Chapter 431
Kieran’s gaze fell on the document in his hand, yet he couldn’t read a single word.
He knew Lila was a logical person. And it was because of this that he didn’t know what to say.
Everyone has their logical side, but heartache doesn’t disappear because of it.
Kieran might have found it easier if Lila were the kind to break down hysterically and question him. But her silence and calmness were the hardest to deal with.
At least he could visit Lila while she was still in Northridge City. But he feared she was already considering leaving.
Kieran recalled the moment she brought up divorce. Lila’s expression turned into a mix of disappointment, grief, and a faint trace of calmness.
Cole stood by, waiting for Kieran to speak. Finally, Kieran muttered, “Make sure to protect Lila until James is captured.”
Cole sighed and left.
Amelia showed up at Morgan Group, which didn’t surprise Kieran. But it was later than he had expected.
She sat there seemingly relaxed, but her sharp gaze gave her away. Her expression practically screamed she was here to question Kieran.
“Uncle Kieran,” she said, studying Kieran. “What do you plan to do if James can’t be found?”
Kieran looked up. “There’s no one I can’t find.”
Amelia smirked. “The Joyce family and Vince have also sent people to search for him. But considering how he’s been hiding for so many years, he must have taken on another identity.”
Kieran nodded. “The police are already reviewing surveillance footage from the last time he came near the Morgan family. Both the authorities and my people are working on it. So far we can confirm he’s still within the country.”
Amelia felt reassured by this. Kieran would undoubtedly find James as long as he was still in the country. It was all just a matter of time.
“As for the Whale project Joyce Group wanted, I’ve already contacted someone to start negotiations.” Kieran hummed.
Amelia chuckled at him. “Uncle Kieran, I didn’t agree to care for Lila because of this project. She’s my friend too.”
“I know, but this is also something you deserve.” Kieran looked calm, his expression unreadable.
Amelia stood up. “Alright. Thank you, Uncle Kieran.”
Before she could leave, Cole hurried in. “Mr. Morgan, there’s news about James.”
…
The accommodation for the farming program was in rented village houses.
Matthew and the other guests shared one courtyard.
Given Lila’s identity, the team arranged for her to stay in a separate courtyard.
The house belonged to a family
whose adults had gone to work in the city, leaving behind an old woman, Louise, and her six-year-old grandson, Ash. This arrangement allowed them to spare a clean and spacious room for Lila.
The team had scheduled the next day’s work that evening.
With nothing to do at night, Lila returned to her accommodation early. The two
courtyards were about a five-minute walk apart.
Just as she was about to enter, she
saw a man walking out of a courtyard across from hers. It was cold, and he was wearing a military coat and a hat, heading in the opposite direction.
Lila couldn’t make out his face, but his gait made her pause.
Before she could look closer, Ash called out to her from the courtyard, “Lila! Grandma cooked some potatoes and wants you to come and try them!”
Ash had been enamored with Lila since she arrived that afternoon. Having grown up in the countryside, he had rarely seen someone so beautiful in person, except on television.
Louise, likely because she wasn’t used to having company, was also very welcoming toward Lila.
Lila glanced at the man heading away before turning back toward Ash.