When Malakai realized that Grape was missing, it was already too late; there was no trace of her anywhere. The group exchanged glances and then showed expressions of horror-this was bad!
Malakai was the first to calm down. “Let’s search around first. I’ll go find the hotel manager and see if we can make an announcement.”
A child just over a year old couldn’t have gone far on her own, but they still couldn’t find her anywhere.
Aliyah and Anthony left the villa together to look for her. Aliyah was anxious and, seeing that the boss seemed approachable, couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Patel, the man in the yard earlier… is he a good person?”
Anthony chuckled at the sudden question. “I suppose so.”
“Either he is or he isn’t. What do you mean by ‘suppose so’?” Aliyah’s nerves were on edge. Grape was still in his hands, and if anything happened, she couldn’t bear the responsibility.
Anthony shook his head with resignation. “He’s just not in good health. He wouldn’t harm a child.”
Not in good health?
Aliyah recalled that the man had an air of authority mixed with frailty, a gloom accumulated over many years that couldn’t be dispelled.
“So he’s your superior?”
“Yes.”
Aliyah was taken aback. She had heard from Mollie that Mr. Patel controlled more capital than all the team’s investors combined and was a leading figure in Ylosea.
The reason St Team successfully landed in Ylosea was due to his assistance.
But now Mr. Patel said he had someone above him.
That man… indeed commanded respect, and ordinary people wouldn’t dare approach him.
Seeing Aliyah deep in thought, Anthony patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, there’s no place safer than the villa we were just in. Let’s find her quickly.”
Aliyah nodded in agreement.
Callie had just finished attending the opening ceremony and meeting various contestants when she finally had a moment to leave.
However, as soon as she stepped out, she saw the team members rushing over. She raised an eyebrow and stopped them. “Why are you all in such a hurry?”
The boys were startled by Callie’s voice and hesitated before approaching her. “We… we…”
They couldn’t explain themselves.
“Alice, are you done with your work?”
Callie waved her work badge. “Almost. How about you guys? Where’s Grape?”
Everyone was there except for Grape, which made her suspicious.
The lead boy swallowed hard and exchanged glances with the others, unsure whether to tell the truth. Just as he was about to speak, Malakai felt his phone vibrate and took it out to check.
“Alice, it’s our fault. Grape, she…”
Before he could finish, Malakai interrupted him abruptly. “Grape is outside playing.”
Their voices fell silent.
Callie narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing them. “Then why are you all acting like this?”
“We… we needed to use the bathroom,” Malakai gestured while half-smiling apologetically.
He then pulled the others away. “Alice, I’ll bring Grape to you. Wait here.”
With that, he disappeared.
Callie stood there puzzled, unable to understand.
But rather than trusting these boys, she trusted Grape more; the little rascal wouldn’t get lost.
Just then, Nick came down the stairs and called out to her. “Alice.”
“Um?” Callie turned her head. “Big shot, are you done with your work?”
Nick had his hands in his pockets and replied with a sarcastic smile. “There are plenty of people busier than me in this world.”