his voice.
“Tell him we’re going to find Renee. He’ll do everything he can,” William responded firmly, his resolve unwavering.
Denton couldn’t help but doubt Marvin, a man known for his carefree attitude, spending his time indulging in luxury rather than shouldering any real responsibility before.
But William was right. When it came to Renee, Marvin didn’t hesitate for a second. He immediately agreed, promising to do everything he possibly could.
Denton had no choice but to trust Marvin for the time being, knowing that there wasn’t really another option.
When Denton returned, he found William holding his phone. Despite the calmness in William’s expression, Denton knew him well enough to recognize the internal struggle in his eyes.
What could be bothering him?
It couldn’t be about the arranged marriage—not after everything.
Then William dialed a number.
The phone rang for an agonizing stretch of time before it was answered.
“This is William,” he said, his voice steady, though there was an edge of urgency beneath it.
Denton couldn’t hear the voice on the other end of the line, but William’s
brief pause spoke volumes.
When he reopened his eyes, a pained expression crossed his face. “I need your help. Nene is missing…” William’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as he spoke the words.
Denton didn’t need to ask who William was talking to–he could tell from the anguish in his voice.
It was Ryder. William wouldn’t have called him unless he was at his
absolute limit.
He was cornered now.
