Chapter 267 Siena
Nowadays, Samantha had been convicted of child trafficking and would soon be sentenced. Charles did everything without giving anything away, and all the evidence pointed to Samantha's crime, leaving her with no escape.
As for Sweetie's whereabouts, Samantha only revealed that the child was taken away by someone, but she didn't know the specific identity of that person.
Richard's people started from this point and found out that on that night, there was a small boat carrying a swaddled baby heading to Seaside City.
However, for some unknown reason, the boat stopped for two hours midway and then returned the same way.
"Now, as long as we find the boat's registration number and the people from that night, we will have a breakthrough." Richard said.
This brief description took only a minute or two, but Isabella broke out in a cold sweat.
"It was Charles. He was afraid Leo and Samantha would betray him, so he had someone take Sweetie away!" Isabella's voice trembled, her thoughts racing. 'Why send Sweetie to Seaside City?'
At this moment, Seb walked over with a cup of coffee and chimed in, "Charles has property over there. If I'm not mistaken, he originally planned to hide the child there."
Isabella looked at him in surprise.
Seb said, "As soon as Sweetie went missing, I had people check, but she wasn't there."
In fact, up to now, Seb's people hadn't withdrawn from Seaside City; they've been keeping an eye on it. As soon as Sweetie appeared, Seb's people could immediately bring her back and bring Charles to justice.
Disappointingly, despite the passage of so much time and Samantha's capture, there had been no news whatsoever from Seaside City.
Seeing Isabella in such pain, Nina felt terrible too. Nina held Isabella's hand and comforted her, "Bella, don't worry. Sweetie will come back."
"Nina." Isabella was in so much pain that she could hardly breathe, and at the mention of Sweetie, she couldn't stop her tears.
Nina hugged her, and tears rolled down her own cheeks as well.
Sitting across from them, Richard felt bad seeing Nina cry and said, "In truth, the quickest way to find Sweetie lies through Charles."
Richard turned and directly asked Seb, "Mr. Landon, what's your next plan?"
Richard's question drew the attention of Isabella and Nina as well.
The three of them looked at Seb in unison.
Seb glanced at Isabella before saying, "Three days from now is Charles' birthday. I plan to act then."
Richard didn't ask for details, as if he had already guessed Seb would do this. He just nodded and said, "I figured you'd act at that time. Let me know if you need anything."
After Nina and Richard left, Seb and Isabella went back to the upstairs bedroom.
Isabella was unsettled and she finally found the chance to ask, "Is it really Charles' birthday in three days? What are you planning to do?"
Seb guided her into the walk-in closet and draped a woolen coat over her shoulders. "Charles is someone who's extremely self-centered. Every year he throws a big birthday bash. This year, I'm giving him a very special gift."
"What kind of gift?" Isabella asked, gripping his hand, her anxiety palpable.
Seb raised both hands to gently hold her shoulders. "You'll find out soon enough."
It was then that Isabella noticed the coat she was wearing. "We're going out. Where are we headed?"
"To the hospital."
Jack was off on an errand, so Seb was driving. Isabella calculated that the drive from their home to the hospital would be under half an hour.
However, as they drove out of the city, it was clear they weren't heading to the city hospital.
Eventually, the car arrived at a private care center located in the southern part of town.
It wasn't exactly a hospital, but a large private care facility. The building was elegant, surrounded by picturesque landscapes with lush greenery and serene waters.
Upon their arrival, a staff member led them through the facility. Isabella was filled with curiosity, but she held her questions, eager to discover the surprise.
When the elevator reached the top floor, they were guided to the innermost room, where the staff member finally stopped. "This is the place."
Seb nodded, and the staff member left them.
Seb knocked on the door, and after a few seconds, it was opened by a girl with a pure yet alluring appearance.
"Siena?" Isabella recognized her from their previous encounter and addressed her by name without hesitation.
"Hi, Isabella," Siena greeted warmly, taking Isabella's hand. Her eyes were full of friendliness, but she seemed worried that Isabella might not be pleased. "Is it alright if I call you that?"
Isabella stiffened momentarily but nodded. "Yes, that's fine."
Siena pulled her inside. "Make yourselves comfortable. I'll get some water for you."
Isabella noticed Siena was still in the care center's hospital gown and thought of the events from last night. "You should rest. I'll handle it."
"Please don't bother," Siena said with a blush, reaching for the kettle.
Isabella took two paper cups, intending to help. Just as she reached for the kettle, Siena suddenly had a slight tremor, spilling hot water over Isabella's hand.
Isabella jumped in surprise.
Siena's reaction was even more pronounced. She immediately dropped the kettle and grabbed Isabella's hand to check for burns. "I'm so sorry! Did it hurt?"
Seeing Siena's eyes welling up, Isabella felt a pang of sympathy. "It's fine. It's just warm water."
"What happened?" Seb came over.
Seeing the wet spot on Isabella's hand, Seb frowned.
Siena stepped back, biting her lip, looking thoroughly remorseful.
"It's really nothing," Isabella tried to comfort her, but Seb quickly pulled her to sit down and then made a phone call. Soon, someone arrived with burn ointment.
As Seb applied the ointment to Isabella's hand, Siena stood nearby, tears welling in her eyes. She repeatedly tried to speak but swallowed her words each time.
Isabella, unable to see someone suffering like this, reached out and gently pulled Siena closer. "Seriously, it's okay. Don't be too hard on yourself."
Siena looked at Isabella, her eyes conflicted, then shifted her gaze to Seb, awaiting his reaction.
Seb, focusing on Isabella's hand, took no notice of Siena. Once he had finished applying the ointment, he held Isabella's hand to his lips, blowing on it softly, with great care.
This made Siena even more anxious, her head bowed as if she were a child caught in a mistake.
Isabella tugged at Seb's hand to get his attention.
Seb finally noticed Siena, offering a nonchalant remark, "It's fine now. Just sit down."
Siena looked at Seb, understanding his implication. If Isabella had been seriously hurt, things would be very different.
