Chapter 41 Seeking Help from Matthew
Nicholas's suggestion took advantage of Madison.
"With Matthew's network and capabilities in this city, if he intervenes, we will definitely find Quentin and Hannah quickly."
Deep down, Nicholas selfishly hoped that Madison wouldn't contact the children's dad, but the kids' safety was paramount. If professionals did the act, only Matthew had the resources in this city to expedite their rescue.
"Who is Quentin and Hannah's dad?"
Rachel asked, completely perplexed. If Quentin and Hannah's dad were in Horizon City and sounded so influential, they had to get his help!
Nicholas remained silent, letting Madison decide.
In fact, Madison had never deliberately intended to hide the kids' dad's identity. It just never seemed necessary to announce it to the world. But given the circumstances, there was nothing to hide.
"JK Group’s CEO, Matthew, is my ex-husband and the biological father of Quentin and Hannah."
Rachel was totally shocked, frozen in place. This was huge news. After regaining her composure, she said, "Madison, you're not trying to tell me that Matthew doesn't know about the existence of Quentin and Hannah, are you?" Rachel expressed the assumption that had formed in her mind.
"Um, he doesn't know, so if we go to him, he might find out. He might even take the children back." But she couldn't worry about that now when it came to the safety of her kids. Losing custody was a lesser concern if it meant the two children were safe and within her sight.
Rachel also felt troubled, knowing that if it came to a custody battle with the CEO of JK Group, Madison wouldn’t stand a chance.
"Let's go, Nicholas. Could you please take me to JK Group?" Madison stood up, wiped away her tears, and decided to seek Matthew's help.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Nicholas.
"Yeah, Madison, are you sure?" Rachel also asked in concern.
"Yes, I've thought it through. Nothing is more important than finding Quentin and Hannah as soon as possible."
"All right, let’s go."
Madison rode in Nicholas's car to the base of the JK Group building, mentally preparing herself the whole ride.
As they parked the car, Nicholas said, "Madison, I have an idea. I'll go up with you, and we can say the children are ours. That way, Matthew won't suspect that Quentin and Hannah are his kids. It might be a bit unfair to you, though."
"Thank you, Nicholas." Madison thought it might work, no matter how Matthew viewed her. As long as he didn't find out the kids were his and was willing to help, she'd do whatever it took. Thinking of how there was no news of the children, Madison's eyes reddened again.
Gathering her emotions, they both went in together.
They were stopped by the receptionist, who smiled and asked, "Hello, who may I assist you in finding?"
"Sorry, we're here to see Matthew," Madison replied.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No…"
"Sorry, but I can't let you through without an appointment. Maybe you could give Matthew a call?" The receptionist suggested.
Just then, Carl entered from outside and recognized the familiar figure. As he approached, it indeed was Madison. The receptionist noticed Carl.
"Hello, Carl," she greeted him as he nodded and approached Madison.
"Ms. Johnson, hello. Are you here to see Matthew? You need assistance?"
"Yes, can you take us to him?"
Carl glanced at Nicholas next to Madison, speculating about the nature of their relationship.
Seeing that Carl, the executive assistant, recognized the two, the receptionist offered to escort them personally, signaling there was no issue.
Carl took Madison and Nicholas up the elevator to the top floor, stopping outside the CEO's office door. "Please wait here for a moment. I'll go in and brief Matthew first."
"Sure, thank you."
"You're welcome, Ms. Johnson. Please have a seat on the couch for now."
About ten minutes later, Carl returned.
"Ms. Johnson, Matthew will see you now. Please follow me."
Both Madison and Nicholas stood and followed Carl to the CEO's office, then Carl excused himself and left.
Madison and Nicholas stood there. Only Madison knew how nervous and awkward she felt, and her hands twisted together in turmoil. All the mental preparations and speeches she'd practiced on the way had slipped out of her mind.
Standing behind his desk, Matthew lifted his gaze to Madison and Nicholas. He was puzzled why Madison had specifically come to see him, accompanied by a man. Intuition hinted to him that Nicholas might have feelings for Madison. Were they, perhaps, a married couple?
Seeing that neither initiated the conversation, Nicholas, who had always seen Matthew as an idol and a goal for many, could now feel the intensity of Matthew's presence firsthand. He stepped up for Madison, "Mr. Nelson, sorry to disturb you. We're here to ask for your help with an important matter."
"Let's hear it," Matthew said indifferently.
Nicholas looked to Madison, who swallowed, trying to speak through her choked voice, "My kids are missing. You have resources. I was hoping you could help us look for them."
Matthew then noticed Madison's red eyes and cursed inwardly, knowing it took all his restraint not to rush over and hold her.
She had children then. So, the man beside her was her husband, right? They had children together... Great, just great. This matched exactly what he had suspected.
"Why not report it to the police?"
"We can’t wait. We've reviewed the mall's security footage, but the person who took them managed to avoid all the cameras. We're out of options," Nicholas explained.
After a long silence, Madison stood before Matthew, feeling as if she was laid bare, utterly embarrassed. Yes, they had long been divorced, and he had no feelings for her anymore. He had Miss Smith. It was her own folly to overestimate her importance, to assume he would help her unconditionally.
"Sorry for bothering you," Madison said, turning to leave.
"I didn't say I wouldn't help."
Matthew felt like he was being ridiculous. She already had a new family and was married with children, and yet she came with her new husband to his office asking for his help to save their kids. He told himself not to care, but seeing her tears, he couldn't help but feel compassion.
After saying that, he took out his phone and called Victor, "Victor, check on the two kids who were kidnapped today at Century Plaza. How old? What do they look like?"
Holding the phone, Matthew looked at Madison, who was still stunned. She hadn't expected Matthew to agree, much less immediately make a call to someone.
Nicholas quickly answered, "A boy and a girl, twins, a little over three years old. Disappeared from the second floor..."
"You heard her. I want to know the whereabouts of the kids before five. Have Mitchell talk to the police, and let's start moving."
Hanging up the phone, Matthew felt a sense of heavy annoyance. Hmph, she even has twins now!
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
