Chapter 1699

"Who dares ransack my place?!" Fabian's anxiety was palpable. He had no idea when these men had entered and left. Now, Elijah publicly declared his intention to search Fabian's house, in front of his own men. Where could Fabian hide his face if he allowed this? He straightened his back and stared Elijah down. The two men locked gazes, neither yielding.

Meanwhile, Maria and Michelle continued their brawl, their hair a tangled mess. The phone they were fighting over suddenly rang. Both women froze momentarily before renewing their struggle. Finally, Maria secured the phone and broke free, answering the call.

"Hello? Hello?" A terrified look and a sharp, raised voice, "What?!" instantly drew everyone's attention. Even Michelle, poised to attack again, was momentarily stunned.

"Is this a scam?! Bullsh*t!" Maria raged, hanging up abruptly. Yet, her trembling body and vacant eyes betrayed a deep-seated fear; she appeared utterly drained.

"Who was that?" Fabian asked, noticing his wife's distress. His voice seemed to anchor her to the present.

She turned to him, dazed. After blinking several times, she spat through gritted teeth, "Liar! It's a scammer!" Fabian didn't doubt her.

"If it's a scammer, why are you so upset? Ignore them. There are all sorts of people in the world; we don't need to be scared. We can handle this. We'll just call our brother-in-law and tell him stray dogs are barking at our door; he can call the police. Don't—" His own phone rang, instantly sending a shiver down Maria's spine.

Frowning, Fabian retrieved his phone. Before he could answer, Maria rushed over and restrained his hand.

"Don't answer it!" This startled Fabian; he stumbled back, bewildered by her reaction.

"Why not?" He glanced at the screen. Recognizing the caller, he felt awkward, his gaze involuntarily flicking towards Elijah. "It's Ree!"

"Ree?!" Maria's unease intensified. Her hand, gripping Fabian's, trembled, her eyes fixed on the screen, her expression a mixture of fear and a strange, yearning hope.

"What's wrong? Why are you acting so strangely?" Fabian was perplexed. Maria usually rushed to answer Rhea's calls. Why this sudden, overwhelming fear?

Elijah spoke coldly, turning to Fabian, "Great! Didn't you say she's not home? Since she called, we'll simply ask her. Put it on speaker; you have nothing to hide."

"While I have nothing to hide, I don't have to prove it to you," Fabian snapped, holding his phone tightly. "This is my daughter calling. Why should you hear our conversation?"

Elijah sneered. "It seems you believe your daughter's actions are justified. That's why you're afraid!"