Finished
Liam, noticing Helen’s growing anxiety, decided to follow her advice and try calling Caroline.
Just moments ago, he had felt calm, almost relaxed, but that sense of ease vanished the instant he heard the cold, robotic voice on the other end of the line.
“The number you have dialed is not available…
”
His heart skipped a beat, and the phone slipped from his hand, falling to the floor with a loud clatter.
The noise caught Garth’s attention, who had been focused on his computer screen.
He glanced at the clock and walked over. “Hasn’t Ms. Caroline come back yet? Maybe you should call her again?”
Liam and Helen exchanged worried glances.
Neither of them knew where Caroline had gone, but neither could explain the situation to Garth, especially now that Caroline’s phone was turned off.
Liam let out an awkward chuckle as he bent down to pick up his phone. “I’ll try again,” he said, attempting to sound casual.
Not wanting Garth to hear the message about the phone being off, Liam stood up and walked toward the windowsill, pretending the call had gone through.
“Caroline, what’s taking so long in the bathroom? Still not feeling well? Hurry up!” he called out, hoping Garth wouldn’t question him.
Garth, not suspicious, returned to his desk.
Liam sat back down next to Helen and whispered, “Helen, you stay here. I’ll go check the internet café to see if Caroline’s there.”
Liam remembered that Caroline’s phone had a habit of turning off by itself, and maybe it had just switched off at an inconvenient moment.
Helen grabbed his sleeve, a touch of concern in her eyes.
“Uncle Liam, I’m a woman. It would be easier for me to check the ladies‘ room. How about I go instead, and you stay here?”
She knew that this loan came through a friend’s recommendation, but the truth was, these lenders were only after the money.
Liam had the funds now, but if Caroline didn’t come back to sign the papers, they’d be stuck.
And with Liam about to leave her alone, she wasn’t sure how safe she felt.
Liam hesitated, his gaze deep in thought.
If Caroline already left and isn’t at the café, will Helen leave too?
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08:47 Sat, May 3
Chapter 69 Did She Catch On?
No, Helen isn’t like Caroline. She’s caring and thoughtful; she won’t abandon me.
Reassured, he smiled and nodded. “Okay, go ahead. Hurry up and come back.”
“Alright.” Helen stood up quickly and headed for the door.
344%
Finished
Helen’s goal in getting Caroline into this loan deal had always been clear: trap Caroline in an enormous debt.
Although Liam had promised that the money would be paid back quickly, Helen knew better. She was certain Liam would never send the money back to Caroline.
Her uncles wouldn’t help her either.
The interest would keep building, and Caroline’s entire life would be destroyed by it.
It was far worse than just seeing Caroline disappear.
She hadn’t anticipated this moment, though–Caroline getting sick just before the documents could be signed.
Helen hoped it was just a stomach issue; if not, everything they’d planned would fall apart.
Helen checked all the bathrooms at the nearby internet café, but Caroline was nowhere to be found.
She even walked around the entire place, still no sign of her.
Has she left? Or have I missed her?
Growing more suspicious, Helen sent Liam a text, “Uncle Liam, I can’t find Aunt Caroline anywhere. Did she come back to you?”
Liam saw the message and looked around the nearly empty street outside, his eyes searching desperately for Caroline.
He squinted, trying to focus, but there was no sign of her. His face paled.
Why did Caroline suddenly disappear?
Did she catch on to what we were really doing with the loan?
No… that can’t be it.
But he couldn’t waste time thinking about it now. He quickly typed back, “She’s not here. You should go home and check if she’s there. Hurry up!”
They had already waited too long, and Garth was likely going to start pressuring them soon.
Thankfully, their house wasn’t too far.
“Okay,” she texted back, and Liam didn’t say anything else, silently waiting for her next message.
Twenty minutes later, still no response. Instead, it was Garth who walked up to them, holding the loan. agreement in his hands.
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08:47 Sat, May 30
Chapter 69 Did She Catch On?
“Mr. Somerton, we’ve been waiting long enough. I thin coming back. How about you just sign the contract no
Liam scratched his head, unsure of what to say. “I–I ca
(
08:47 Sat, May 3
Chapter 69 Did She Catch On?
1849%
Finished
“Mr. Somerton, we’ve been waiting long enough. I think your sister has other things to do and won’t be coming back. How about you just sign the contract now” Garth suggested.
Liam scratched his head, unsure of what to say. “I–I can’t. I lost my ID. I don’t have it with me right now.”
