Seeing Mrs. Hill's smug expression, Amber felt deeply uncomfortable. But with both families now on the same boat, she couldn't afford to make a scene. She could only leave by herself.
Lillie did not return home that night.
Nelson, meanwhile, had formed his own resolve. He had to get into the Research Institute. Only then would he have the standing to dictate his own affairs. As for Janelle... he would not let that woman off. One day, he would make her kneel before him and beg for mercy.
Meanwhile, Erik's plane finally landed. Stepping off, Janelle stumbled, nearly falling. Erik caught her firmly.
"Slow down. We're here."
"Yes. Erik, I truly thank you this time. If there's ever anything I can help you with in the future, just say the word." She hated owing people, but this debt was undeniable.
Erik disliked her formality intensely. Given their relationship, what was wrong with him helping her?
"Let's not talk about that now. Let's find your mother. Think carefully – where might she possibly go? We'll split up and search." Over a dozen hours had passed; the longer it took, the greater the danger. Reports also indicated others were searching for Madalyn – likely Westin's and The Hills' people. If they found her first, things would be disastrous.
"Think calmly, Janelle. I know you're frantic, but panic won't help." Janelle listed a few places she used to take her mother when she was doing better. But today, she had searched every spot they'd ever visited, finding nothing.
Janelle's hands were icy cold, her face deathly pale. She hadn't slept in over twenty hours. Erik urged her to return to the hotel to rest, but she refused. How could she rest while Madalyn was in unknown danger?
"If you're tired, go rest. Don't worry about me. I'll keep searching."
"I said I don't need rest! Can't you understand human speech?!" Janelle was losing her temper. Couldn't he just leave her alone? Her mind held only one thing: finding her mother.
Erik's men, seeing her treat their leader this way, were deeply displeased. Wasn't Erik only trying to help her?
"What's wrong with Erik? Beautiful women throw themselves at him, and he ignores them. Why is he so fixated on this little girl?"
"Honestly, seeing Erik so cautious around her makes me uncomfortable." Erik was a towering figure in their eyes.
"Enough," one said. "Erik doesn't like us discussing his private life." Over the years, Erik had built significant operations at the border, earning fierce loyalty from his men. They'd never seen him like this. But regardless, they would follow his decisions.
Hundreds searched. As time dragged on, Janelle's hope dwindled.
After receiving Erik's call, Bryan immediately brought Sara to the border. Sara came with nothing but the clothes on her back. Seeing Janelle looking like a lost soul, Sara's eyes welled up. She rushed over and hugged her.
"Janelle, are you okay?" Though only a day apart, Janelle looked terrible.
Hearing Sara's voice, Janelle forced a weak smile. "Why did you come? The border is dangerous. You shouldn't be here."
Sara hugged her tightly. "I didn't want you to be alone. I know I might just be a burden, but... I needed to be with you."
Amber & Westin
"What? You found her?!" Amber couldn't believe it had been so easy.
"Good. Contact Janelle immediately. Tell her to renounce her claim to Blue Whale Co., Ltd. and transfer all her shares." Amber felt a surge of triumph. With Madalyn in their grasp, Janelle was powerless. Everyone knew how crucial Madalyn was to her.
Amber gave more instructions before hanging up. Westin, beside her, finally relaxed. Seeing him home didn't ease her resentment over the secretary situation, but the little tramp was no match for her. Dealing with Janelle was the priority now. Blue Whale Co., Ltd. was too promising to abandon unless absolutely forced.
Erik's Plan
Meanwhile, Erik's men had found a solid lead. Hearing the report, Erik's expression turned grim.
"Who are they?" Erik asked.
"Sent by Westin. Their goal is to force Janelle to give up Blue Whale Co., Ltd."
Bryan's fists clenched. These people, unable to win fairly, resorted to such despicable tactics.
"Erik, what now? Janelle's mother is in a very poor mental state. She can't cooperate with us." If it were anyone else, they could launch a direct rescue. But this was Janelle's mother. Everything had to be executed flawlessly.
"I'll go rescue her myself." She was Janelle's most important person. Only by going personally could he be sure.
"Should we tell Janelle about this?"
"Erik, I think you should tell her. Otherwise, if something does go wrong... she'll definitely blame you." Bryan was genuinely thinking about both of them. Erik never hesitated in his actions. But when it came to Janelle, he couldn't disregard her feelings entirely.
"I'll talk to her." He actually had a meticulous plan already. "But this plan involves her mother. She has the right to know."
Janelle's Decision
Sara had managed to get Janelle to eat a little. Seeing her terrible state, Sara urged her to rest in her room for a while. Just then, Erik arrived.
"Janelle, we have a lead on your mother."
"Where is she?" Janelle asked urgently.
"She's been taken by Westin's men."
Janelle immediately bolted for the door.
Erik grabbed her arm.
"What are you doing?" She couldn't wait another moment. What Westin and Amber might do to her mother was unthinkable.
"Janelle, trust me. I have a plan. I will rescue her." Madalyn was Westin and Amber's last lifeline. They wouldn't give her up easily. The people they hired were a ruthless group, willing to do anything for money.
"No need. I'll go myself. I won't entrust my mother's life to anyone's hands." She trusted only herself.