Chapter 67 The Child is Missing
Antonio had his doubts, but he still scooped up Harper and headed out the door.
Harper was buzzing, rattling off a list of desserts, and Antonio, seeing her all hyped up, couldn't help but crack a smile.
But then, outta nowhere, an unexpected guest showed up at the villa.
"Antonio!" A gut-wrenching scream echoed, and there stood a ragged-looking Lusa at the entrance. The moment she saw Antonio, tears started streaming down her face as she wailed, "Antonio, please save me!"
In just one night, Lusa looked like a total wreck—dark circles, ghostly pale face, hair all over the place, and still rocking the same white dress from yesterday. If it were nighttime, she could've scared the living daylights outta anyone.
Harper, freaked out by Lusa's appearance, clung to Antonio's neck. "She scared me to death!"
Where did this ghostly chick come from? She totally freaked Harper out!
It was Lusa.
Lisa hadn't shown up these past few days, but now Lusa was here. So annoying!
The second Antonio saw Lusa, his smile vanished, replaced by a cold, hard look.
He gently patted Harper's back, but his eyes were locked on Lusa. "What are you doing here? Get lost!"
The chill in his voice made Lusa feel like she was dunked in ice water, shivering all over. Her scalp tingled, but she didn't give up, still crying and begging, "Antonio, I know I messed up. Please, spare me. I won't do it again! I can't go to jail; it'll ruin my life."
She'd been detained in court yesterday and only got out on bail. The court was about to file charges against her.
She didn't care about her image anymore and ran straight to Antonio for mercy as soon as she left the police station.
She knew Antonio was her only shot!
"Get lost." Antonio didn't waste any more words on Lusa and tried to walk past her.
Lusa wasn't giving up. She rushed over and grabbed Antonio's arm, crying out desperately, "Don't go! Only you can save me! You're my family. Are you just gonna watch my life get ruined? Please, have mercy on me..."
"Let go!" Antonio's eyes were fierce. He was never Lusa's family, and besides, she had tried to get Brady locked up. Now that her plan had flopped, she had the nerve to beg for mercy. It was laughable.
But Lusa seemed to have gone nuts, her strength surprisingly strong. With a hard yank, Harper almost fell out of Antonio's arms.
"Ah, help!" Harper cried out, her face pale with fear in her eyes.
Antonio's pupils contracted as he held Harper securely.
Harper was terrified, clutching his clothes tightly.
Feeling Harper trembling in his arms and recalling the dangerous moment just now, Antonio's lips pressed into a thin line. Without any pity, he shoved the crazed Lusa away like she was nothing but disgusting trash.
Lusa fell hard, her whole body aching, but she ignored the pain and quickly got up again, crawling on her knees to grab Antonio's pant leg.
Antonio didn't give her another chance to get close, lifting his foot and kicking her hard.
The kick landed in Lusa's chest, causing her to grunt in pain as she collapsed heavily to the ground once more, a surge of blood rising in her throat.
Lusa couldn't get up anymore. She opened her mouth but could only make faint moans, even breathing was tough.
Harper, shaking off the scare, turned her head to look at the messed-up Lusa on the ground. She hugged Antonio's neck, her little head resting on his, a smug look on her innocent face.
Then she stuck her tongue out at Lusa.
Seeing that, Lusa was so mad she almost passed out. Her eyes, red with rage, were filled with resentment and murderous intent. Damn it, even Harper dared to mess with her!
She wasn't about to give up. Even if she went down, she was taking someone with her.
Antonio, Sarah, Brady, and this damn Harper, none of them would have it easy!
Later, Antonio and Harper hit a bustling street.
The earlier drama hadn't killed Harper's appetite. As soon as she caught a whiff of the delicious aromas, she couldn't help but lick her lips.
She took a deep breath of the food-scented air, closed her eyes, and sighed. "Ah, it smells so good!"
Seeing Harper's delight, Antonio asked, "What do you wanna eat? Pick anything you like."
He'd never been to a place like this before and had only come here after asking James.
Antonio looked at the bustling crowd, his brows furrowed, and his chiseled face showing a bit of disdain and reluctance.
Crowded places meant more hassle.
However, Harper's eyes were sparkling with excitement. She was about to dart off when Antonio held her back. "There are too many people here. Stay by my side and don't run off."
"Okay, I know!" Harper nodded obediently.
So, Antonio held Harper's small hand tightly and walked into the street.
They hadn't gone far when Harper's hands were full of food, and her mouth was stuffed. Antonio also held some food, his eyes never leaving Harper.
Without Sarah's restraint, Harper was eating to her heart's content, her cheeks puffed out like a hamster. Antonio couldn't help but smile as he watched her.
"That looks delicious!" Harper pointed with her little hand, speaking unclearly.
Antonio followed her gaze, and the smile on his face disappeared in an instant.
It was a cream puff shop with a line of at least fifty people.
Antonio said, "There will be more cream puff shops ahead."
This shop had too many people; it looked like a hassle.
"No! This place is legit. It's called 'Internet Famous Shop' and it's been on TV. It's gotta be top-notch if there's a crazy line like this." Harper, hands on her hips, kept talking, her attitude firm. She wasn't leaving without getting the cream puffs.
Antonio was getting a headache from her chatter, yet in the face of Harper's stubbornness, he found himself without any other option.
"Fine," he agreed reluctantly, pointing to a spot. "Sit there and wait for me. Don't run off."
"Got it, hurry up and buy them!" Harper instantly beamed, running over and waving at Antonio.
Antonio turned to join the line, glancing around. Luckily, no one recognized him.
This was something Antonio would only do once in his life!
The shop was indeed popular, and the line moved at a snail's pace. When Antonio finally bought the freshly made cream puffs and turned around, he noticed that the spot where Harper had been standing was now empty.
Harper was gone!
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