Chapter 93 The Message Left Hanging
Lucas had already walked the hallway dozens of times, pacing back and forth like a video game NPC.
But Stella never once stepped out of the hospital room.
Hannah was exhausted. She lay collapsed on the bed, completely spent, her voice barely above a whisper. “Lucas… even a donkey on a commune wouldn’t be made to walk this much!”
SS Capital was located in the most bustling district of Ashford, with its own expansive office
campus.
Atop the main building, a massive company logo gleamed in the sunlight – grand and imposing.
Inside the president’s office, assistant Ryan held out documents for Nathan to sign.
A string of gold bamboo–shaped prayer beads encircled the man’s wrist, delicate and refined.
Against Nathan’s poised and luminous presence, even the smallest details carried a sense of elegance and sophistication.
“By the way,” he said, “any rare, low–profile jewelry pop up in Ashford’s recent auctions?”
There were too many common jewels on the market — Ethan could easily give those to
Stella.
–
Nathan had no intention of gifting anything so ordinary.
Ryan shook his head. “I’ve been keeping an eye out, but nothing has fit your requirements lately. Everything’s too flashy – not suitable for daily wear.”
The boss’s criteria were notoriously picky. The jewelry had to be understated enough for everyday use, ideally something a student could wear to school.
But auction pieces were designed for the ultra–rich.
And most of the ultra–rich wanted to stand out.
Nathan’s pen paused in the middle of a signature. Behind the silver–rimmed glasses, a
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Chapter 93 The Message Left Hanging
shadow flickered in his eyes.
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A few seconds later, he said, “I’ll send you a photo in a bit. Get me an exact replica. It has to be identical.”
Ryan didn’t ask questions. “Understood.”
Once the documents were signed, the man in the crisp white suit leaned back in his chair and loosened the tie around his neck.
Ryan glanced over and blinked. “Mr. Foster… did you forget to change your tie today?”
The pattern was unusual
–
one they had picked up during an overseas business trip.
And Mr. Foster never wore the same tie two days in a row.
A gentle, lingering smile appeared on the elegant man’s lips. His fingers brushed across the tie. “Didn’t forget.”
This was the tie Sparkle had grabbed and pulled he’d wear it one more day, then store it away tonight.
Nathan’s tone shifted suddenly. “This year, the charitable foundation will add a new initiative: helping families locate missing or abducted children.”
Every word Sparkle had tearfully spoken was still fresh in his mind.
She didn’t want others to experience the same tragedy.
It was a social issue
one not easily solved. There wasn’t much he could do.
refully considered.
The topic changed quickly, but it was obvious this decision had been
Ryan took note. “Got it, Mr. Foster.”
Though he often secretly roasted his boss in his mind, when it came to charity, there was nothing to complain about.
And now he was even turning his attention to missing or trafficked children – it was honestly admirable.
Nathan adjusted his glasses with one finger. “For next quarter’s investments, look into companies with top–tier surveillance or HD camera technology.”
The better the tools, the harder it would be for traffickers to get away with crimes.
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Chapter 93 The Message Left Hanging
Ryan felt like giving him a standing ovation. “Understood, Mr. Foster.”
After Ryan left, Nathan picked up his phone.
He first sent the photo to Ryan.
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Then he sent another message: “No matter the cost, get to the bottom of Jimmy’s abduction. I want the trafficker found.”
The reply came quickly: “Understood.”
Just as Nathan was about to put down his phone and return to work, a notification popped up on his private WhatsApp.
A friend request.
It came with a note: “Mr. Foster, I’m Stella’s brother, Ethan.”
The handsome man frowned slightly. Ethan?
He had always avoided contact with Ethan in the past.
Too painful
–
the resemblance only reminded him of the person he missed.
There were definite similarities in their bone structure. He’d noticed it right away.
But now that Stella was back, he didn’t need to avoid it anymore.
His clear–boned fingers tapped “Accept.”
Why had Ethan suddenly added him? Was it business… or about Stella?
– Curious, Nathan didn’t put his phone down
—
he waited for a message to come through.
Three minutes passed.
Nothing.
The chat window remained silent.
Nathan finally put the phone aside and stopped waiting.
He used to work late into the night without issue – but not anymore. And early mornings weren’t an option either.
