Victor Sullivan glanced at his wristwatch. "I'll come over after this business dinner."

He hung up and strode back to the private dining room.

Several portly clients were clinking glasses in merriment.

"Director Zhang, Director Li, an urgent matter requires my attention." Victor downed his drink in one gulp. "This is my apology."

The men rose immediately. "Chairman Sullivan's schedule is packed—we completely understand."

Victor signaled his assistant with a look. "Ensure our guests are well taken care of."

The night air greeted him as he exited the hotel.

"To Mrs. Sullivan's apartment," he instructed the driver tersely.

Standing before her door, Victor rang the bell three times with no response.

He tried entering passcodes—first his birthday, then Audrey's.

The "incorrect password" alert sounded particularly grating.

After the third failed attempt, the lock engaged automatically.

Victor dialed Ethan's number. "What's your mother's door code?"

"Your eldest son's birthday." Ethan's tone was icy. "If you can't remember, don't bother entering."

It struck Victor suddenly—April 2nd.

Ethan Prescott had disappeared the day after his birth.

With trembling fingers, he input 04010401.

The lock clicked open.

Darkness enveloped the interior.

Groping toward the bedroom, Victor found the bed empty.

"Audrey?" His chest tightened.

Retching sounds came from the bathroom.

Pushing the door ajar, he saw Audrey kneeling before the toilet, her usually immaculate hair matted against her face.

The remains of her makeup revealed pallid skin beneath.

Victor's Adam's apple bobbed.

Silently, he donned a construction-grade face mask and gently patted her back.

"Ethan?" Audrey's voice was thready. "Why aren't you home yet?"

Victor didn't dare speak, merely offering mouthwash.

Water splashed onto her silk nightgown, the burgundy fabric darkening where damp.

His fingers accidentally brushed against soft curves.

Slap!

A stinging blow landed across his cheek.

"Victor, you dog!" Audrey's glare could flay skin. "Who gave you permission to enter?"

"Should I ignore you in this state?" Victor jutted his chin defiantly.

Audrey pushed herself up using the wall, swaying dangerously.

When Victor moved to steady her, she shoved him away violently.

"Get out!"

"I refuse!"

In their struggle, they tumbled onto the bed.

The feel of her warm, fragrant body against his stole Victor's breath.

Audrey seized his throat. "Dare touch me and see what happens."

Victor scrambled upright awkwardly. "I'll make sobering soup."

In the kitchen, he fumbled with his phone in panic.

The celery juice tasted foul. The yogurt had expired.

Returning to the bedroom, he found Audrey already buried under blankets.

Standing in the darkness, Victor remembered Audrey thirty-one years ago—bright-eyed, radiant with laughter.

Now she was...

His phone vibrated abruptly.

His assistant's excited voice crackled through: "Chairman, we've found a lead about your eldest son!"