Chapter 2027

Loreen wanted to discover the nature of Charlie Wade's relationship with Ms. Young, but time constraints prevented her. She had to return to Eastcliff for the New Year's celebration with her family. After a ten-minute conversation, she said to Claire and Charlie Wade, "Claire, Charlie, I have to go. All flights to Eastcliff are full; if I miss this one, I'll spend New Year's in Aurouss Hill."

Claire asked, "Loreen, do you want us to see you off at the airport?"

Loreen replied, "No need. You stay home."

She then greeted Ms. Young, "Ms. Young, I'm leaving."

Ms. Young nodded. "Have a safe journey, and Happy New Year!"

"Thanks!" Loreen replied, bidding farewell to Claire's parents before departing with a tearful Sam.

Outside, Sam's suppressed emotions erupted. "Loreen, Charlie Wade is unbearable! From the moment I arrived, I didn't provoke him, I didn't even contradict him, yet he had Trevor extend my deadline! He claims I upset him. Where is the justice in that?"

Loreen sighed. "Brother, I suspect Charlie dislikes you because your attitude toward Ms. Young is overly familiar."

Sam nodded. "I guessed as much. Either he's upset about me flirting in front of him, or he's upset about my behavior towards Ms. Young—one of those two."

Loreen agreed. "I think it's likely related to Ms. Young, but it's strange. They don't seem to be friends."

"I suspect they're having an affair!" Sam declared.

Loreen was shocked. "That's unlikely. Charlie seems devoted to his wife."

Sam countered, "You can't always judge a book by its cover. You don't know what he's like when no one's watching" He lamented, "I shouldn't have come! Now I'm stuck in this awful place for two years!"

Loreen apologized, "I'm so sorry, brother. I shouldn't have brought you."

Sam said, "Instead of apologies, help me figure out how to persuade Charlie to let me go."

Loreen nodded quickly. "Brother, don't worry. When I return from Eastcliff, I'll plead with Charlie for you. And I'll investigate his relationship with Ms. Young to see if there's anything going on."

Loreen flew back to Eastcliff, filled with suspicion. Sam, penniless and despondent, returned to the city village. Meanwhile, in the city village, Charlie Wade's aunt, Cynthia, lived under surveillance, facing a miserable New Year's Eve. Christopher's family also faced a similarly bleak holiday.