Chapter 546 A Thorough Search for Ashley
Ethan searched the entire supermarket but found no trace of Ashley.
In a secluded corner, he discovered scattered items on the ground. A wave of panic swept through him.
"Where's Pearl?" he muttered anxiously.
"Daddy, we saw Mommy enter this supermarket," Andy insisted. "She couldn't have gone anywhere else!"
"She couldn't have disappeared in such a short time—could she?"
Worry consumed them as they searched the surrounding area without success.
"Ethan," Landon suggested, "we've looked everywhere nearby. Why don't you call her?"
"Good idea."
Ethan dialed Ashley's number. After several rings, the call disconnected.
"She's not answering." Ethan's expression darkened, his eyelid twitching with an ominous premonition. "What if something's happened to her?"
"Maybe she went to another store where the reception is poor? Let's try calling again in a few minutes," Samantha offered hopefully. "Who would dare kidnap someone in broad daylight at a busy hospital?"
But why was Ethan's sense of dread intensifying?
Just then, Landon's phone rang. It was Ryan.
"Ethan, it's Ryan calling," Landon said, putting the call on speaker.
"Hello, Ryan."
"Landon, I heard you and Samantha went to Gold Valley District. Did you find Ashley?"
"Yes, we're with Ethan right now. We were about to meet Ashley, but she's suddenly vanished."
"This is bad news," Ryan replied gravely.
Ethan immediately tensed. "What's happened?"
"Ethan?" Ryan paused, momentarily surprised to hear his voice. When he continued, his tone was urgent. "Someone hacked into the police database through an external network last night, accessing Ashley's personal information. That person is in Gold Valley District now. I was calling to warn you that Ashley might be in danger... but it seems I'm too late."
Why would someone go to such lengths to find Ashley?
Ethan felt his anxiety mounting, but forced himself to remain composed. Suppressing his rage, he growled, "Whoever dared to take her has a death wish."
"What... what should we do?" Samantha asked, tears streaming down her face.
"Don't panic," Ryan assured them. "Pauline's facial recognition system is linked to Ashley's profile nationwide. The moment they appear on any street, we'll know immediately and rescue her."
"But what if they never appear on the streets?" Landon asked.
Ethan's gaze hardened. "That won't happen. They can't escape my reach."
Then he turned to Landon. "Please look after Andy and Nate. I need to go to the police station."
"Alright. Ethan, please bring Ashley back safely!"
Landon felt utterly helpless. Unfamiliar with the area, they had no way to search effectively. Everything now depended on Ethan.
"I will. I promise."
Learning their mother was in danger, the two boys began crying with worry.
"Andy, what's going to happen to Mommy? Will she be okay?" Nate sobbed.
"I'm worried too, Nate, but we have to wait for Daddy to bring us news."
Landon knelt down and embraced them. "Andy, Nate, don't worry. Your father is very capable. He'll definitely bring your mother back!"
It seemed like a cruel joke from fate—just when their family reunion was about to happen, disaster struck.
Ethan drove his luxury car at breakneck speed to the police station. Ignoring protocol, he bypassed the main hall despite protests and kicked open the police chief's office door.
The chief, who had been watching pornography, was about to explode with anger when he recognized Ethan. His expression immediately changed. "Your Highness... what brings you here?"
With an ice-cold expression, Ethan commanded, "Seal off all entrances and exits to Gold Valley District immediately. Every road, every path—from this moment, no one goes in or out without my authorization."
"Search every inch if necessary, but find her." Ethan produced a photo of Ashley.
"Right away, Your Highness!"
Within minutes, the order was disseminated. All roads were blocked.
And so began a citywide search for one woman.
Ashley regained consciousness in a moving vehicle. When she tried to move, she realized her hands and feet were bound.
Andrei drove to a deserted area on the outskirts and stopped the car. Turning to face her, he said, "Pearl, don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."
Ashley studied the man—a complete stranger to her. Why had he kidnapped her?
She continued struggling against her restraints.
"Pearl, do you want to talk to me?" Andrei leaned closer and ripped the tape from her mouth, causing her to wince in pain.
"Who are you?" Ashley growled. "Why did you kidnap me?"
"I didn't kidnap you," he replied with unsettling calm. "I just wanted some time alone with you, to talk."
"Are you insane? How about we swap places—I'll tie you up and then we can 'talk'!"
"Pearl, are you upset about being tied up? Don't worry, I'll release you right now."
Andrei untied the ropes binding her hands and feet.
The moment she was free, Ashley summoned all her strength and kicked him hard. She flung the car door open and ran for her life.
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