Chapter 168
A mere two hours later, their aircraft gently kissed the tarmac of G City, and without delay, they headed straight for the local police station.
The officers dutifully recorded their account but were quick to clarify that given the scant information provided and the intricacies of inter-city searches, the process would be time-consuming. Regardless, they opened a case and committed to deploying officers to aid in the search for Layla and Owen's missing father.
In a bid to stay abreast of any developments, the siblings checked into separate rooms at a nearby motel.
The Triple Star Motel was a far cry from luxury. As Layla attempted to boil some water, the sight of rust lining the interior of the kettle nearly induced a bout of nausea. Hastily, she replaced the lid and set it aside.
"Never trust motel kettles, Layla. Haven't you ever watched the news? I'll go buy some bottled water," Owen declared.
Layla cast a sidelong glance at her brother, noting the transformation in his hair color from a wild blonde to a more conservative black. The once rebellious youth had seemingly matured into a dependable young man. His towering height, well over six feet, though lean, offered her a comforting sense of security.
"Dad hardly knows anyone in G City. Our clues are akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. What are the chances we'll find him?" Layla sighed heavily, her heart weighed down by skepticism.
"We have to find him, Layla, no matter what. I've got some friends on the case too. We'll find him. Don't stress yourself out; worry won't help," Owen reassured her, reaching for a pack of cigarettes. He was about to light one when Layla swiftly snatched it from his grasp and snapped it in half.
Owen frowned, "Mind your own business!"
"I'm your sister," Layla shot back, "Weren't you the one preaching about turning over a new leaf back at the hospital?"
"Turning over a new leaf? You make it sound like I'm some hardened criminal," Owen retorted, clearly irritated. "I have a legitimate job now. It's just a smoke. Don't pull the sister card on me. Worry about yourself. You look a mess - dark circles like a raccoon. Something the matter? Where's your boyfriend?"
A pang of pain shot through Layla's chest, her lips trembled, and her face drained of color as she fell silent.
"What? Did you two break up?"
"None of your business. I'm thirsty, weren't you supposed to get me water?" she deflected.
Owen sensed her evasion but chose not to press the matter. "Can't even take care of herself but still fussing over me," he muttered under his breath as he headed out to fetch the water.
In his absence, Layla switched on the TV, tuning into the news channel.
"The grand opening of a seven-star hotel, a joint venture between the Holland Group and the Eilish Group, took place today. Chairmen Samuel and Vice Chairwoman Nora Eilish graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony..." the broadcaster announced as the screen showcased the grand event.
Samuel was renowned for his discretion. The cameras only managed to capture his silhouette: tall, donned in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his upright posture. Bathed in sunlight, he seemed to radiate an aura that effortlessly commanded the attention of all present.
Tears welled up in Layla's eyes, her throat constricting with emotion.
She couldn't stop thinking about him. Why did fate insist on rubbing salt into her wound? She yearned to rush into his arms.
But there was another woman by his side, Nora Eilish, elegantly dressed in a pristine white Chanel suit, exuding grace and composure. The camera adored her confident smile, the champagne glass in her hand, her distinguished air blending sophistication with strength. She was the epitome of poise, a fusion of a princess and a powerhouse that left onlookers in awe.
One chairman, one vice chairwoman.
They seemed perfect for each other.
A match made in heaven.
Nora Eilish, successful in both her professional and personal life, the ideal partner for him, and Layla-what could she offer?
Perhaps the break-up was for the best. The longer they were together, the more painful it might become. They were never meant to be from the same world
Her heart was in shards.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Layla hastily turned off the TV before answering.
"I brought you some dumplings. Have you been crying?" Owen asked, peering into her eyes.
Layla choked up a little. "I'm worried something happened to Dad."
"Can we not talk about it anymore? You know women, always getting teary-eyed. Oh, by the way, something just came back to me. When I was a kid, Dad took me to Grandview to visit an Uncle Lincoln. He owned a jewelry store. Do you think he was going to him to collect a debt?"
"Do you remember where he lives?"
"It's a bit hazy. I'll have to dig around. Finish your dumplings first."
Under Owen's watchful eye, Layla reluctantly polished off a batch of dumplings. The two of them set out, and after circling Grandview for over two hours, they finally found the street Owen had mentioned.
On Maple Lane, where shops lined both sides, a man in his fifties with a grizzled beard stepped out of a jewelry store, puffing on a cigarette.
"That's him." Owen quickened his pace, cutting off the man's path. "Uncle Liam!"
"Who might you be?"
"I'm Jason's son, and this is my sister. Did my dad visit you a couple of days ago?" Owen inquired.
A flicker of anxiety crossed Uncle Liam's eyes before he shook his head. "No, haven't seen him, it's been years."
He was lying.
"Uncle Liam," Layla chimed in, "did my dad come to see you? He's missing, and it could be dangerous. Please tell us the truth."
"He's missing? I wouldn't know, haven't seen him around."
"You definitely did!" Owen pressed. "Where's my dad? Did you hide him or something?"
Owen's temper flared as he grabbed Uncle Liam by the collar.
"What are you trying to do? You want to start a fight?"
"Try laying a finger on me, see what happens."
"Owen..." Layla intervened, trying to calm him down.
"What's the commotion?" A cab rolled up close to them, giving Uncle Liam the chance to slip free from Owen's grasp, hurrying into the vehicle.
"Drive!"
"Hey you-" Owen made to grab him back, only to be stopped by Layla. "Owen, don't be rash..."
"Why are you holding me back? Can't you see he's lying? He knows where Dad is. A good pounding would loosen his tongue."
"Do you want to end up in jail before we even find Dad?" Layla frowned, exasperated by his impulsiveness. "I know he's lying too, but bullying him won't make him spill the beans."
"So what do we do?" Owen clenched his fists in frustration.
Layla stepped forward and stopped a plainly dressed middle-aged woman who had been watching from the sidelines.
She produced a photo of Jason. "Ma'am, have you seen my father?"
The woman looked on with difficulty, conflicted.
"You've seen him, haven't you?"
The woman nodded, her local accent thick, "Came by a couple of days ago."
"Where is he now?" Layla asked eagerly.
The woman shook her head, "I don't know. I'm Mr. Lincoln's cook. A few days ago, that man came by, said he was going out to dine with the boss, and I haven't seen him since."
Layla glanced at Owen. Where in the world did Uncle Liam take his dad? And why the lies?
"Where's your boss now?"
"I-I heard Mr. Lincoln's attending a dinner at the Lighten Hotel tonight. That's all I know, please don't ask me anymore," the woman said, waving her hands dismissively before hurrying off.
"Let's go." Owen hailed a cab.
"Where to?"
"Don't ask stupid questions-Lighten Hotel, of course."
"But we don't have invites. We can't get in."
"Just follow my lead. There's nowhere I can't get us into. Cut the chatter and let's go!"