Felicia gave Shawn a surprised look. Was this really Shawn? This idiot actually had a brain for once? It was hard to believe. Charles was silent for a moment, unable to respond. Some villagers, joining the search, murmured, "Maybe… he really didn't do it?"

Felicia's gaze, clear and sharp, remained fixed on Shawn. "Well," she said slowly, "since you're so eager to help, why don't you join us in the search?"

Though still suspicious, Charles lacked evidence and allowed the search to proceed. The vice principal organized student groups to assist.

"Sure thing!" Shawn replied without hesitation.

Arnold also wanted to help, but Kayla, recovering from a twisted ankle, repeatedly called, complaining that her caretakers hadn't fed her. Hunger pangs and low blood sugar made her feel faint. Frustrated, Arnold stayed to care for her.

Soon, the village and nearby hillside were illuminated by numerous flashlights. Voices echoed across the landscape.

"Lucas, where are you?" "Lucas, come out!"

Their efforts shone against the growing darkness; small beams clustered like scattered stars across the hills.

Meanwhile, Stephan remained at Alverton, observing from a helicopter parked on a distant mountain. He watched the commotion below, his expression cold in the moonlight. He turned to his subordinate. "Has the information I requested arrived?"

The subordinate felt the weight of Stephan's gaze. Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. Relieved, he said quickly, "Mr. Russell, the information has just arrived!"

Clearing his throat, he reported, "That night, during Felicia Fuller and Arnold Lawson's engagement party, Arnold left to see his supposed sister, Kayla Fuller. It seems she staged a suicide attempt by cutting her wrists."

Stephan's gaze sharpened. "Get to the point." He wanted news about Felicia, not Kayla.

"Yes, sir!" The subordinate's voice strained. "After Arnold left, Mr. Lawson Senior arranged bodyguards for Ms. Fuller. However, Ms. Fuller escaped, running from the reception to the guest rooms." The venue's strict no-camera policy meant this information came from staff accounts. "Once in the guest area, her whereabouts became unknown, and we haven't located her. Mr. Lawson Senior's bodyguards searched extensively, but to no avail. The engagement party dissolved."

"It wasn't until after 5:00 am the next morning that Ms. Fuller left the venue. She immediately took a cab back to her college dormitory," he concluded.

Stephan turned to his subordinate. "And after that?"

The subordinate steadied himself. "Abbie Dawson was invited by Laurence Quinn. We investigated; he claims to have spent the night with Ms. Dawson, but…" He glanced at Stephan, lowering his voice, "…he doesn't know why she left the next day wearing your suit jacket."