Chapter 84
The weather in Belchester was always unpredictable.
Thick, dark clouds shrouded the sky, casting a gloomy atmosphere over the city. The rain drizzled down steadily as pedestrians with umbrellas crossed shallow puddles on the sidewalks while police cars patrolled the
streets.
Similarly, at Everton Corporation, the atmosphere was somber, with intense work leaving people breathless.
Anderson had been acting like a madman these days. The upper management was almost never at ease and on edge at all times. This affected the entire company, from top to bottom.
A young secretary ran out of the president’s office in tears, thrusting her work badge into Shane’s hands. “Mr. Gorman, I can’t continue working here anymore.”
“You can go through the normal resignation procedures. I’ll make sure the Finance Department gives you triple severance pay.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gorman.”
When Shane entered the office, he felt an overwhelming chill in the air. Mr. Barlow, the police and related departments are already investigating Ms. Sadler’s whereabouts.
“They’re checking every vehicle that left Belchester on the day she
disappeared. The bus stations are being monitored as well. Don’t worry, Ms. Sadler will be fine.”
Raindrops streamed down the glass pane. Anderson’s chiseled features and imposing figure were reflected on the floor–to–ceiling window.
With a cigarette in hand, he walked over to his desk and extinguished the half–smoked cigarette in the ashtray. “What about Paramount Hall? Is she not there?”
Shane replied, “Mr. Barlow, we’ve been monitoring the area around Paramount Hall for five days, and Ms. Sadler is really not there.
“From what I know, Gordon hasn’t been to school during this time but has been actively searching for Ms. Sadler. With the rain these days, he was hospitalized with a high fever and is still in the hospital.”
“Since when did the affairs of the Barlow family concern outsiders?”
Gordon was a man on Anderson’s blacklist.
Shane advised, “Life outside is tough. Maybe when Ms. Sadler can’t go on, she’ll return on her own.”
Anderson sat in his chair. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. His tone was less harsh than usual as he said, “She won’t. Mayra is different from others. She grew up without any relatives.
“I was often not around, leaving her alone at home when she was young. Once, she got lost in the market and couldn’t find her way back, so she wandered outside. What I fear most is that she’ll say she’s used to that kind of life.”
He continued, “The reason I didn’t bring her back to the Barlow family is that I didn’t want anyone to know of her existence. The Barlows only talk about interests.
“If she stayed with the Barlow family, she would only be used as leverage against me by those people. I don’t know whether keeping her away was right or wrong.”
Now, Anderson couldn’t find peace even with her staying away. Since Mayra’s incident, he hadn’t had a peaceful day.
Shane reassured him, “Ms. Sadler will surely be fine. Additional personnel have been deployed, and she should be found soon following the leads.”
Recently, Gordon was the closest person to Mayra. She used to rely on Anderson the most, sticking to him like glue. But now, despite the trouble, she didn’t seek his help and preferred to wander alone.
What exactly did Gordon tell her?
If something happened to Mayra, Anderson wouldn’t let any member of the Thorp family off the hook.
Downstairs at Everton Corporation, Isabel got out of the minivan, holding freshly made ravioli in her hands.
She walked into Everton Building, where she was greeted by the
receptionist. “Oh, hi, Ms. Fisher. I’m sorry, but Mr. Barlow isn’t in the office today. Would you like to come back later?”
Isabel glanced at the president’s elevator on the other side of the lobby.” I’ve come three times, and every time he’s not here?”
Feeling guilty, the receptionist dared not look at Isabel. After all, she would soon be Anderson’s wife.
“Ms. Fisher, please don’t make it difficult for me. I’m just a receptionist. Something’s happening in the company these days. Many people have been fired. My job is already on the line
“How about this? I’ll inform you when Mr. Barlow returns, okay?”
