Chase emerged, spatula in hand, glancing over. He’d recently taken wine classes with Wendy and had picked up a bit of knowledge.
“Perfect timing! We’re opening a bottle tonight. You guys should have some too. It’s a special day,” Chase said, deliberately keeping them in suspense.
Caesar and Mario exchanged a look. Both were completely bewildered.
Wendy, having removed her makeup and changed into comfortable loungewear, emerged from the bedroom, her hair tied up. “Exactly. It’s a really big day. Drink up—we’re opening both bottles!”
Even seated, the two remained clueless. But Chase and Wendy’s persistent gazes made them feel trapped.
Mario leaned toward Caesar, muttering, “You didn’t sign your life away to Wendy, did you? Am I going to end up working for her now?”
Caesar chuckled, shaking his head. “Wendy has no use for Typhoon Corp.”
“Then why are these two smiling like that?”
Dinner was a feast. The abundance of dishes only heightened their nervousness.
“What’s going on with you two? Wendy, you’re not pregnant or something, are you?” Mario asked.
Wendy looked speechless. “How is that a good thing? Of course not. Today is a good day for you two. Chase and I just didn’t want you getting too emotional in public, so we invited you over for dinner.”
Before they began eating, Chase handed Caesar a sealed document.
“I’m sorry I took your hair sample without asking. The other strand was given to me by Mr. Fred. According to the DNA report, the owner of that strand is the sister you’ve been searching for all these years.”
Hearing this, Caesar and Mario froze, their eyes snapping to Chase.
Seeing Caesar’s eyes redden, Wendy poured him a glass of wine. “Take a look. These are current photos of your sister. You might not recognize her anymore.”
The DNA test confirmed they were siblings. The photos were all of Aimee—daily snapshots, mostly taken abroad.
“She is…” Caesar began, his voice trembling.
Wendy explained, “It’s quite a coincidence. She’s the girl who was recently kidnapped—the one Waylon just rescued. According to her adoptive parents, she was found near Skyville Residence, a three-year-old sitting alone outside the gates, crying. No one else was around.”
Caesar’s body trembled with emotion. Mario quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, saying quietly, “We found her. We really found her.”
She lost all memories before the age of three. She never knew she was adopted. The good news is, she’s had a great life. She’s their only child, and they treated her really well. We haven’t told her anything yet—she just got rescued and still needs psychological support.”
Caesar nodded repeatedly. “Yes, don’t scare her. I… I’m okay. As long as she’s doing well, that’s all I care about. Even if I can’t tell her I’m her brother, just knowing she’s okay is enough. When… when can I see her?”
Chase spoke softly. “We were thinking of waiting until the kidnapping case settles down. Aimee’s psychological evaluation isn’t complete yet. We don’t know if she has trauma from the incident. Don’t rush it.”
That night, Caesar drank heavily, emptying an entire bottle of wine. Mario remained sober, driving them home.
Caesar clutched Aimee’s photo, crying and laughing intermittently, speechless. Mario and Chase helped him into the car and closed the door.
“Thank you,” Mario said, extending a hand to Chase. “You’ve fulfilled his biggest wish. You don’t know how guilty Caesar felt all these years about losing his sister. He always blamed himself, thinking he was useless. At least now, she’s been found.”
Chase glanced into the car. “It was all a strange twist of fate. I thought Aimee looked familiar in the photos, but Wendy and Caesar were too close to notice. Either way, it’s a good thing. Once he sobers up, you can both prepare to meet her. Just wait for the updates.”
“Got it. Thank you. Going forward, no matter what Quinn Group or Cloud Hospital needs, Typhoon Corp will do everything we can to help.”
Wendy, wrapped in a coat, joined Chase. She looked directly at Mario. “We’re allies. Caesar’s been my friend since we were kids. You don’t have to say anything formal. We’re helping you get back into the Harrison family, and in return, you’ll give me the truth. We’re on the same side.”
“Enough talking. I’m heading back.”
“Alright.”
Aimee’s psychological evaluation returned positive results. The therapist said that after working in foreign media for so many years, Aimee had long since become accustomed to this lifestyle. The kidnapping hadn’t caused much trauma, and no further intervention was needed.