Chapter 74  Hmm? News about me?  I was caught off guard. What could Mark have possibly uncovered?  Chase seemed unusually cheerful as he eagerly asked, “Where’s Amanda?”  “During the time she vanished, over thirty women disappeared across various states and were smuggled out of the country via sea routes. They’ve left the country, and there’s a good chance Amanda is among them.”  Chase’s brow furrowed. “And we can’t confirm this yet?”  “No, recently, these international scam artists have been bold and have drawn attention from higher–ups. They’ve paused their operations. Those women have remained hidden. Gregory has made contact with the leaders abroad. They’ve requested that you in person to identify them.”  come  Work chimed in, “Oh, and Mr. Reyes, Gregory mentioned some good news. Amanda might still be unharmed. The women traveled by sea, which takes much longer than land, and they ran into a storm on the way, meaning they’d only just arrived at the facility when Gregory got in touch. It’s a stroke of luck in a tough situation.”  Chase’s frown softened, and he let out a relieved sigh. “Okay send some money to Gregory to keep things stable there. Ill cover whatever it takes. Just ensure Amanda’s safety. I’ll head over to get her myself.”  “Understood.”  “But Mr. Reyes, a lot is piling up at the company, and you’ve been too preoccupied to manage it. If you’re leaving, you’ll need to sort out the company’s affairs first.”  “I’m heading back to the office now”  Chase ended the call, looking like he was on a caffeine high. His tired face now had a hint of color.  He placed our photo on the bedside table. The sunlight gently fell on the bouquet of vibrant roses, the frame tucked in their shadow. This wasn’t our wedding photo, but from years back, before anyone came between us. Back then, we were all smiles, carefree and happy  Deep down, I knew his hope was in vain. This time, he couldn’t bring me back.  Chase returned to the office, tackling tasks with newfound energy. He worked late into the night, attending meetings without taking a break.  At 2 am, Mark brought him a late–night snack. It was his favorite shrimp and crab boil with warm pastries. After one bite, he paused “What’s up, Mr. Reyes? Is it cold? I can warm it up  “No”  Chase gazed at the boil, then said, “Amanda used to know about my stomach issues and would often make mushroom soup for me. It’s been ages since I’ve tasted her cooking”  I remembered how he loved the mushroom soup from Lee’s. I even bought the ingredients for the recipe and had the owner teach me for half a month. That was how much I loved Chase back then  I also searched everywhere for traditional remedies for his stomach, brewed medicine, and brought him meals every day. Under my care, his stomach gradually improved.  But then he told me he was tired of it and turned to Nicole’s spicy shrimps, even though his stomach couldn’t handle it. From that moment, I stopped caring for him.  Chase looked at the spot where I used to stand and told Mark, “That night, she stood night here, eyes full of joy, urging me to eat the soup she made, but I refused.”  “Mr. Reyes, you’ll find your wife soon…” Mark noticed Chase’s mood was all over the place. Chase’s gaze was unsettled, which was a bit  worrying  Chase continued, “Actually, my stomach flared up that night, and I found the medicine she left for me in the drawer. Amanda always looked out for me, but I kept putting her in awkward situations for a bit of novelty”  “Mr Reyes, its all in the p  past. You and your wife have a strong bond. No matter what happened, shell forgive you” “Yes, she loves me, and that’s undeniable. Once I bring her back, III treat her well and never hurt her again.”  Chase pulled out the wedding ring he hadn’t placed on her finger during the ceremony. “Ill make sure she has a happy mamage” Mark nodded, rehveved “That’s right, Mr. Reyes. You and your wife are family”  unda wouldn’t have left because of me.” Chase’s gaze deepened, “By the way, I need you to look  Chapter 74  Chase’s voice was steady. “Nicole. I want to know what she’s been up to all these years!”