My mom seemed to sense something off and anxiously asked, "Chlo, where are you? Why aren''t you home yet?"


    Her tone was filled with worry.


    I quickly looked out the window and realized it was already dusk, and the sky had dimmed.


    I was amazed at how quickly time had flown by. As and I had spent the entire afternoon together. Yet, it seemed like there were still many unanswered questions.


    Iposed myself and smiled into the phone, trying to sound rxed. "Mom, I just finished a meeting at the office. As happened toe and pick me up, and we''ll be heading back soon." "Oh, you''re still at the office? I thought something happened to you." Her tone was skeptical.


    "Oh,e on! What could happen at the office? Don''t worry, I''m fine."


    "That''s good. Hurry back then," she said.


    "Sure! I''ll be home soon. Bye."


    I ended the call hastily because I could no longer control my emotions.


    As had been watching me the whole time. Seeing my emotions getting stirred up, he gently lifted my chin, kissed my forehead, and wiped away my tears. "Sweetheart, everything will be okay, hmm?"


    Choking back tears, I said, "How am I going to face them? They''ve loved me all their lives, but I''m just an impostor! As, why is all this happening? I want to know." As held me close. He cupped my head, allowing me to lean against his chest.


    "Don''t cry! Everything will get better, okay?"


    I choked out, "My poor parents!"


    Speaking these words shocked even me-my poor parents.


    The meaning behind this phrase was profound, referring to Chloe''s parents and my biological parents.


    Rory and Lucille. Both of them were truly pitiable souls.


    Suddenly, I looked up with teary eyes at As and urgently asked, "Is there any news about Rory?"


    As shook his head slightly. "Not yet. We received information that a person resembling Rory was seen in a small town in Kransnova. But when we arrived, we couldn''t find him."


    "However, our people have never


    given up searching. As long as he''s alive, we''ll find him. Trust me." As looked into my eyes, solemnly promising, "As long as he''s alive, I''ll bring him back."


    I nodded, tears still streaming down. "Please do!"N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "Nonsense. He''s your dad and mine, too," As said with the utmost tenderness.


    "All the information Grayson found back then was from you, right?" I focused on As''s face.


    He indulgently smiled. His tone lightened considerably. "You underestimate Grayson. Remember, the people I ced around you are I top-notch. Grayson has the most exceptional investigative talent and is specially trained.


    "All the information he obtained wasn''t just from his subordinates. It involved his analysis and strategic direction. Even when finding you, he yed a crucial role."


    As''s revtion left me stunned. I hadn''t expected the sunny and carefree Grayson to be such a skilled operative.


    "He also participated in finding me? No wonder he knows me so well." I sincerely remarked, "He truly is my invaluable assistant."


    "Of course. I''ll give you nothing but the best," he dered, embracing me again. "You''ve suffered a lot."


    As tightened his arms around me,


    saying, "Now, go upstairs and


    freshen up. We''ll head back to Pleca


    Park. + can''t keep our parents