Elissa didn’t overthink it. “That’ll only matter if the research actually


    seeds.”


    “With your talent, I have no doubt it will.”


    No one understood her abilities better than Aaron did.


    He hung up the phone, looking at his wife with a touch of amazement. “I never would’ve guessed–you know that girl better than I do.”


    Jacqueline grinned. “Of course. Elissa might turn down almost any project, but when ites to something that could save lives, she never hesitates.”


    –


    Cresthaven was less than two hundred kilometers from Vistapeak City. Frank had a shareholders‘ meeting the next morning, so he and Marcia didn’t stay the night. Instead, the two of them drove back to Vistapeak City in the dark.


    Even at thiste hour, the city’s roads glimmered with endless streams of


    cars.


    Frank’s limited edition red Porsche 911 roared down the avenue and, when it stopped at a traffic light, drew a flurry of cellphone cameras from passing pedestrians.


    Marcia’s sense of vanity was thoroughly satisfied.


    “Frank, I had a wonderful time today. Thank you….” She tilted her head, ncing at the passenger seat, only to find Frank staring off into space.


    It took him two or three seconds to snap out of it and look her way. “Sorry, what did you say?”


    “You’re distracted again!” Marcia pouted, though anxiety was already creeping into her chest.


    Yes, Frank had kept his promise and apanied her back to <ol start="12"><li><b>12</b>. </li></ol>


    Cresthaven that afternoon. But the whole time, he kept ncing at his phone, restless and preupied, drifting off into his own thoughts.


    Frank rubbed his brow, exhaustion etched into his features. “It’ste. I’m just tired, that’s all.”


    “Tired? Or is your mind somewhere else…”


    -With that wretched Elissa.


    Marcia choked on the rest of her words. She knew Frank would never


    admit it. Instead, he’d only keep reminding himself to face his feelings


    for Elissa.


    But no matter how much she tried, the mood in the car plummeted.


    When they finally pulled up to Greenwood Manor, Frank didn’t even wait for her. He marched straight inside and up the stairs, each step betraying his impatience. It was as if he was desperate to confirm something.


    He paused outside the master bedroom, knocked lightly. When no answer came, he twisted the handle and slipped inside.


    The room was dark, the lights off, shadows pooling in every corner.


    Frank moved quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Little Elissa, today…”


    His words trailed off as he realized, by the pale wash of moonlight, that the bed was perfectly made–untouched, not a single crease.


    Elissa hadn’te home.


    A wave of panic washed over him. He flicked on the lights and scanned


    the room.


    Her skincare bottles were still lined up neatly on the vanity. The walk–in closet looked untouched–her things were all there.


    But… something felt off.


    His gaze drifted to therge bookshelf that spanned one wall. Only a few lonely books remained; his brow furrowed. Wasn’t this shelf packed full before?


    <i>213 </i>


    12 171


    Marcia hurried in after him, feigning innocence. “What’s wrong, Frank? Elissa isn’t home at this hour?”


    He nodded. “Yeah.”


    She must be upset.


    She hadn’t even replied to his messages, let alone <ie </i>home.


    Seeing that he didn’t ask any more questions, Marcia breathed a quiet sigh of relief.


    That woman… Not only had she moved out, she’d been afraid Frank wouldn’t notice, so she cleared out the whole closet.


    Thankfully, Marcia had nned ahead, filling the empty closet and bedroom with some of her own clothes.


    She was just starting to rx, thinking she had fooled him, when Frank suddenly frowned and strode out of the room.


    She hurried after him. “What’s wrong?”


    “I need to check something.”


    Frank’s expression was grim, his steps growing faster and faster. He couldn’t rest until he knew for sure.