Chapter 12
Meanwhile, Elise, having been yelled at twice by Julian, was getting angry herself. But seeing Julian’s bloodshot eyes, she didn’t want to provoke him further and hurriedly left with her purse.
Julian sat on the sofa holding the jar, and only now did he realize how much he had neglected Phoenix lately.
So many things had gradually disappeared from their home, yet he hadn’t noticed at all.
Their photos in the living room, the blanket they’d knitted together on the sofa, even the wooden toys they’d made together for the nursery upstairs…
Julian now discovered that there was no trace of Phoenix left in this house.
“Sir.”
The household staff appeared apprehensive when Julian summoned them.
“Why are all our things missing?”
The two housekeepers looked at each other before one finally gathered the courage to speak:
“Madam said new people would be moving in, so the old things weren’t needed anymore.”
Hearing the housekeeper’s words, Julian threw his water glass to the floor.
“Why didn’t you tell me this?”
The housekeeper hesitantly replied, “You haven’t been home much lately, sir. We had no opportunity to tell you.”
Julian was silenced by her response. He then asked:
“When did she leave? Didn’t any of you try to stop her?”
The housekeepers looked like they wanted to kneel in apology, “Madam said she didn’t like having people around all the time. We would finish our work and leave. Today she told us not to come, so we didn’t.”
Julian knew he wouldn’t get more information from them and irritably waved them away.
He was filled with regret–why hadn’t he paid more attention to Phoenix?
Now Julian’s only thought was finding her quickly.
“Send someone to track down Madam’s whereabouts,” he instructed his assistant.
But after several days without a single lead, Julian grew increasingly frustrated.
He suddenly thought of Phoenix’s father and found the number.
His finger hovered over the dial button, hesitating for a long time before withdrawing.
17:22
Trash Huchand new
Chapter 12
Years ago, he and Phoenix’s father had been close friends despite their age difference, but ever since Julian and Phoenix got together, her father had moved abroad, severing contact.
Her father had never approved of their relationship. The marriage only happened after Phoenix had begged persistently.
Julian recalled the promise her father had demanded of him.
“Sir, I’m serious about Phoenix. I’ll treat her well.”
Phoenix’s father had looked at Julian with obvious misgivings.
“Dad, Julian is good to me. I really love him.”
Even faced with his beloved daughter’s pleas, her father remained opposed.
Finally, her father had asked Phoenix to leave, keeping Julian behind.
“Julian, we’ve been friends for years. You know my wife left me only this one child. She’s my life. I can’t bear to see her hurt.”
Phoenix’s father understood Julian best–he was calculating and deep. With their eight–year age gap, Phoenix would inevitably be the vulnerable one in the relationship.
“Sir, I swear on my life, I will never betray Phoenix.”
Her father naturally didn’t trust such oaths, but ultimately couldn’t bear to break his daughter’s heart and consented to the marriage.
Remembering his promise, Julian felt a searing pain in his chest.
But no matter how hard he searched, there was no trace of Phoenix.
Julian finally dialed the number.
“Hello, this is Benjamin Reed. How can I help you?”
“Dad, I wanted to ask if you know…”
Julian had barely begun when the call disconnected.
He could only try again.
“Dad, I was wrong. Is Phoenix with you?”
Hearing him, her father immediately erupted, “Phoenix’s whereabouts are none of your concern! You’re divorced and stop calling me ‘Dad“!”
With that, he hung up. When Julian tried calling back, he discovered he’d been blocked.
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17:22
