Chapter 2

"Claire," Nathan said icily, "you shouldn't be involving Carol in this situation."

"You created this problem, and you need to face the consequences."

His eyes moved to Carol's midsection, and briefly, his expression changed to something resembling sorrow.

He was holding me responsible for her lost pregnancy.

Was his love for children truly that deep?

A sudden ache pierced my heart as recollections surfaced.

We had once been expectant parents too.

When he disappeared during a trek in the mountains, I spent countless hours looking for him. I stumbled during the search, rolling down a hillside, and regained consciousness covered in blood. I lost our unborn child that day.

Upon finding him, unharmed, he embraced me and wept uncontrollably, vowing never to leave my side again.

Now, it appeared he had no memory of those events.

The strained atmosphere was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a man with angular features and gold-framed spectacles.

"Elliot?" I exclaimed, surprised.

He acknowledged me with a nod. "I've brought the detection devices from the laboratory."

The chief officer acted swiftly. "Excellent. This is a critical matter. We'll conduct a comprehensive search."

"What does that entail?" Carol inquired, puzzled.

The officers disregarded her, swiftly organizing the operation. They began examining the area, starting with my living space and expanding outward. Even Carol's residence was included in the investigation.

Nathan pulled me aside, his tone accusatory and hushed.

"What kind of work do you do, Claire? Why is this 'missing item' so crucial that it requires such an extensive search?"

I met his gaze, my voice devoid of emotion.

"It's confidential. The stolen object is lethal. If you value your life, I recommend you locate it."

Carol interjected with a scoff. "If it's so hazardous, wouldn't taking it make you even more culpable?"

Her words seemed to embolden Nathan.

"She makes a valid point," he said, his expression growing stern.

Neither believed my words. They were so entangled in their deceptions that they couldn't recognize the truth before them.

The search continued through the night, but eventually Elliot packed up his equipment, shaking his head in defeat.

"There's no sign of it," he reported. "It's probably still enclosed in its lead container. Let's hope no one is foolish enough to open it."

The chief officer exhaled heavily. "Well, that's... somewhat reassuring, at least."

Carol's tense demeanor transformed into one of relief.

"See?" she said triumphantly. "Nothing's missing. Someone's just trying to conceal their actions."

Nathan nodded in agreement. "The security footage is unambiguous. There's only one suspect here."

The room fell quiet.

Elliot placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "The laboratory has decided to pursue this matter. Don't worry—we'll prove your innocence."

I nodded, appreciative of his support.

But it made little difference.

As the person accountable for the missing material, I was now the primary suspect.

Carol and Nathan appeared almost gleeful when the officers informed me that I would be taken into custody.

"Are you satisfied now?" I asked, looking directly at them.

Carol raised her chin, her voice laced with arrogance.

"The person responsible for the death of my unborn child is finally facing justice. Of course I'm satisfied."

"And you?" I said, turning to Nathan.

"Does my opinion matter?" he retorted. "Did you consider my feelings when you caused Carol's miscarriage?"

His eyes, once filled with affection, now held only coldness and animosity.

For a moment, I hesitated, remembering the man who had once stood by me, defended me, loved me unconditionally.

But that man no longer existed.

I lowered my gaze, bracing myself.

If they intended to destroy me, I wouldn't surrender without a struggle.

Before surrendering my phone, I made some quick adjustments.

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "Making your move?"

I smiled. "If I don't retaliate now, I'll be nothing more than a victim."

I uploaded a comprehensive timeline of everything—our relationship, their betrayal, and the missing material—to every major social networking platform.

If they wanted conflict, I'd give them one.