Chapter 272 Filled with Guilt
Donovan left the hotel and headed straight to the botanical garden without thinking twice.
Finley wanted to be with Riley, so if she ran off, she was probably looking for her. The garden was the only place that made sense.
When he got there, Finley was nowhere in sight.
Donovan's heart sank. He pulled out his phone and called Riley.
Riley was wandering the garden with the kids when her phone rang. Seeing Donovan's name, she frowned.
Donovan? Shouldn't he be with Hollis? Why was he calling?
The phone rang a bit before Riley hesitantly answered.
"Have you seen Finley?" Donovan's deep, anxious voice came through before she could speak.
Riley's heart sank. "No, what's wrong?"
Donovan scanned the area, his eyes darting around. "Finley is missing."
Riley's heart skipped a beat, her face growing worried. "Wasn't she with you? How did she go missing?"
Donovan frowned, thinking. "Long story. Let's find her first! She should be near the garden."
Riley quickly agreed, forgetting the awkwardness. "Okay, I'll take the kids and look around."
After hanging up, she turned to the kids.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" they asked, seeing her worried face.
Riley took a deep breath. "Finley is missing. Let's look for her."
The kids were shocked, their little faces full of worry.
Landon, more composed, let go of her hand. "Mommy, let's split up. It'll be faster."
Winston nodded in agreement.
Riley wasn't worried about them getting lost. She just reminded them, "Search inside the garden. If you can't find her, wait for me at the entrance."
The kids nodded, and they all went in different directions.
Riley headed to the garden entrance, thinking Finley might be nearby.
Just as she got there, she ran into Donovan, who had the same idea.
Donovan's face was tense as he walked out.
"Any news?" Riley asked anxiously.
Donovan, focused on finding Finley, looked over when he heard her voice. He frowned, then slowly relaxed but still looked grim as he shook his head.
Riley's heart sank as Donovan shook his head, leaving her speechless and heavy-hearted.
In the morning, Finley had been happily planting trees with them, and now she was missing.
Riley felt guilty.
When she left the restaurant earlier, Finley had apparently wanted to follow, but she had heartlessly refused because of Donovan and Hollis.
If she had taken Finley with her, this wouldn't have happened.
