Chapter 169

Evelyn hesitated but forced a polite smile. "I wasn't concerned."

"I just wanted to reassure you. Chloe has no interest in Nathan. You'll understand once you spend time with her."

Caleb chimed in, "Mommy, Aunt Chloe is really kind. She's just... energetic and speaks her mind."

Evelyn maintained her smile. Any further comment would reveal unnecessary jealousy. She refused to feel jealous over Nathan!

Though she might feel slighted that another woman had already won over her three children.

Daisy leaned close to Caleb and whispered, "Does Mommy look upset to you?"

Caleb gave a subtle nod.

Suddenly, Chloe burst through the door, breathless. "Oh no, this is bad!"

She leaned heavily against the doorframe, panting.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. stood immediately. "What happened? Weren't you out with Nathan and Liam?"

Chloe waved her hands frantically. "Liam wanted to buy gifts for his siblings, so we went shopping. But now he's disappeared! Nathan and I split up to search, and now I can't find either of them!"

Evelyn shot to her feet, face pale. "Liam is missing?"

Chloe stumbled forward, nearly collapsing. "I'm so sorry! This is all my fault!"

Mr. Goldmann Sr. cleared his throat sternly. "Enough. Mobilize everyone to search. This town may be small, but with limited surveillance, it's more challenging than the city."

"Sir, I'll find them. If I fail, you can have my head!" Chloe, genuinely terrified of the consequences, rushed out immediately.

Evelyn clenched her fists. 'Liam!'

She left without breakfast, her stomach in knots.

Caleb and Daisy exchanged knowing looks. They understood their brother's plan, but neither their parents nor Aunt Chloe did.

"Don't panic," Mr. Goldmann Sr. said calmly. "Given Liam's scheme and with my assistance, he won't truly be lost."

His expression darkened as he spoke.

He hadn't anticipated his five-year-old grandson concocting such a dangerous plan.

Though risky, the boy's cunning reminded him of Theodore Goldmann. In temperament, Liam resembled the Goldmann patriarch more than Nathan ever had. The bloodline showed true.

Evelyn and Chloe combed the marketplace separately following Chloe's directions.

Evelyn questioned a shopkeeper who recognized Chloe. He confirmed seeing Nathan and Liam but couldn't recall their direction.

Evelyn's composure shattered. The thought of losing Liam terrified her. This was her fault for oversleeping. What if something happened to him? He held half her heart.

"Stay calm," Chloe said between phone calls. "I've alerted my brother. We'll find them." Evelyn knew she could only rely on herself now.