?Chapter 689:


    He gave a slight nod.


    “Sure.”


    Hailey rose and headed toward thedies’ room, which was outside the restaurant.


    At that moment, Sadie emerged from one of the stalls, neither aware of the other’s presence—or of the eyes lurking nearby.


    The men watching mistook Sadie for Hailey, given her matching silhouette and features from the photo.


    Without dy, the group sprang into action.


    The leader of the goons lunged forward, swiftly mping a hand over Sadie’s mouth.


    Her eyes widened in terror as she tried to process the sudden attack.


    A pungent chemical scent suddenly flooded her senses.


    Oh no! Panic red—she knew she was in trouble.


    Sadie fought to scream, but the grip was too strong, and no sound escaped.


    R?????? ???????????? ????????ov?????.??o??


    Within seconds, the drug took hold.


    The world spun, her vision darkened, and strength drained from her body.


    She wanted to resist but had no strength left.


    Helpless, she was dragged away.


    Meanwhile, Samuel had been waiting outside the restroom, anxiously ncing at his watch.


    Sadie had yet to reappear, and his unease steadily deepened. His steps grew restless as he paced.


    By all ounts, she shouldn’t have been inside for this long. Had something gone wrong?


    Torn between concern and propriety, he wanted to check inside but hesitated—it was the women’s restroom, after all.


    While caught in indecision, a woman exited the restroom.


    Samuel swiftly approached her with polite urgency.


    “Pardon me,” he began respectfully, “did you happen to notice a striking youngdy inside?”


    The woman blinked, momentarily confused.


    “A youngdy?” she echoed. “No, there is no one in there now.”


    Samuel’s stomach dropped.


    “Are you certain?” he pressed, his voice tighter. “No one at all?”


    She nodded, brows furrowed.


    “Positive. I was the only one.”


    rm shed across his face, and his worry spiked.


    There was no one in the restroom, and Sadie wasn’t outside either.


    Something was off.


    Wasting no time, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number.


    The ringtone stretched on endlessly—no response.


    The repetitive beeping grated on his nerves.


    His heart dropped.


    Sadie would never ignore a call without reason.


    Unless… something had happened to her.


    That was when he spotted several tall men in ck suits stationed near the restaurant entrance, their demeanor sharp and vignt. Samuel instantly recognized them. They were Burgess Group’s security detail, often seen apanying Hailey.


    .


    .


    .