Chapter 1661
Balfour had just returned from abroad and, after having dinner with his sister, headed straight to the
office. Not because there was a pressing matter to attend to, but because he was in a foul mood
and wanted to catch up on some piled-up work to keep his mind busy.
By the time he'd wrapped up, it was already late at night.
Balfour shut down the computer and pinched his brow, then got up and took his coat and went
out.
Just as Balfour was about to leave his office, he saw Quinton, his assistant, hanging up a phone call,
his expression a blend of urgency and concern.
âMr. Howard, you're done for the day? I was about to come in and talk to you,â Quinton said,
approaching Balfour.
"What's the matter, Quinton?â Balfour asked, seeing the unease on his assistant's face.
âThere's been an incident at home. The butler just called. Your father has gone missing. The butler
tried to call you first but couldn't reach you, so he called me and asked you to go home right away,â
Quinton explained.
Balfour frowned, âWhen was he last seen?â
âHe was missing since dinner. Dean and Alyssa assumed he was out tending to his flowers in the
garden and didn't think much of it. But when they realized he still hadn't returned home, they tried
calling him, only to find his phone switched off,â Quinton detailed.
can't just vanish.â
Balfour, worn out from a long day, sighed. âHe's a grown man. He ca
Quinton nodded. âUnder normal circumstances, yes. But everyone at home is worried that he might
have had a health episode, or an accident.â
âLet's go, Quinton. We need to get home and see what's going on,â Balfour said, his tone resigned
but firm.
Back at the Howard residence, it was already past midnight.
As Balfour stepped inside, he saw his grandparents, Dean and Alyssa, seated anxiously in the living
room, along with the house staff standing at attention.
Two police officers were there as well, taking down information.
His grandparents looked relieved when they saw him. âBalfour, thank goodness you're home,â
Alyssa said, her voice shaky. âYour father has been missing since this afternoon. We've searched
everywhere and can't find him. His phone is unreachable. We've been worried sick!"
Dean added, âYour father is just being childish. But he could at least let us know before
disappearing!â
âDonât worry, Grandpa, Grandma. I've already sent people to look for him. He's a grown man. He
won't just disappear,â Balfour reassured them./
âIf McNeil isn't sick, your grandpa and I won't be so worried! But he has been on antidepressants for
years now. We're afraid he might do something drastic...â Alyssa voiced out their deepest fear.
Balfour knew all too well what his grandparents were worried about. His relationship with his father,
McNeil, had been strained ever since his mother left with his sister years ago. They'd maintained a
polite, distant rapport, with very little communication. His resentment towards McNeil had never
faded over these years.