The security guard stepped forward, his face cautious. "What''s going on here?"


    "Police investigation. Here''s the search warrant," one of the officers replied, shing the document.


    The guard barely nced at the paperwork before unlocking the main gate. But when it came to the front door, they hit a snag the security code.


    "I don''t have the code, either," the guard admitted, shrugging helplessly.


    James jabbed the doorbell again and again. No one answered.


    "Break the window!" he barked, his impatience boiling over. "I''ll take responsibility for whatever happens."


    There really wasn''t any other choice.


    ss shattered. The police swept into Southcreek Manor. They scoured every room, every corner. There wasn''t a single sign of Briony or anyone else.


    "How is this possible?" James stared at the empty mansion, anxiety wing at his chest. He feltpletely lost.


    The police eventually withdrew, finding nothing.


    James slumped on the front steps, burying his head in his hands. He''d tried calling Briony all night, but her phone never connected.


    Sensing something was seriously wrong, he''d called Crystal.


    Crystal had told him Briony was away on ast-minute business trip, but said they''d been exchanging messages. Still, James knew Briony. Her daughter, Little Nina, meant everything to her. Even when traveling for work, she always made time for a daily call or video chat. Two days without a single call? Completely out of character.


    His gut told him Briony was in trouble.


    He''d caught the earliest flight back to Northborough. The moment hended, he went straight to the police and asked them to track Briony''s whereabouts.


    They found nothing.


    Briony had vanished.


    James'' first suspicion fell on Stewart. He''d searched Stewart''sw firm and The Wentworth Group but came up empty.


    There was no doubt in his mind-Stewart had taken Briony.


    He''d all but dragged the police to Southcreek Manor. It was the only ce in Northborough he could think of. But even here, there wasn''t a single clue.


    Frustrated, James ran his hands through his hair. Where could Stewart have taken her?


    Just then, a white Porsche Cayenne pulled up beside his Range Rover. Cedric rke stepped out.


    "Mr. Dney."


    James looked up, hope flickering in his tired eyes. He sprang to his feet. "Dr. rke, do you have any news?"


    "Not exactly," Cedric said, his expression grave. "What I can confirm is that they''re no longer in Northborough. In fact, it''s possible they''ve already left the country."


    James stared at him, stunned. "You''re saying Stewart took Briony abroad?"


    Cedric nodded, lips pressed tight. "Stewart didn''t use a private jet, so it''s hard to trace. But don''t


    .n


    panic whatever else, I don''t think Stewart would do anything to seriously harm Briony."


    James exploded. "He''s kidnapped her! If that''s not harm, what is? What did Briony


    ever do to deserve getting mixed up with a bastard like Stewart?"


    Cedric fell silent, realizing nothing he said would help.


    At that moment, James'' phone rang. He nced at the screen-surprise and relief shed across his face.


    "Mr. Seven," he answered quickly. "You''ve heard about Briony?"


    On the other end, Mr. Seven''s voice was brisk. "I''ve already assigned people to investigate. The moment I have news, you''ll be the first to know."


    James exhaled hard, gratitude flooding through him. "That''s incredible. With you on this, I know we''ll find Briony soon. Thank you, Mr. Seven."


    Mr. Seven''s tone grew serious. "Don''t mention it. You and Ms. Kensington are both people I


    respect. She''s my business partner; I wouldn''t just stand by while she''s in trouble."


    Hanging up, James finally felt a sliver of hope.


    After thanking Mr. Seven again, he turned to Cedric, who''d been listening in.


    "That was Mr. Seven?" Cedric asked, eyebrows raised. "The one who made a name for himself in the business world these past few years?"


    James nodded. "That''s him."


    "How do you know someone like that?"


    Let''s


    velo


    James shrugged. "Long story. just say it all started because Briony sold a painting. But that''s not important right now-what matters is that Mr. Seven''s willing to help."


    Cedric''s expression darkened. "Word is, Mr. Seven got his start in the Astara underground market. Not exactly a clean background. You should be careful dealing with him-"


    "Dr. rke," James cut him off, his tone steely, "right now, Stewart is the only real danger to Briony."


    Cedric fell silent. There was nothing more to say.