Chapter 13
At the hospital, Lea had just regained consciousness. Het face was pale as paper, but when she noticed Frank seated by her side, a slight spark of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
Erama was still too inexperienced. With just a little effort, Lea managed to capture Frank’s entire attention.
“Frank,” she called his name weakly
Frank immediately turned to her, his expression tense. “Lea, are you awake? Do you feel unwell anywhere?”
She shook her head, but her eyes were heavy with remorse. “I’m sorry, Frank. Dean has been pestering me lately. He even followed me back to the country. But I never anticipated him to go as far as kidnapping Emma. This is all my fault for getting too close to you. I know Emma is important to you-”
“You’re more important to me, Lea.” Frank interrupted her. His brows furrowed as he tried to drive the picture of Emma out of his thoughts. He asked solemnly. “But how does Dean even know Emma?”
Lea shook her head. “I’m not sure. My ex–husband has always been attracted to younger women. Perhaps he met Emma somewhere when he was having fun. It’s natural for Emma to go around having fun since she’s young,”
“That’s enough!” His expression darkened, and his fingers clenched so hard that veins bulged against his skin. “You don’t have to defend her! It she hadn’t been hanging out in shady places, Dean would never have found her!”
His expression was stone–cold, and he was determined to teach Emma a lesson this time.
Just then, his assistant hurried in, looking concerned. “Mr. Castro, Ms. Dyer has resigned and left the country!”
In an instant, the mood in the hospital ward quickly became gloomy.
Frank’s eves flashed with surprise as his brows wrinkled deeply. Emma had been following him since she was a kid. She had always listened to him and had never gone against his desires. He had always believed that anybody might abandon him except her.
But now, she had left the country out of spite. A terrible sensation of betrayal came over him.
Even when Lea continued speaking, he couldn’t register a single word she was saying.
Upon seeing this, Lea’s countenance hardened, and her composure faltered.
Suddenly, Frank appeared to recall something, and his lips narrowed into a line as he asked, “What’s today’s date?”
“October 7th, Mr. Castro.”
October 7th was the first time Emma had come to the Castro residence. She had been lonely, helpless, and timid then. It was he who had given her a gift and helped her adjust to life in the residence. From that moment on, she had followed him like a shadow.
And suddenly, ten years had passed.
Frank suppressed the unfamiliar ache rising in his chest. “Check her flight details.”
With that, he stood up and strode toward the door.
Lea clutched his arm, but he didn’t look at her. His sharp features remained icy and unfazed.
“Frank, I’m still feeling a little weak. Can you stay with me for a little longer?”
She pointed to the untouched food on the table. “You haven’t eaten anything either. Shall we eat together?” Her voice was soft.
He turned to look at her but couldn’t force himself to calm down. “You eat first I’ll be back later,” he said hoarsely.
Lea sat frozen on the hospital bed, watching in disbelief as Frank walked away. Her lips were pressed together, and her eyes darkened with resentment.
She wondered if Emma had left the country to get Frank to chase after her. Once Lea set her sights on a man, he would never slip through her fingers.
She could only hope that Emma truly wanted to leave the country. Otherwise, she wouldn’t let her off as easily next time. Outside the hospital ward, Frank’s expression was ice–cold as he instructed, “Call the airport and stop her from leaving.” She hadn’t even explained herself to him, so how could he leave just like that? She was getting more disobedient! The assistant quickly looked up the flight details, but his face tell as he turned back to Frank
