Chapter 1989

It was Waldo on the line, his voice laden with concern.

“Matthew, have you located Stella?”

Matthew’s brow furrowed.

He had directed Fernando to keep the crash confidential and wondered how Waldo had learned of it.

Staring into the dark, endless sea, he stated honestly, “We’re searching tirelessly.

”

Waldo responded gravely, “Your grandmother is still in the dark about this.

I’ll keep it from her.

Inform me immediately when you have any updates.

”

Matthew acknowledged with a simple, “Understood.

”

It was now 4 a.

m.

The exhaustion was evident on the faces of the rescue workers.

Kristian, noticing Matthew had remained on the shore the entire time, urged him, “You’ve only just recovered.

Staying here could be too much for you.

I’ll inform you immediately if there’s any news.

Please, go back home.

”

Matthew’s expression remained unchanged as he firmly declined, “There’s no need.

If you’re tired, feel free to leave, but I’m staying.

”

Kristian’s concern deepen

ed.

“The search has continued through the night with no results.

Staying here might make you ill, which would only upset Stella more.

It’s best if you go back.

They’ll likely be alright.

”

This, of course, was merely Kristian’s ruse.

Given the wreckage and the likely loss of all aboard, his encouragement for Matthew to leave had ulterior motives—he hoped to slow the search, minimizing the chances of finding Stella and Bella.

Matthew, with resolve deepening, countered, “How can I leave knowing my wife is still out there? And Bella is still missing in the sea.

Could you possibly abandon your wife?”

Kristian was left without a response.

Matthew turned away, removed his coat, handed it to Fernando, and began rolling up his sleeves as he approached the rescue team.

Fernando, following quickly behind, pleaded anxiously, “Mr.

Clark, please take a moment to calm down.

The dive is dangerous, and you’re not well-rested.

Your wife is surely blessed.

She’ll be alright!”

Ignoring him, Matthew shook off his hand, stating firmly, “Don’t hold me back; I’ve made up my mind.

”

With that, he joined the rescue efforts without further interference from Fernando.

Kristian watched their retreating backs, a secretive smile playing on his lips under the moonlight.

“Not even divine intervention could save Stella and Bella now, much less Matthew.

Should he miraculously locate their bodies, it might finally make him abandon hope,” Kristian muttered under his breath.

As dawn broke, the rescue team still hadn’t located Stella and Bella; there was no sign of them, not even a human bone.

Hope, which had flashed in the hearts of many, was now fading into despair.

Matthew had been part of the search since the beginning, and his fatigue was evident.

Fernando supported Matthew, concern etched across his face.