?Chapter 888:


    “We’ve already broadened our search by an additional 10-20 miles.”


    Only two scenarios remained possible: either Rhys hadn’t tumbled into the river, or his body had been carried downstream to another city.


    Three days had passed since the incident, and despite the full mobilization of the police forces, no leads had surfaced.


    Harlee, huddled in the back seat, felt the sting of each passing hour. Thetest message felt as though a de twisted in her chest.


    Despite the turmoil within, sheposed a serene reply to shield Robbie from her distress.


    “Tell our team to stand down. Let the police handle it from here.”


    Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she quicklyposed another message.


    “Don’t concern yourself with Rhys’ team’s approach.”


    Robbie’s reaction was one of sheer disbelief. Wasn’t Rhys the one Harlee cared about the most? Why did she suddenly call off the search?


    As if sensing his confusion, Harlee tapped out another quick text.


    “I have a more crucial task for you.”


    Robbie, still processing, managed only a perplexed “Okay,” half-expecting her next message to direct someone else to proceed with the search.


    But deep down, Harlee had already resolved to give up searching for Rhys. She held firm to the belief that Rhys was alive, and he hadn’t plunged into the river. Likely, someone had abducted him.


    Determined, she was set on uncovering the culprit.


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    Parking outside the Sanderson family vi and exiting her vehicle, Harlee noticed Callie still kneeling in the exact same ce. Though visibly drained, Callie managed to execute a deep bow.


    “Miss Sanderson, I beg you to show mercy to Etta…” Her plea was so faint that it almost dissolved into the air.


    Harlee remained silent, striding past Callie toward the couch. She was not one to grant forgiveness simply because Callie had been kneeling for three long days and nights.


    Yet, Callie persisted. She dragged herself to Harlee’s feet, continuing to plead with increasing desperation.


    A flicker of sympathy crossed Harlee’s features, but her resolve remained unyielding. What truly made her waver was Sk.


    Having just returned from visiting Nyomi, Sk witnessed Callie’s desperate plea toward Harlee.


    Her usually bright smile vanished instantly.


    Sk hissed, “Callie, I have kept you with the Sanderson family out of respect for your decades of loyal service.


    But how have you chosen to repay me? Have you forgotten what Etta did? And now you’re trying to strong-arm Harlee into forgiveness? How ungrateful can you be?”


    Her anger zing, Sk shoved Callie aside and sat on the plush sofa. She reached for Harlee’s hand, gripping it tightly in a protective gesture.


    “Harlee, don’t be afraid. I’ll have Kane throw her out.”


    Raising her voice, Sk called out sharply, “Kane…” Harlee quickly interrupted, her voice soft yet firm.


    “Mom, don’t do that.”


    Harlee gave Sk a reassuring smile and gently patted her hand, signaling she would take control of the situation.


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