Chapter 269
Chapter 269:
“I honestly thought Alex loved her. How could he put her through something like this?” Craig shook his head, frustration written all over him.
“Alex doesn’t even know if the other baby is his. This is a disaster p>
“What is that supposed to mean? How can he not be sure? He slept with that woman, and now he’s acting like it’s some mystery p>
“We can’t focus on that right now. The priority is finding Rian. She’s pregnant, Craig. The last thing she needs is all this stress. It’s dangerous for her and the baby p>
“Did you call the police? Maybe they can help p>
“Not yet. You can only report someone missing after twenty-four hours. Until then, they can’t do anything officially p>
𝖱еa𝖽 𝘁𝗁𝗲 𝗹а𝗍𝖾s𝘵 𝘁𝘳𝗲n𝘥ѕ on 𝗀𝗮𝗹𝗻o𝘷е𝗹s.сo𝗆
“Right. I forgot that rule p>
“I need to go. I want to be there when someone finally finds Rian p>
“Don’t worry about your meetings. I’ll handle everything for you today p>
“Thanks, Craig.” I kissed his cheek in gratitude, grabbed my bag, and hurried for the door.
“Alex, do you have any idea where my daughter is p>
The moment I arrived at Alex’s house, my mother-in-law’s anxious voice rang through the room.
“Did you call the police yet?” Mrs. Smith asked, turning to her son for answers.
I stayed quiet, listening to the conversation unfold, until I felt a hand press gently to the small of my back. I turned, startled to see Daniel beside me, his frown tight. Without a word, he pulled me into his arms and held me firmly.
My breath caught.
“What are you doing?” I whispered, confused, but he didn’t bother explaining. Instead, he settled behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.
A shiver ran down my spine as Daniel tightened his hold. I couldn’t imagine what was going through his head to cling to me like this. When I tried to wriggle free, he only held on tighter, refusing to let me go. I swallowed a sigh, thinking I could wring his neck right there if his parents weren’t watching.
“Honey, the police have their hands tied. We have to wait until Rian has been missing for at least twenty-four hours before they’ll act p>
“So you’re saying we have to sit here helpless for almost an entire day before anyone even tries to help us find her p>
Her words hung in the room. No one could blame her for being on edge. Ever since the news broke—and especially after learning Rian was pregnant—she hadn’t stopped crying.
“Mom, please, you need to breathe. We’re doing everything we can. Alex and I already hired the best investigator in the city,” Daniel said, finally releasing me as he moved to his mother.
I watched the pain and anxiety carved into every face in the room. Compassion tightened my chest, and I shook my head, wishing I could offer more than words.
“Tell me, Alexander. Who exactly is this Francine p>
We all turned to Alex, waiting for answers only he could give. Mr. Smith’s booming voice shattered the tense silence.
“She’s my ex, Dad. I promise the baby isn’t mine!” Alex said quickly.