Chapter 33

Chapter 33 Sinking Without a Trace Caroline’s expression twisted with disdain. “If that’s the case, then you better make sure to discipline her properly from now on. Tell her to stop finding fault with me all the time!”

With those words, Caroline forcefully stormed out of the room, leaving Evan standing alone in his office, his brows furrowed in thought.

After a moment, he retrieved his phone and dialed Reuben’s number. “How’s the investigation progressing?”

Reuben’s voice came through the line. “Mr. Jordan, the deputy dean has passed away, so we couldn’t confirm anything. However, we did find the teacher who taught Ms. Love that year.”

He continued, “She explained that Ms. Love was bullied during that time, which caused her to suffer from some sort of trauma. But the orphanage covered it up.”

A dark cloud crossed Evan’s face.

“There’s another matter,” Reuben added.

“Go on,” Evan urged “The dean informed me that the girl with the red mole on her earlobe went by the name Lyra. It’s possible that Ms. Love changed her name after being adopted.”

Deep lines etched across Evan’s forehead. “Did you manage to contact her adoptive parents?”

Reuben replied, “I had someone reach out to them, but by the time our contact went to their address, they had already moved without leaving any traces behind.”

“Keep investigating.” Evan commanded firmly.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Suddenly, a knock interrupted their conversation. “Mr. Jordan! Please come to the fashion design.

department immediately. Ms. Love has collapsed.”

When it was time to leave work, Caroline realized she was the last one remaining in the office. To her surprise, Reuben was not waiting for her at the company entrance as usual.

Feeling a sense of relief, she made her way toward the road, intending to hail a taxi and visit her mother at the hospital. However, after waiting for over ten minutes, she grew impatient.

Just then, a Lamborghini stopping in front of heri.

The car window rolled down, revealing a gentle and vaguely familiar face. “Ms. Shenton?” the man inquired.

Caroline was momentarily taken aback, trying to recall where she had seen that face before. After a brief moment, she asked, “Mr. Xander?”

A smile crept onto Neil’s face as he spoke tenderly, “Where are you headed? Allow me to give you a ride.”

“It’s alright, I can find a taxi,” Caroline tactfully declined.

Neil persisted, “It might take you at least an hour to find a taxi during this rush hour. Let me save you the trouble.”

Caroline was struck speechless.

Reluctantly, she accepted the offer and got into the car, wanting to reach the hospital sooner.

After fastening her seatbelt, Neil turned to her with a smile, “Where are you going?”

Caroline replied, “Angelbay Private Hospital. Thank you, Mr. Xander.”

Neil chuckled. “It’s no trouble at all. I still owe you a sincere apology for my cousin’s behavior the other day.”

Awkwardness settled between them. “That wasn’t your fault. You don’t have to apologize to me.

Neil turned to look at her. “Are you sick? Why are you going to the hospital?”

Caroline shook her head. “No, my mother is hospitalized.*

Stunned by her reaction, remorse flickered in Neil’s eyes. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he offered.

sincerely.

Caroline responded with a casual smile before falling into silence. Meanwhile, Neil couldn’t help.

but steal glances at her, struck by the uncanny resemblance she bore to his mother.

Their features exuded a similar blend of stubbornness and tenderness, particularly their captivating eyes that held an ancient charm. They could easily pass for siblings.

Neil attempted to break the tension with a gentle tone. “Ms. Shenton, you remind me of someone I know.”

Caroline was left speechless, her mind swirling with thoughts. ‘Is this some kind of modern–day tactic people use to flirt with others?‘

Observing him with a hint of wariness, she adopted a more assertive tone. “Mr. Xander, what exactly do you mean?”

www She found it hard to believe that someone would go out of their way to give her a ride after just one encounter.

Neil responded honestly, hoping to clarify the situation. “Perhaps you bear a striking resemblance to her, so…”

Caroline interrupted, her tone sharp with sarcasm. “So, you gave me a ride before asking for my contact information. You want to approach me by pretending that I resemble someone, right?”

Neil was taken aback by her defensive reaction, not expecting her to be so vigilant.

Quickly, he explained, “Ms. Shenton, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I was referring to my sister, who disappeared when she was very young.

Caroline was rendered speechless once again.

Is he taking me for a fool?!!

She spoke sternly, noticing the hospital just ahead. “Mr. Xander, please stop the car and let me out.

Neil immediately pulled over, a tinge of regret in his gentle eyes. “Ms. Shenton, I did sense a familiarity when I saw you, but I assure you, I’m not the person you think I am Caroline scoffed coldly. “Thank you, Mr. Xander. But I’m not the type of woman to be easily fooled by wealthy heirs like yourself.”

With those words, she opened the car door resolutely and left.

Sitting alone in the car, Neil was left shell–shocked He couldn’t fathom how someone could resemble both Lyra and his mother so closely in both appearance and character…

Meanwhile, Caroline arrived at the hospital’s inpatient department and discreetly inquired if Scott. was on duty that day. Upon learning that he wasn’t, she proceeded toward the ward.

However, when she reached the door of the ward, she heard Katie’s distressed voice, barely stifling her sobs. “Why do you insist on tormenting a child who isn’t even yours? Bradley, you’re a heartless monster!”