Chapter 52: Susan Has Disappeared
Mia's POV
After I pushed Gavin away and left the party, it meant that everything between Gavin and me was completely over.
But I had no regrets.
Jayden had helped me, and had even fallen into danger because of it. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
While running toward the manor's exit, I pulled out my phone and dialed Jayden's number.
The phone rang for a long time. Only the busy tone came through the receiver. No one answered.
My heart sank to the bottom.
After leaving the manor, I quickly hailed a taxi and gave the driver Jayden's apartment address.
The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Miss, your dress..."
Only then did I remember that I was still wearing the wine-stained, wrinkled bridesmaid dress.
I must look ridiculous right now.
I had no mood to explain and continued urging, "Driver, please hurry! I'm begging you!"
"Okay, okay."
The driver was probably frightened by my state. He didn't ask more questions and pressed down on the gas pedal.
I watched the rapidly retreating street scenes outside the window, my heart full of anxiety and self-blame.
That lunatic Gavin, what would he do to Jayden?
Would he kill him like he did to Edward?
No, he wouldn't.
I tried to drive this terrible thought from my mind.
Jayden was different from Edward.
He was just an ordinary person, an innocent student, with no conflict of interest with Gavin.
Gavin shouldn't go so far as to kill him.
But even if he didn't kill him, given Gavin's personality, he definitely wouldn't let him off easily.
Thinking of this, guilt completely overwhelmed me.
It was all because of me.
If I hadn't contacted him about Susan, if I hadn't asked for his help, he wouldn't have been dragged into this, wouldn't be in any danger.
I wished I could fly to his side right now.
The car finally stopped downstairs from Jayden's apartment building.
I paid without waiting for change, rushed out of the car, and ran into the building.
I ran to Jayden's door, frantically pressing the doorbell and pounding on the door with my fists.
"Jayden! Jayden! Are you in there? Open the door!"
But there was no response from inside.
My heart sank bit by bit, my hands and feet turning cold.
Had something already happened to him?
I tried turning the doorknob and found the door wasn't locked.
Pushing the door open, I saw a scene that made my eyes burn with rage.
David was standing in the living room, directing several men in black suits who were beating Jayden as he curled up on the floor.
"Stop!"
I screamed and rushed forward, trying to pull those violent men off Jayden.
David saw me, shock appearing on his face, as if he hadn't expected me to appear here.
"Miss Mia? What are you doing here?"
I ignored him, just desperately trying to rescue Jayden from the middle.
But my strength was nothing compared to these trained thugs.
One of the men impatiently pushed me away.
I stumbled back several steps and fell heavily onto the floor.
"Jayden!"
Looking at Jayden curled up on the ground, beaten half to death and nearly unconscious, my heart ached unbearably.
I finally broke down.
I got up from the floor, ran to David, grabbed his arm, and begged with a trembling voice.
"David, please, call Gavin and tell him to stop!"
"I'm begging you! If this continues, he'll die!"
A flash of sympathy crossed David's eyes, but he still said coldly, "Miss Mia, these are the boss's orders. I can't disobey."
"I know, I know these are his orders," I cried, speaking incoherently. "But tell him I was wrong, I really know I was wrong."
"I'll never see Jayden again, I'll listen to everything he says. As long as he spares Jayden, I'll do anything! Please!"
David looked at my humble appearance and sighed, finally softening.
He raised his hand, signaling those men to stop.
Then he took out his phone and called Gavin.
The phone rang for a long time before being answered.
On the other end, Eva's voice came through.
"David? Do you need Gavin for something? He's drunk and sleeping next to me right now."
I grabbed the phone and shouted into it, "Eva! Let Gavin answer the phone!"
Eva seemed surprised that I was with David. She paused, then let out a gleeful laugh.
"Oh, Mia, why are you with David? Oh... I get it. Gavin kicked you out, so you went to beg David?"
"I told you to give the phone to Gavin!"
"Mia, don't be anxious," she said slowly. "Gavin really can't take calls right now. We just finished, and he's exhausted. He needs to rest."
"You!"
"Mia," she continued to provoke me, "I told you long ago that you're just a dog he keeps."
"Gavin could never forgive someone who betrayed him."
Before I could say more, she hung up.
All the strength seemed to drain from my body as I fell into complete despair.
Gavin would never give me another chance.
He had chosen Eva.
Just as I was despairing, David's phone rang again.
He glanced at the caller ID, his expression immediately becoming serious, and answered the call.
"Don Connor."
I don't know what was said on the other end, but David's face became increasingly grave.
"Yes, I understand. I'll be right there."
After hanging up, David waved to his men.
"Withdraw."
After they left, I immediately ran to Jayden's side to check his condition.
He was badly injured, with bruises all over his face, blood at the corner of his mouth, and weak breathing.
I didn't dare delay and immediately contacted Fiona.
Together we took Jayden to the hospital.
After arriving at the hospital, I anxiously waited outside the emergency room.
Fiona stayed by my side, constantly comforting me, but I still couldn't stop trembling. I was afraid Jayden would die.
Finally, the emergency room door opened. I rushed to the doctor and asked about Jayden's condition.
The doctor said he had multiple soft tissue contusions and a mild concussion.
But fortunately, no vital organs were injured. He just needed to rest well for a while and he'd be fine.
Hearing this news, my tense nerves finally relaxed.
After Jayden was wheeled out of the emergency room, I stayed by his bedside.
Only after he was out of danger did I finally remember Susan, who should have arrived in North America.
More than ten hours had passed since Susan boarded the plane.
According to the original arrival time, Susan should have been picked up by the sanatorium staff by now.
I took out my phone, preparing to call Susan.
But the North American doctor called me first.
On the other end, the doctor's anxious voice came through.
"Miss Mia, I went to the airport to pick up Susan as agreed, but I didn't see her get off the plane. I still haven't been able to contact her."