12  Chapter 81  Chapter 81  Mark was completely lost in Chase’s ramblings, especially when Derek’s name come up out of nowhere  “Mr. Reyes, Gregory has worked hard to get in touch with these criminal groups for you. Your wife might still be out there, suffering. waiting for you to rescue her…  “I can’t go!” Chose said with determination “Derek’s already set a trap over there. He’s just waiting for me to show up so he can ensnare me. Im not falling for IL  Mark and I had similar expressions, and clearly, we both thought Chase was off his rocker.  If Derek really wanted to take him down, he had plenty of ways to do it, especially in business. Chase, who had always relied on the Reyes family, was no match for Derek. Derek could dig a big enough hole, and Chase would find himself in deep trouble.  Why would Derek go through the trouble of scheming against him through such a roundabout way involving me?  ut Chase, swayed by Nicole’s words, seemed unable to think clearly. I had been there to help him secure several big deals. I knew he was easily influenced and not very decisive, so I always lent a hand behind the scenes. Nicole knew this, too, and she could change his mind with just a few words,  “What about your wife?” Mark asked, looking worried.  “Here’s the plan: you go there yourself. I need to stay here and keep an eye on the company. Plus, you can’t show up directly. Have Gregory find someone local to vouch for you, and be extra careful.”  “But…” Mark hesitated, “What if something urgent happens and you’re not there? I can’t make the call on my own.” “Everything should be about Amanda Money doesn’t matter. It’s late, so you should get to the airport soon.” Mark paused, then finally nodded. “Got it.”  Before leaving, he gave Chase a long look filled with disappointment. He finally caught a lead, only to Mark must have felt indignant for me, too.  see  Chase give up  due to rumors.  After Mark quietly closed the door, Chase took out a photo of us and placed it in a frame by his computer. It was a picture from my seventeenth birthday, In the photo, I was making a wish with my eyes closed, candlelight glowing on my young face, and he was watching me tenderly with a smile.  Were we  meant for each other if Nicole didn’t come into the picture?  Now that I’d seen the real Chase, I know we wouldn’t have lasted. If not Nicole, someone else would’ve come along.  All the joy of my life was stuck in the year I turned seventeen  I reached out to touch the frame, my fingers unexpectedly passing through it, and I could only offer a bittersweet smile.  A gust of wind blew in through the window, making the curtains dance. Watching them flutter, I wondered what Derek was doing overseas. Could he possibly be coming for me?  It seemed unlikely. We hardly had any connection, and with his difficulty moving, why would he bother making the trip? I quickly dismissed the thought.  at there was no direct  Chase’s day was torturous. Mark’s flight was in the afternoon, arriving at night. The destination was so remote that transport, and it would take several transfers to get them. At best, they wouldn’t get any news until the next day. Chase couldn’t sleep that night, his fingers repeatedly running over the rosary in his hands.  “Amanda, don’t be afraid. You’ll be home soon.”  Hearing his mutterings, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. My ashes were already resting beside him what was he still looking for?