Chapter 235

The next day.

The next day, the film crew chartered several planes to head to Snowstock together.

Susan and Theresa had just settled into their seats when a familiar voice rang out.

“Ms. Miller, it seems we are destined to meet again.” Eason, all smiles, was sitting right behind Susan.

Susan was momentarily speechless. “Mr. Nicholas? Weren’t you in Anaville to expand your business?”

Eason chuckled. “Business expansion is almost done. Suddenly felt like traveling. Hearing about the scenic beauty of Snowstock, I decided to join the film crew’s chartered flight.”

Susan responded. “…That’s quite a coincidence.”

“How else to explain our fate?” Eason quickly added.

Susan turned awkwardly away.

“See, he’s definitely pursuing you, right?” Theresa whispered.

“It doesn’t seem like he’s pursuing me. But his actions are indeed bizarre,” Susan whispered back.

“Nowadays, perverts come in the most respectable forms. Be careful with him,” Theresa advised.

“I will, Susan replied.

Unaware of being categorized as a pervert, Eason at the back was trying his best to maintain a perfect smile, hoping Susan would turn and see his best side.

Unfortunately, his efforts went in vain.

During the eight–hour flight, his face stiffened from smiling, but Susan never looked his way again.

That evening, when the plane landed at the airport, everyone switched to cars for the rest of the journey.

After a tiring journey, they finally settled down in the hotel late at night.

Susan used overtime as an excuse to decline Ben’s video call request.

She planned to find Ben tomorrow and surprise him the next day.

Susan and Theresa shared a room.

Observing Susan’s lovesick smile, Theresa couldn’t help but show her disgust. “Look at you, utterly smitten. Susan, you’re letting our side down.”

“Heh, let it be,” Susan chuckled. “What about you? Thomas still doesn’t know you’re Rose, right?

Disappearing for four months, have you thought about how to explain it to him?”

“What’s there to explain?” Theresa casually remarked. “He’s nothing to me. My disappearance will probably send a clear message to our families. Once I’m back, the worst I’ll face is a scolding from my mom. I can’t just marry someone for the sake of it.”

“Fair point.” Susan casually agreed, then suddenly exclaimed in surprise. “How did Thomas get involved with Monica? This photo on WhatsApp is way too intimate.”

“What? Let me see!” Theresa quickly leaned in.

There was no intimate photo of Thomas and Monica on her phone.

Her phone was completely black.

“You tricked me,” Theresa said, slightly frustrated.

Susan pinched her cheek playfully. “If he’s not anything to you, why the fuss?”

“Just plain curiosity.” Theresa defensively explained.

“Oh,” Susan responded, feigning belief.

Theresa looked a bit guilty. “Aren’t you going to ask more?”

“Aren’t you just plain curiosity? I believe you. I truly believe you.” Susan looked at Sarah sincerely.

Theresa was speechless.

Theresa hesitated before finally admitting. “That’s good.”

“You seem indifferent about Thomas, but he seems quite concerned about you. He messaged me asking where you are.” Susan remarked, surprised.

Theresa scoffed. “Another trick, right? You think I’ll fall for it?”

“It’s true this time, see for yourself,” Susan said, showing her phone.

Theresa took it with a mix of belief and skepticism.

As she looked at the chat between Thomas and Susan, she saw the messages.

MM [I don’t mean anything by it. It’s just my mom insists that I must have scared her off. Now she’s kicked me out with a stick, saying I shouldn’t come back home until I bring her back.

[I’m wandering alone outside now. It’s kind of cold. Please save my life, sister–in–law.]

Seems he’s quite concerned about you,” Susan commented, nudging her chin towards the phone.

Theresa scoffed. “Yeah right, he’s just concerned because his mom kicked him out. That’s all.”

Susan smiled. “I think being kicked out is just an excuse to cover up his real feelings.”

Although Susan’s comment was casual, Theresa’s heart rate picked up slightly.

Could it be possible?

Did Thomas actually have feelings for her?

The thought barely crossed her mind before she vehemently shook her head.

No way.

What was she thinking.

What kind of feelings.

Their encounters alone were nothing but arguments or mutual disdain.

And why did she use the word “also“?

Did that imply she had feelings for Thomas?

Impossible.

How could she be attracted to Thomas, a guy she considered a jerk?

“So, he’s still wandering outside. What should I reply?” Susan asked, looking at Theresa.

n stay “Ignore him. He’s just trying to gain sympathy,” Theresa said dismissively. “With an ID and money, he can stay anywhere.”

“Good point. I’ll reply that then.” Susan nodded, reaching for her phone to respond.

“Wait a second.” Theresa suddenly interjected.

Susan looked at her, puzzled. “What’s up?”

Theresa seemed conflicted as she asked, “Do you think… maybe he didn’t bring his wallet or ID? If he roams around all night, he could really get sick.”

The corners of Susan’s mouth twitched slightly. “So, what do you really want to do, Theresa?”

Theresa cleared her throat. “I suddenly think he’s not that foolish. Even if he was chased out without anything, he’s a grown man. He should be able to take care of himself, right?”

“Right, that makes sense, Susan agreed.

“Then let’s not worry needlessly. Let’s wash up and sleep early. Theresa suggested.

Susan readily agreed.

In the depth of the night.

Theresa lay in bed, tossing and turning.

Did Thomas really get kicked out?

Could his mother be so heartless to send him out without anything?

She quickly grabbed her phone to check the night temperature in Anaville.

“It’s only ten degrees at the lowest. With the night wind, it’s quite cold.” she muttered to herself.

As Theresa was lost in thought, her phone lit up with a message.

It was from her mother.

Having told her mother she’d be away for four months on a project with her mentor, her mother was obviously worried and demanded a photo of Theresa’s surroundings.

Theresa hurried to the balcony and took a picture of the night view to send to her mother.

Unbeknownst to Theresa, the night view photo she sent to her mother would find its way to Thomas‘

phone in just thirty seconds.

Thomas looked at the photo with a cool gaze.

It featured three buildings. Two looked like residential towers, with architecture not typical of domestic styles. The snow–covered buildings and falling snowflakes hinted at a location in the other hemisphere.

The text in the photo was in Elorish. While many countries use Elorish, the fact that all buildings used Elorish suggested it was the native language of the location, narrowing down the possibilities.

The key third building, a shopping mall, which Thomas had just searched online, was part of a chain exclusive to Riowert, with branches in thirteen cities.

Among them, there were only two cities that were snowing.

He turned on his computer and used the map and the photo’s background, Thomas quickly ruled out one city and focused on another.

Within ten minutes, not only had he figured out Theresa’s city, but he had also pinpointed her hotel.

After completing his investigation, a slight smile crept across Thomas‘ lips.

“Try to outsmart me and run away? I’ll find you in no time,” he thought, pleased with himself.

But soon, a sense of doubt crept in.

After a long time, the corners of his mouth twitched.

Why was he going to such lengths to find Theresa?

Her disappearance meant that his family had no reason to force them to be together anymore.

He should be celebrating for days, not obsessing over her whereabouts.

Had he lost his mind?