Chapter 6: Can’t Be That Coincidental
Drunkard’s Retreat was a top-notch private restaurant in Seacrest, known for its attentive service and delectable cuisine. It catered exclusively to high-end clientele, requiring reservations to be made at least a month in advance.
Isabelle managed to secure a reservation through some connections just yesterday.
The restaurant had an elegant decor, with each table separated by folding screens. The small wooden door at the entrance, unencumbered by a ceiling, allowed the hanging chandeliers to enhance the ambiance during the evening, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of ancient moonlit gatherings.
The group entered through the door and took their seats at a round table.
Soon enough, a waiter approached, carrying a tray of delectable dishes.
Olivia, concerned that the little girl beside her might feel uneasy, kept her attention focused solely on the girl, occasionally helping her with the food and wiping her mouth.
Seated on the other side, Sebastian and Ethan found the little girl’s chubby cheeks endearing. They attentively peeled shrimps for her, their faces filled with affection.
The little girl voraciously consumed her food, her mouth constantly occupied as she diligently tackled the growing mountain of dishes before her.
“Have you heard? The Leer family’s little daughter has gone missing. The Leer family has dispatched a large number of people and turned Seacrest upside down, but they haven’t found her!”
At that moment, a faint discussion could be heard from the neighboring table.
Another voice sounded cautious, “Could she have been kidnapped? The culprit must have nerves of steel. That little girl is like the apple of Victor Leer’s eye. If someone dares to harm her, they will meet their end…”
Upon hearing Victor’s name, Olivia unconsciously slowed down her movements, becoming somewhat absent-minded.
The discussion at the neighboring table continued, “That little girl might be mute. She has never spoken a word despite growing up. But she’s really lucky, isn’t she? She was born into such a good family!”
Mute?
Olivia’s actions came to a halt as she absorbed this information.
The little girl whom Victor cherished so dearly was mute.
The little girl she had picked up had never uttered a word.
The little girl’s demeanor and attire were indeed befitting of the Leer family’s status.
And earlier, on the phone, that man’s voice…
At this realization, Olivia forcefully suppressed her inner shock and glanced at the child seated to her left.
The little girl, sensing Olivia’s intense scrutiny, raised her eyes and met her gaze, confusion evident in her large eyes.
As their eyes locked, Olivia felt as if lightning had struck her on a sunny day.
“This little girl… Could she be Victor’s daughter?”
Isabelle, noticing Olivia’s sudden change in demeanor, also ceased using her chopsticks, fixating her gaze on the little girl. Her heart sank, clinging onto a glimmer of hope as she mumbled, “It can’t be that coincidental, right?”
As Olivia’s closest confidante, Isabelle was well aware of what had happened six years ago.
The little girl before them appeared to be only about five or six years old, roughly the same age as Sebastian and Ethan.
If she really was Victor’s daughter, it could only mean that after her best friend divorced him, that man had a child with someone else.
Was he that impatient?
Isabelle couldn’t help but feel sorry for her best friend.
Olivia didn’t know what she was thinking, but she couldn’t help but become more convinced that this was Victor’s daughter, considering everything that had happened since they found the little girl.
Her expression turned sour for a moment as she responded, “I think it’s more than just a coincidence.”
Seeing her so certain, Isabelle’s heart sank as well. She glanced at the bewildered little girl. Lowering her voice, she asked Olivia for guidance, “So, what should we do now? Victor is probably on his way.”
Olivia’s face showed a mix of surprise and uncertainty.
After a moment, she pulled out her phone and pushed it towards Isabelle, saying, “You take my phone and pretend to make the call later. I’ll take Sebastian and Ethan and wait for you in the parking lot.”
Isabelle nodded, understanding the plan.
Olivia’s gaze shifted to the oblivious little girl beside her, and her voice softened as she entrusted her, saying, “I’m leaving this little girl in your care.” She then turned to Sebastian and Ethan, urging them, “Let’s go.”
Sebastian and Ethan obediently followed their mother, not questioning the situation further. As Olivia passed by the little girl, a small hand reached out and clung to her clothing.
Olivia turned her head, meeting the child’s gaze with a complex mixture of emotions.
The little girl tightly held onto her clothing, panic evident in her large eyes.
Witnessing her distress, Olivia found herself unable to be harsh towards her.
Regardless of the past grievances between her and Victor, the child was innocent.
In the end, Olivia reassured her, “I have something to do and needs to leave now. This lady will take care of you. Be good and wait here; your dad will come soon.”
Having said that, Olivia forcefully pushed away the little girl’s hand and walked away, resisting the urge to look back.
Simultaneously, Isabelle swiftly arranged for the removal of the extra place settings, signaling the staff to act discreetly.
Not long after the staff took away the utensils, the wooden door was forcefully pushed open.
A group of neatly dressed black-clad bodyguards stood in two rows, forming a clear path in the middle.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Seeing this formation, Isabelle instinctively straightened her posture and tried to appear calm as she looked towards the entrance.
It was Victor Leer, his face stern as he strode into the room with determined steps.