Chapter 353: Long Time No See

One concluded, “So, the DNA and this tattoo could be our leads. They might help us track down where Annal is hiding.”

“Yes. If Mrs. Bolton finds any leads, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

“Of course. Captain Tucker, take care.”

After seeing Nelson off, I finally exhaled, releasing a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My tense body relaxed as relief washed over me. Carter moved from his wheelchair and sat beside me, curled up on the sofa. I rested my head on his lap.

“It’s late. You should eat something,” he murmured softly, his fingers gently combing through my hair.

I thought I had grown numb to horrors after everything I’d been through. But just recalling the photos—and seeing Sadie’s swollen, deformed face this morning—killed my appetite entirely.

“Can’t eat,” I murmured.

“You’ve lost weight,” he said with a faint sigh.

“Well, you should blame them for their cruelty. They never leave a body intact.”

Carter sighed deeply and said, “Chloe, I’ve thought about sending you to stay with your mother. These past few months, you’ve gone through too much. Who knows what’s still to come?”

Even if Anna couldn’t harm me directly, her constant games were enough to make anyone sick.

“I can’t hide forever, Carter, and neither can they. Anna has already started leaving traces. It’s only a matter of time before we catch her. On the other hand, the Carlyn brothers are remarkably patient.”

Carter advised, “This can’t be rushed. I need to go on a business trip to Zorya. Come with me. Staying here is not just dangerous—it’s draining you. I’m worried you’re on the brink of a breakdown.”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Mom’s pregnancy is pretty far along. I can visit her while we’re there.”

“Whatever you want,” he said with a faint smile, brushing the tip of my nose playfully. “And don’t you want to see the life I’ve been building over the years?”

“I do. It’s not just about your life; I also want to meet your friends.”

“Can you eat something now?”

He finally brought a small smile to my face. “Alright.”

As long as I was with him, the unanswered questions didn’t seem so important.

Chapter 358: Long Time No See

The next day, I ran into someone familiar in the first-class cabin. Ashley, clearly caught off guard, stammered, “Z… Mrs. Bolton?”

“What a coincidence,” I replied coolly. “You’re flying to…?”

He sighed and said, “When I went to Snowville, I thought Bill would put me in a key position. That’s why I followed him.”

I scoffed coldly. “Key position? You mean you wanted control of his branch company?”

Bill doesn’t have a son. Ashley had thought he could control Gardner’s empire by becoming Bill’s son-in-law. When he heard Bill was expanding his business empire, he jumped at the opportunity. But, as it turns out, fate had other plans.

Once a somewhat respected member of the Hudsons, Ashley was able to live comfortably at home. But he’d made such a mess of things that no one at home would ever give him another chance. He’d lost his foothold in Snowville and fled in fear of Anna’s schemes. This was the advantage of being a spineless opportunist; when things got tough, he could always run.

“Zoey, don’t be so harsh. I only wanted to lighten Bill’s burden. Actually, I’m in a bit of a tight spot financially right now. Could you, for old time’s sake, lend me some money? I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”

Before I could respond, Carter’s voice cut in, sharp and icy. “Do you think I’m dead?”

Ashley hadn’t noticed Carter seated behind the cabin divider. Panic flashed across his face as he quickly retreated to his seat, pulling the divider closed as though it could shield him from everyone’s attention.

Carter’s brow furrowed as he warned, “If he bothers you again, I’ll break his legs.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Sounds good to me.”

“You didn’t sleep well last night,” Carter said softly. “Get some rest. The flight’s long.”

“Alright.”

I nodded, slipping on my eye mask and headphones. I let the drama of Snowville drift from my mind. For the next few days, I just wanted to enjoy being with Carter.

Jaford was the complete opposite of Snowville. While Snowville endured endless winters that stretched over half the year, this city was a place of eternal spring. Blossoms were everywhere, and the gentle sea breeze carried the scent of flowers. I had been to Jaford before, but only for rushed business trips—signing contracts and leaving as quickly as I’d arrived. Knowing this was where Carter had spent many years gave the place a newfound familiarity.

Chapter 353: Long Time No See

The moment we left the airport, vibrant tulips of every color greeted us, lifting my mood instantly.

“This evening a friend is hosting us for dinner,” Carter said.

“You don’t often talk about your friends. Who is he?” I asked curiously.

“Harlan Pearson. He’s one of the people who helped me a lot in the early years. The others aren’t in the country right now, but I’ll introduce you to them someday.”

“Sure. Will his wife be there? Should I bring her a gift?”

Carter hesitated, struggling to express himself.

“What’s wrong? Are things not good between them?”

“Well, son of a… I’m not sure if they’ve made any progress in the past six months.”

I decided not to pry further into their personal matters and simply followed Carter to the restaurant.

As we reached the private dining room, a deep, commanding voice echoed from within. “Janice, haven’t you caused enough trouble? The guests are about to arrive; where do you think you’re going? Is this how you carry yourself as my wife?”

A woman declared, “I don’t care. The divorce papers are already on your desk. All you need to do is sign them. I’ve told you before—I have no interest in playing these childish games with your other women.”

“Harlan, look at her! She’s being unreasonable! There’s no game! I just dropped by to deliver you a bottle of wine, for heaven’s sake. I’ll be gone in a moment,” said another woman, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.

Then, a lazy, almost mocking female voice chimed in, “Don’t start this. If I’d known you were coming, I wouldn’t have shown up. Fine. I’ll go. Wouldn’t want to get in your way.”

As the door swung open, a woman stepped out. She wore a black gown; her hair was pinned up, adorned with a simple pearl hairpin. She was stunning, with fair skin and rosy lips. A red mark between her brows gave her an almost otherworldly beauty. Her eyes met mine, freezing both of us in place. Then her gaze flickered to Carter, sitting in his wheelchair. Tears welled up in her eyes.

“You—it’s you two.”

Her appearance had changed, but those eyes—those weary, defiant eyes—I’d recognize anywhere. We embraced tightly, memories of that day when we parted ways flooding my mind.

“I don’t know what lies beyond this life,” she’d said back then. “But no matter what happens, Zoey, I hope you live a bright and joyful life. For yourself, just this once.”

“I will,” I’d promised.

“Goodbye, Chloe,” she said as she chose death, while I chose life. We’d taken two very different paths. Lately, I had wondered if she had been reborn or if she had simply vanished from the world. But seeing her now, I knew one thing for certain: she was back.

“Long time no see,” I whispered.

She leaned closer, her voice trembling as she replied, “Long time no see, Chloe.”