Chapter 4

Gavin's POV

My engagement party lasted until late into the night.

I'd drunk quite a bit. My head hurt.

Serena leaned against me weakly, wanting to return to the villa with me.

"Gavin, can I stay with you tonight?"

I rubbed my temples, and Lila's face suddenly flashed through my mind.

I gently pushed Serena away.

"I'm too tired tonight. Go home and rest. I'll come see you tomorrow."

Serena was somewhat reluctant but didn't dare disobey me. She could only nod obediently.

I got in the car and instructed the driver to return to the villa.

The whole way, I thought about Lila.

That woman actually didn't make a scene tonight.

Usually, if I so much as glanced at another woman, she'd question me with red-rimmed eyes.

Tonight I announced my engagement to Serena in front of everyone, even put the wedding dress she'd stayed up nights making on Serena, yet she didn't shed a single tear. She even tore up the fifty-million-dollar check I gave her.

Thinking about this, I couldn't help but sneer.

She just wanted to get my attention. She was becoming more and more willful.

I was certain that Lila was now crying in pain at the villa.

When I returned, she would definitely kneel at my feet humbly like always, begging me not to abandon her.

Thinking this, my mood suddenly improved.

The car pulled into the villa driveway.

I pushed open the door. The living room was pitch dark, and there was no figure in pajamas coming forward with warm milk.

"Lila!"

I frowned and turned on the lights.

In the empty living room, only a huge cardboard box sat on the coffee table.

I walked over and saw clearly what was inside. All the gifts I'd given her over these three years. Jewelry, watches, haute couture dresses...

On top of the box lay the villa key.

My pupils contracted sharply. I rushed upstairs and pushed open the bedroom door.

The closet was empty, the vanity was empty, and her toiletries in the bathroom were gone too.

Throughout the entire villa, there was no longer any trace of Lila.

She'd left. Left decisively, without a hint of reluctance.

I stood in the empty bedroom, a sudden irritation rising in my chest.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Lila's number.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service."

Not in service? She'd even canceled her number!

I hurled my phone against the wall. The screen shattered instantly.

"Fine, very good!"

I laughed coldly in anger.

"Lila, don't you ever think about coming back!"

I thought Lila was just acting out. I thought she needed me to survive.

Her father's hospital bills were piling up. Her right hand was useless.

No other design firm would hire a cripple who couldn't hold a pen. Only me.

She had no choice but to come back and beg me.

I lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

I wanted to see just how stubborn this woman could be.

Within three days, she would definitely come back begging.

However, three days passed.

I hadn't heard a single thing about Lila.

I sent people to check the hospital, only to be told that Lila's father had been taken away three days ago.

Where her father went, who took him. No one at the hospital knew.

I sat behind my large desk, my expression terrifyingly dark.

Aaron stood to the side, trembling nervously.

"Find her! Bring her back to me!"

I violently swept the documents off the desk like an enraged lion.

"Even if you have to search all of New York, find her!"

I absolutely would not allow my prey to escape my control.