Chapter 339: She Is Not Even Your Woman
“Malcolm.”
“Yes.”
Upon arriving at the company, Sebastian immediately summoned Malcolm. He then issued an order: “There’s a traitor in Harriet’s secret team. We can’t use them. You need to bring your people. All work is on hold. We need to find Mrs. Lockhart first.”
Sebastian’s mind was consumed by thoughts of Malelyn. Finding her was his sole focus.
“Yes,” Malcolm replied, complying instantly.
Wesley, observing from the side, declared with fervor, “Sebastian, let me help!”
“You?” Sebastian’s gaze, filled with doubt, questioned Wesley’s offer.
“Exactly, more hands are better,” Wesley chuckled.
Sebastian coldly snorted, “No, you don’t have to.”
“Why?” Wesley asked, confused. He’d hoped to reconcile with his brother, Sebastian, believing their disagreement was trivial.
However, it was clear Sebastian’s trust in Wesley had eroded. Despite Wesley’s loyalty, his past actions against Madelyn had damaged their relationship. Madelyn’s disappearance was indirectly linked to him; his involvement risked further complications.
“All right then,” Wesley reluctantly nodded, a sense of helplessness settling in his heart. He knew Sebastian harbored doubts. For a moment, he remained silent.
Meanwhile, at the hospital…
Josiah, considering Hayden family, had brought him there after questioning him. However, the doctor delivered regrettable news: Hayden’s hand was brutally broken. Even with meticulous care, only feeling might be restored.
At this point, most of the Blume family had arrived—Hayden’s parents, relatives, and Felix.
Hayden, the family’s sole military success, had suffered a major incident, filling the family with anxiety. After examining Hayden’s injuries, his father (Josiah’s uncle) angrily scolded Josiah: “You’re brothers! How could you be so heartless? You didn’t help him, and let him suffer such severe injuries?”
Josiah, deeply worried about Madelyn, was already in a foul mood. His uncle’s blame ignited his anger. He bellowed, “Let me tell you, I’m being generous by sparing Hayden’s life! If he weren’t family, I would have killed him long ago!”
The Blume family was shocked by Josiah’s bluntness. Benedict warned, “Josiah, mind your words.” Mason and Xander subtly reminded him of his family’s presence.
Josiah, unfazed, yelled, “Don’t tell me what to do! Hayden’s predicament is entirely his own fault! If he hadn’t committed those despicable acts, none of this, including Madelyn’s disappearance, would have happened!”
The mention of Madelyn’s disappearance always fueled Josiah’s rage towards Hayden. Felix, having pieced together some clues, angrily demanded, “Josiah, what happened?”
With a cold chuckle, Josiah explained, “At Grandpa’s last birthday party, Hayden was outperformed by Madelyn and L. He’s held a grudge ever since. This afternoon, he kidnapped Madelyn, threatened to break her hand! He lost his own hand, and Madelyn vanished. Grandpa, am I to blame?”
Josiah’s anger escalated with each word. The onlookers began to view Hayden with disdain. Josiah’s family favored Madelyn. Felix was livid. Hayden’s disgraceful actions as a soldier, aside from Madelyn’s disappearance, were infuriating. He’d shamed the family and lost an arm—his military career was ruined. Simply put, his future was hopeless.
Hayden’s parents were stunned. Completely disappointed, Felix gave up on Hayden. His character and military career were destroyed. Felix left, shaking his head. Josiah, equally dismissive, left as well.
Leaving the hospital, Josiah anxiously asked Mason, Xander, and Benedict, “Dad, Mason, Xander, how can we find Madelyn?”
His worry was evident. Mason teased, “Why so worried? She’s engaged. Her fiancé will handle it.”
Xander chided, “Exactly. Mr. Lockhart is far more capable. Why worry? She’s not even your woman.”
Josiah retorted, “Of course, she’s not my woman, but she’s my friend! I can’t just stand by.”
The brothers were speechless, turning to their father, Benedict. He helplessly shook his head, “Do you think I don’t want to help? We’re a military family; mobilizing personnel is easy, but investigating someone’s whereabouts isn't our specialty.” In short, he couldn’t help.
Seeing their helplessness, Josiah sighed, his request proving futile. He could only pray for Madelyn’s safety. If anything happened to her, Josiah would be devastated.