Chapter 252: They Are Missing

If this were true, Stella's future was forfeit. On stage, she teetered on the brink of collapse. Everything she'd achieved lay in ruins, shattered by Sean's actions. She lost control, screaming, "You jerk! You deserved to be deceived! Why don't you just drop dead? A man as incapable and irresponsible as you is unworthy of me! Do you realize this video could ruin me? Why do I have a ruthless ex like you? I completely misjudged you!"

Tears streamed down her face, yet she still blamed Sean. She voiced her grievances, her gaze helplessly fixed on Nathaniel. Some online fans sided with her, commenting, "If I were Stella, I wouldn't acknowledge this ex either. He's awful," and, "Seeking revenge after a breakup is extreme."

However, most discerned the truth. If Sean's claims were accurate, Stella was guilty of multiple crimes. The supposedly innocent orphan, making her debut under a pitiful guise, was revealed to be cunning. The arriving police quelled the chaos, but it was too late. Stella and Sean were taken away.

From the car, Stella texted Nathaniel: "Nathaniel, you owe me again."

Nathaniel, back in his car, read the message. Owe her? A somber expression settled on his face as he contacted the company's public relations department. He wouldn't let this tarnish Rainsworth Group's reputation. The incident was not only a corporate crisis but also deeply personal. Stella had publicly flaunted their relationship, and now, a compromising video had surfaced.

Back at the office, Mason also witnessed the livestream and immediately addressed the public relations crisis. This time, however, things didn't go as smoothly. Despite threats to media outlets, the livestream went viral. Someone had invested heavily in its spread.

Meanwhile, Calvin and Yannick enjoyed drinks. Yannick laughed, "It's been a while since Nathaniel suffered a setback. The last time was during his wedding."

Calvin had spent considerable money on independent media accounts and cultivating relationships with media companies—all orchestrated for revenge against Nathaniel. Calvin took a sip of wine, "Let's not bring up his wedding again." Yannick, realizing he'd struck a nerve, fell silent.

After more drinks, Yannick remarked, "It's snowing heavily." The rain and snow of the morning had intensified. Soon, snow blanketed the streets. Despite his foul mood, Nathaniel was reminded of the morning Cecilia, her eyes sparkling, had told him it was snowing. He checked his phone; no messages from her—likely busy with her son. He texted, "The snow's gotten heavier. How about we build a snowman later?" Uncharacteristic of him, he considered building a snowman.

Time passed, and still no reply. An inexplicable unease, growing stronger lately, gnawed at him. He was about to call Cecilia when the butler from Spring Forest Manor called.

"Mr. Rainsworth, I have bad news. Ms. Smith and the child are missing."