Chapter 190

Evelyn Carter took her first sip of alcohol too quickly. The liquor rushed straight to her head.

Clamping a hand over her mouth, she bolted outside. Annabelle Taylor barely had time to dodge—a few drops splattered onto her sleeve.

"Could you help, please?" Annabelle called a server over. Together, they guided Evelyn to the restroom.

Once Evelyn finished vomiting, Annabelle settled her into a booth.

"A glass of warm water, please."

The server returned swiftly with the water and gestured to Annabelle's stained sleeve. "You should clean that. I'll watch her."

Annabelle hesitated, glancing at her unconscious sister.

"I'll be right back."

In the restroom, she scrubbed her sleeve until the scent of lemon overpowered the alcohol.

When she returned to the booth, it was empty.

"Where's my sister?" She grabbed the server's arm.

The server paled. "She was just here..."

Annabelle immediately dialed Peter Harrison.

"Peter, where are you?"

"I was about to call you," his cheerful voice came through. "Mom's here to discuss the move. Your parents said you two were shopping?"

"Emily's missing." Her voice dropped to a whisper.

A beat of silence.

"Wait for me."

Peter caught on instantly. "Tell them it's a work emergency. I'll be there in ten."

Hanging up, Annabelle's palms grew clammy.

Her sister could barely walk straight. Where could she have gone?

Her gaze swept the room—then froze.

"Never mind."

The server followed her line of sight.

Annabelle was already striding toward the billiards hall.

Through the arched doorway, she spotted a figure leaning against a pool table—

Someone she knew all too well.