Chapter 369 Searching for the Missing Hawk
"Of course I do." Ethan replied.
He then sent several old photographs from thirty years ago. In them, Hawk appeared youthful but emanated an unmistakable don't-mess-with-me aura.
"It's getting late," Ethan suggested. "Why don't you stay in town tonight and head back tomorrow?"
Ashley nodded. "That's exactly what I was thinking. I'll call you again when I get to the hotel."
"I'll be waiting."
They reluctantly ended the call. Ashley turned to Landon. "Landon, it's too late to go back tonight. Let's stay in town and return tomorrow."
Landon agreed without hesitation.
The siblings checked into a small inn, taking separate rooms. Landon had just finished washing up when his phone rang.
"Mr. Yates, finally reached you!" came an excited voice on the other end.
Landon frowned. "What is it?"
"Sir, Ms. Zito had an argument with her brother Andrew today. She fell from the bed and... lost the baby."
Landon's pupils contracted. "What?!"
While he felt little for Felicity personally, the child was innocent. Learning of the miscarriage sent a pang of genuine grief through him.
"And Ms. Zito has disappeared."
Before Landon could process his sorrow, this bombshell dropped.
His expression darkened. "Contact the police. Find her immediately."
"Right away, sir."
Concerned that Felicity's disappearance might interfere with Ashley's plans, Landon knocked on Ashley's door.
"Landon? What's wrong?" Ashley asked as she opened it.
"Aurora just called," he said anxiously. "Felicity lost the baby and ran away. Do you think she might reveal what you're up to?"
Ashley reflected on her conversation with Ethan. "We've already exposed the truth. Whoever's behind this probably already suspects our next move. Even if Felicity talks, it won't matter much now."
"I see," Landon said. "What exactly are you two planning?"
Ashley sighed. "I'm sorry, Landon. I'll explain everything once this is over."
Not one to push, Landon nodded. "You need to prepare medicines tomorrow. Get some rest."
As he turned to leave, Ashley called after him. "Landon... I'm sorry about the baby. Try not to take it too hard."
Having lost a child herself, Ashley knew the pain all too well. She had so much she wanted to say to comfort him, but those few words were all she could manage.
Landon froze momentarily. "I'll be fine," he said before returning to his room.
Ashley sighed, closed her door, and opened her laptop to call Pauline.
When the call connected, Ashley said, "Pauline, I need a favor. Can you locate someone who's been missing for decades using just an old photograph?"
A male voice answered, "That should be possible."
"Who's this?"
"Ashley, it's Ryan."
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Where's Pauline?"
"She's in the show..." Ryan was interrupted by Pauline's voice, "Why are you answering my phone?"
Ashley's expression turned curious—when did those two get together? Pauline had never mentioned anything.
"Ashley, what do you need?" Pauline came on the line.
Setting aside her questions about their relationship, Ashley explained, "I'm looking for someone who's been missing for thirty years. I only have an old photo. Can your system locate him?"
"I just developed new software that can match facial features even if they've had plastic surgery," Pauline replied. "Send me the photo, and I'll get back to you quickly."
Before hanging up, Ashley teased, "Well, I won't interrupt whatever you two were doing."
On the other end, Pauline blushed furiously while Ryan grinned, wrapping an arm around her slender waist in an intimate gesture.
Ethan's video call came through, and Ashley answered immediately, "Honey."
Ethan had just emerged from the bathroom, his sleep shirt revealing a glimpse of his toned chest.
Seeing Ashley's surroundings through the video, he frowned with concern. "What kind of hotel is that? It looks so basic."
Ashley smiled. "In a small town like this, we're lucky to find any accommodation. It may be simple, but it's clean."
"Make sure you lock your door tonight," Ethan insisted. "Push a table against it too. I'm worried about your safety without anyone there to protect you."
"Don't worry so much. Landon's staying in the room next door. He'll hear if anything happens."
Learning that Landon was nearby eased Ethan's mind considerably. "Still, be careful."
"I will. Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Ethan gazed at her through the screen with adoration. "I can't sleep without you beside me."
Ashley blushed. "You're such a sap," she teased affectionately.
They stared at each other longingly through their screens.
Looking closer, Ashley noticed the grief in Ethan's eyes and the exhaustion emanating from him.
Her heart ached for him. "You're really hurting, aren't you?" she asked gently.
"Yes," he admitted simply.
Ashley wished desperately she could hold him. She understood how deeply George's betrayal had wounded him.
"Don't be sad," she soothed. "From now on, you'll have me and our baby by your side..."
Suddenly, Ashley let out a piercing scream.
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