?<strong>Chapter 736:</strong>


    Her heart sank as she searched every nook, even asking the doctors if they had seen it. The doctors responded with a shake of their heads.


    Alicia searched relentlessly but found nothing. She copsed onto the bed, a deep sense of emptiness wrapping around her as if her very essence had been drained away.


    Was this truly the end of their connection?


    Just then, her phone rang, snapping her back to the present. Without hesitation, she picked up the call from an unknown number.


    A man’s voice came through, asking, “Ms. Bet, are you still interested in acquiring the surveince footage from that night?”


    Alicia’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing as she processed the information. Covering her phone, she ended the conversation with the doctor and moved to a quiet corner.


    “What surveince are you talking about?” she asked, feigning ignorance.


    The man on the other end let out a mockingugh.


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    “Don’t y dumb. I know you were in the surveince room asking about it. The woman who set up the cameras didn’t finish watching the footage, but I did. I copied it myself. If you want it,e find me.”


    Alicia’s hand tightened around her phone, her breath hitching as she caught faint voices in the background. Someone was urging the man to ce a bet—high or low. He was at some seedy gambling den.


    Despite knowing her identity, he dared to call her directly. He was in debt, Alicia realized. He was gambling recklessly, hoping for a big payout and pretending to stayposed.


    Her brow rxed as she took control of the conversation.


    “How can you prove you have the video?” she asked evenly.


    “Believe what you want. It’s your choice.”


    “If you can prove it, I’ll transfer seventy thousand upfront,” she said, raising the stakes.


    The man’s breathing quickened, the offer much more generous than he had anticipated. He shifted his tone instantly.


    “Send the money first, and I’ll send you a clip.”


    Alicia ended the call and transferred three thousand as a test.


    Momentster, her phone chimed. He had sent a video clip.


    Her heart pounded as she watched it — dark, grainy footage, but unmistakable. It showed shadows of her and ke.


    It was real. A chill ran down her spine.


    She transferred the remaining amount, sealing the deal.


    The man was giddy with excitement, and the rest of their negotiation went smoothly. Three hundred thousand for the full video — it was done.


    He sent her the details for the transaction, and Alicia opened her contacts, instinctively searching for Caden’s number.


    Her hand froze mid-action, remembering their fallout.


    She pulled back, startled by her own reflex.


    Alicia took a shaky breath, stunned by how automatic it had been to reach for him.


    Old habits were powerful, moving her fingers before she could think.


    Before she could dwell on it, her phone buzzed again.


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