Chapter 193 Joyce is Missing
"Sebastian got back from City C five days later. As soon as he got in the car, Dominic started talking. ""Mr. Winters, something weird's going on. Mr. Blackwood's been telling his business buddies that he's in bad health and wants to sell his new company dirt cheap.""
Sebastian's eyes widened. Benjamin's new company was in the photovoltaic industry, something he was really into.
This industry was just starting out and had a bright future. Plus, it was right up his alley, making it easy to manage.
The company was less than six months old and already worth hundreds of millions. If it kept growing, it could out-earn many established companies in five years. Even if Benjamin was sick, he wouldn't rush to sell unless he wanted to leave.
Thinking about this, Sebastian's heart raced. He quickly ordered, ""Take me to Mr. Blackwood's house.""
Half an hour later, they arrived. Sebastian hurried into the hall.
Seeing Benjamin come out of the kitchen in an apron, he relaxed a bit but still sounded urgent. ""Dad, where's Joyce?""
Benjamin pointed upstairs and smiled. ""Upstairs. When did you get back?""
""Just now. I brought gifts for you and Joyce from City C and came straight here,"" Sebastian replied.
Seeing Dominic holding a bunch of gift boxes, a complicated look flashed in Benjamin's eyes, but he quickly hid it. ""Dinner's almost ready. Go call Joyce.""
""Okay,"" Sebastian said, rushing upstairs.
He opened the door and saw Joyce packing a suitcase, struggling to zip it up.
Seeing this, Sebastian clenched his fists, feeling a wave of pain.
He walked over, pressing down on the suitcase with a cold voice. ""Where are you going?""
Joyce looked up, startled. Seeing Sebastian's bloodshot eyes, she panicked.
If he knew she was leaving, he'd never let her go. All her efforts would be wasted.
Joyce quickly masked her emotions with anger. ""Don't you know to knock? You almost scared me to death!""
""Joyce, answer me. Where are you going with this luggage?"" Sebastian demanded, gripping her wrist tightly.
He pulled her close, his breath hot on her face, eyes filled with anger.
Joyce glared at him, feeling guilty. ""Sebastian, you're hurting me.""
Instead of letting go, he tightened his grip. His face leaned down, eyes locked on hers. ""Why did Dad sell the company, and why are you packing? Are you planning to leave?""
Joyce quickly shook her head. ""No, I'm just packing some clothes for the apartment. My dad's health is getting worse, so I asked him to retire early. Sebastian, don't overreact. My career's just starting; I'm not going anywher.""
This was the best excuse Joyce could come up with. She was a top lawyer in City B, with clients lining up to hire her. Her monthly commission was over a million dollars. No one would leave a gig like that. But Sebastian wasn't buying it. He grabbed her chin, his voice icy. ""Joyce, are you really going to leave me here alone? Have you thought about what I'd do if you left? Remember the promise you made, that we'd stick together no matter what?""
His words cut deep, and his eyes reddened, misty with emotion.
He lowered his head, his voice barely a whisper. ""Joyce, don't leave me, okay?""
Before she could respond, he kissed her hard, almost punishingly. Joyce felt like she was drowning.
He finally let her breathe, but then he pried her mouth open and kissed her even deeper.
Joyce's mind went blank, her body weak. She let out a low moan. ""Sebastian.""
The sound was a mix of panting and hoarseness, making Sebastian's blood boil.
He kissed her more fiercely, his hands roaming her body. Joyce snapped out of it and pushed him away, her eyes red. ""Sebastian, stop being ridiculous. I'm just packing some things.""
Sebastian looked at her tear-filled eyes and gently brushed her cheeks. His voice was hoarse but firm. ""Joyce, if you try to leave secretly, you'll regret it.""
He still wasn't satisfied and bit her lip hard. Joyce punched his chest. ""You're crazy!""
""Yeah, and if you leave, I'll get even crazier. Try me.""
Something felt off with Joyce and Benjamin. They were hiding something.
Since they wouldn't talk, he'd find out himself. He called Dominic right in front of Joyce. ""Check if Joyce and Benjamin have booked any international flights recently. Do it fast.""
Joyce glared at him but then went downstairs to eat.
As she turned, her eyes welled up. She placed her hands on her lower abdomen, silently thinking, 'Baby, let's have one last meal with your dad before we go, okay?'
Dinner was pleasant and lasted a long time. Afterward, Sebastian looked at Joyce reluctantly. ""There's a big event in City B tomorrow. I'll take you to see it.""
Joyce nodded. ""Okay, it's late. You should head back.""
They stood at the door, eyes lingering on each other, both hiding their true feelings.
As Sebastian's car drove away, Joyce's tears finally fell.
Sebastian hadn't gone far when Dominic called. ""Mr. Winters, we couldn't find any plans for them to go abroad. Maybe you got it wrong.""
Sebastian replied, ""Good. Keep an eye on Joyce and Benjamin.""
The next morning, Sebastian was jolted awake by a phone call. Seeing the caller ID, he answered immediately. ""Mr. Winters, Ms. Blackwood is missing."""
