Chapter 99

Derek’s POV

Throughout the car ride, I considered turning around several times.

Sure, I wanted to find Clara and ensure she was okay, but was this worth it?

Either way, I had to get over myself. There was a family who was worried about their daughter.

I pulled into my parent's driveway. Three days ago, I never imagined that I'd step back into their house, especially without a gun over my head.

I considered turning back, but if there were someone who had something to do with this, it would be my mother. She was manipulative enough to do it. She has done things equally twisted before, so she is capable. As for the reason, I have yet to find out. I wondered if she did it because she wanted my attention.

I stepped into the house. A few maids welcomed me in, who looked surprised to see me. I followed my father's voice, which led me to the living room.

"You should give him a break and some time to process everything. We can't keep getting new phones to call him," Dad said.

Dad was seated on the couch while Mom paced around, clenching on a phone.

I cleared my throat, grabbing their attention.

“Derek," Mom whispered. She walked towards me, extending her arms for a hug. I blocked her by putting my hand up in front of me. She got the message as she stopped in her tracks. "We didn't think you'd come to see us," she said, her voice rising excitedly.

"Believe me, it's not a pleasure being here," I replied dismissively. "I'm just going to get straight to the point," I paused. "What did you do with Clara?" I asked more directly.

Both mom and dad looked at me, confused as they exchanged looks.

"What happened to Clara?" Dad asked, displaying a genuine look of concern on his face.

"She's been missing for two days," I explained.

Their eyes widened as they turned to look at each other in shock. But then again, I didn't expect her to be so upfront.

"Why...What happened to her?" Mom asked, astonished.

"That's what I'm here for," I replied calmly.

Mom's worried look was replaced by disbelief. "And you think I had something to do with this?" She asked.

"You tell me, this wouldn't be the first time you did something sketchy," I answered. If I had looked into everything she had done, I wouldn't be surprised if she ended up in prison.

"Why would I do such a thing? I may be many things, and I've done things I'm not entirely proud of, but I'd never hurt Clara." She paused. Her hands were shaking. "If I wanted to get your attention, I would have done something else more creative." She continued.

Dad gave her a look, stopping her from further incriminating herself.

"You just thought of your poor mother as a suspect. Have you forgotten what that witch Maddison tried to do to you? She swore revenge. I don't see you questioning her." Mom retorted.

"We both know that Maddison wants money, and she gets plenty of that from Grandpa. That leaves just one person with a motive and is cold enough to do it." I answered.

"Well, there is someone else more psychotic behind all this. Like Maddison, you don't want to accept that she's behind this." She paused. "If she is missing, she may be in danger. We have to find her. The poor girl doesn't deserve this."

At least she was right about one thing. I was going to find her. It didn't matter if I had to look under every brick.

So many things didn't make sense. This wasn't about money, or they would have asked for a ransom. Whoever it was didn't want people to know she was missing, which meant this was personal. Or maybe we were overeating, and she just decided to take a break somewhere. It wouldn't be unusual.

My phone rang in my pocket. I stepped aside and answered the call from Luke.

"Hello?" I answered slowly.

"Sir, your grandfather has called. Do you remember that hotel building he worked on years ago?" He asked. Some years back my grandfather worked on a construction project two years ago. He wanted to enter the hotel business. The project was nearly completed, but he suddenly cancelled it. He said it wasn't worth it. "He wants you to visit the site and give your expert opinion. He isn't too sure about the location or whether it will be profitable." He continued.

"Doesn't he have a whole team for that?" I asked.

"I tried to tell him that, but he said he trusted you more. He would like you to do it as soon as possible. He mentioned something about a potential buyer being on the line." He continued.

"Can't you just tell him I'm busy?" I replied as I scratched the back of my head.

My grandfather and his problems are the last thing I want to deal with right now.

"He's just going to keep calling if you don't. I'm sure it won't take long. Might as well get it over and done with." Luke insisted.

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll be there in half an hour. Tell him to send the location." I answered.

"Sure thing," he answered. "And also, about the DeLuca contract, you still need to sign it. They want things prepared as soon as possible," he added.

"Why don't I meet you at the site so I can sign it there?" I suggested.

"I'll be there," he answered.

We then ended our call.

I returned to the living room to see my parents still looking worried.

"I'd love to stay here and argue with you guys, but I have to go," I announced.

My visit here was useless. Maybe this whole situation was a misunderstanding. Clara would probably be back home soon.

Mom sighed after sucking in a deep breath. "You might not believe it, but I am sorry for everything. Everything that happened was because of me, and it was all my fault. I shouldn't have done everything I did, especially behind your back. In some ways, I was still clinging to my baby—one who would call me mommy and come crying in my arms whenever I got hurt. For a long time, I didn't know who to be, anything else besides your mother, so I wanted to keep protecting you. I even disregarded the consequences and everyone else. I'm sorry." She finally paused.

I froze as I took in her words. She was good. She has tried to manipulate me for far too long, and I wasn't going to allow her to keep doing it. The thing about your mother betraying you is that you'll never know when to trust her again. "Goodbye, Layla," I said before turning away.

I walked out of the house. Luke sent me the pin location.