Chapter 208

Ten minutes later, Colin rushed back into the office.

"Mr. Sullivan, we've located Ms. Sullivan. She's on a flight to Qingcheng."

Ethan's fountain pen paused mid-stroke, ink bleeding across the document.

"Qingcheng?"

His voice was glacial.

"Yes. The flight took off an hour ago."

Colin felt the temperature in the office plummet, sweat trickling down his spine.

"Find out why she's going there."

"Right away, sir."

......

Evelyn had just stepped past airport security when her phone rang.

"Evelyn! Please tell me you didn't forget about meeting Lucas with me tonight?"

Zoe's voice carried playful reproach through the receiver.

Evelyn halted mid-step, suddenly remembering her promise from last week.

"Zoe, I'm so sorry. It's a last-minute business trip—I'm already in Qingcheng."

She pressed her fingers to her temple in frustration.

"Oh..." Zoe's disappointment was palpable. "We'll reschedule when you're back."

"Dinner's on me as an apology."

After hanging up, Evelyn took a deep breath.

Near the exit, a sun-weathered middle-aged man held a sign with her name.

His faded jacket was worn but clean, his posture neat.

"Mayor Cruz?"

The man turned with a warm, unassuming smile.

"Ms. Sullivan! You must be exhausted from the trip."

He rubbed his hands nervously, eyeing her suitcase.

"Let me get your luggage."

"No need, thank you."

She declined politely, scanning the parking lot.

When the rusted minivan came into view, Quincy and Bianca both gasped.

"This..."

Bianca's stilettos tapped anxiously against the concrete.

Without hesitation, Evelyn pulled open the creaky door.

"Get in."

During the drive, Vincent detailed the village's situation.

The vehicle eventually stopped at a hillside.

"Apologies, Ms. Sullivan. The rest is on foot."

Evelyn hoisted her suitcase effortlessly.

"Bianca, change your shoes."

She noted the secretary's impractical heels.

"Yes, ma'am!"

Bianca scrambled for sneakers in her bag.

Vincent quickly took her luggage.

"Allow me, miss."