chapter498 Charlotte Makes an Entrance
Ryan tried to comfort her, saying, "Patricia, don't panic. I’ve already sent people to look for him. Now that we know Hunter is behind it, tracking him down will be easier. Having a lead is better than searching aimlessly."
Patricia remained silent. She longed to confront Hunter, to demand Martin's return, but she was also terrified that it was all her speculation, that Hunter might not let her leave if she went, and when Martin returned, he’d have to rescue her. She was fully aware of Martin's danger, yet she was clueless about where to start looking for him. She could only wait foolishly at home.
Seeing that both were emotionally distraught, Ryan made sure to get them home safely and instructed Jade to keep a close eye on Patricia, fearing she might act rashly. Little did he know, shortly after he dropped Lassie off, she took another flight to Country M.
For three days, Patricia endured a torment of anxiety, fear, and restlessness. Every single day, she would call Martin, clinging to hope even though the only response she ever got was a chilling, mechanical female voice.
As she called Martin, she'd also ring up Hunter. The result was the same; a frosty, synthesized voice would answer.
Jade wouldn't dare step away from Patricia, shadowing her every move, fearing that Patricia might spiral into dangerous thoughts and do something foolish.
And so, three days passed.
Suddenly, Patricia's cell phone rang. The caller ID displayed an unfamiliar number. Thinking it was just another telemarketer, she almost ended the call, but the possibility that it could be Martin made her answer.
"Hello?"
"Patricia!" The voice on the other end was female.
The caller made no effort to disguise her voice, apparently not bothering to hide her identity.
Patricia furrowed her brow. "Charlotte?"
The caller broke into a cackle, setting Patricia's nerves on edge.
Patricia spoke without expression. "You're still alive?"
Charlotte laughed recklessly, then spat out, "You didn't die. Why should I?"
Patricia was not in the mood for a chat. "What do you want with me? Sorry if this is to catch up, but we're not close."
She was about to hang up. Anticipating her move, Charlotte quickly said, "If you don't want to know where Martin is, go ahead. Hang up."
Patricia's finger paused, hovering over the 'End Call' button. Despite suspecting Charlotte had a nefarious plot, any scrap of information about Martin was too precious to dismiss.
"Where's Martin?"
Seeing her take the bait, Charlotte replied, "If you want to know, come find me."
Patricia's brows knitted tighter. "Charlotte, Martin is your brother."
Although she knew her words probably wouldn't matter, she couldn't help but hope to spark a sliver of conscience in Charlotte.
Charlotte laughed scornfully as if she'd heard the biggest joke of her life. "Brother? Ha! That's the funniest story I've ever heard. In my life, there's only Hunter—no brother."
"Why are you still so loyal to him after all he's done to you?" Patricia had never seen such blind devotion.
Even with Hunter pushing her to the brink of death, Charlotte still held feelings for him.
Suddenly, Charlotte's emotions surged. "If it weren't for you, would he treat me this way? It's all your fault... Everything!"
"No, it's you—" Patricia tried to explain, but Charlotte was beyond listening.
"I didn't call for a lesson! If you want to save Martin, come to me! I'll be waiting..." With that, she ended the call.
Patricia dialed the number back, but a message informed her that the other party had turned off their phone.
As Jade gently rocked the cradle where little Maria had just fallen asleep, she warned Patricia earnestly, "Don't be fooled. Charlotte must be trying to use Martin to lure you."
Patricia remained silent, aware of the dangers if she were to go. However, this was the only lead they had on Martin in six days. Ryan had sent out numerous people and come up empty. Time was their enemy now. More delays meant more significant risks for Martin and Carter.
She couldn't understand Hunter's motives—why abduct Martin without further moves?
The thought of just sitting at home, doing nothing, was unbearable.
And then there was Carter. Because of them, he was in trouble; she couldn't abandon him to his fate.
After wrestling with the decision, Patricia looked up at Jade.
With just one glance, Jade understood her intentions. "Patricia, I get you're worried about Martin, but what can you do by going there? If something happens to you, what about the kids? You can't expect me to raise them forever."
Deep down, Jade didn't mind raising the kids; she was already fond of them. She said that only because she wanted to make Patricia stay. She couldn't just stand by and watch Patricia walk into a death trap.
Patricia chuckled. "You think this is some TV drama? It's a lawful society. Besides..."
She paused before adding, "Besides, I'm going in prepared, and I'll be careful."
Jade knew how stubborn Patricia could be. Once she set her mind to something, no amount of talking would change it. With a sigh of resignation, Jade said, "Just be careful then. Maybe you should let Ryan know. He might be able to help you out."
Patricia was touched, her eyes glistening as she reached out to touch Jade's face. "Thank you! I don't know what I'd do without you."
Jade gave her a pointed look. "Cut the drama! Just ensure you return safe, or I swear I'll run away with your four kids."
"Go ahead and take them. I know you won't harm them," Patricia joked back, then pulled out her phone to book a flight.
The earliest flight to M country today was at three in the afternoon, and it would arrive at midnight. The timing was inconvenient, which explained the available seats.
Without hesitation, Patricia booked a seat on that flight. With only two hours before boarding, she hurried back to her room to pack, worried she might be late.
Jade had gotten the hang of looking after the kids these past few days, so Patricia didn't fuss. She expressed her gratitude and left with her luggage in tow. She didn't linger, nor did she dare to look back, scared she wouldn't have the heart to leave.
Despite the risks, she knew she had to make it back for her kids' sake, to bring their father home to them.
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