Chapter 271

Chapter 271

"Contact all our media partners immediately and get all this stuff taken down!"

Arthur's voice was cold as ice as he addressed the PR director standing before him. "I don't want to see any more related reports!"

"Yes, Mr. Smith!"

The PR director's forehead broke out in sweat as he quickly acknowledged and retreated.

Arthur picked up his phone and dialed a number.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered by a serious male voice.

"Mr. Smith."

"Mr. Jenkins, where is Elaine now? How is she doing?"

Arthur got straight to the point.

"Mr. Smith, Ms. Brown is currently cooperating with the special investigation team. The specific location and situation are confidential, so I can't disclose them."

Security Bureau Director Rhett Jenkins's voice was polite but carried an official distance.

"I need to see her."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Smith. During the investigation, non-case personnel are not allowed contact with relevant parties. That's the rule."

Arthur's fingers tightened: "She's not a suspect! She's a victim's family member!"

"Mr. Smith, I understand how you feel. But given the special nature of the case, everything must follow procedure. If Ms. Brown is innocent, the investigation will naturally clear her name."

The call was disconnected.

Arthur gripped his phone, his expression terrifyingly dark.

Almost at the same time, in a luxury apartment.

Emily elegantly held a wine glass, standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the city's night view.

In her other hand was her phone, the screen displaying reports about Elaine.

A pleased smile curved her lips.

She set down her phone, took a sip of wine, her eyes gleaming with calculation.

The seeds of public opinion had been planted. Even if the investigation ultimately proved Elaine innocent, the stain would remain.

This time, she would make sure Elaine was completely ruined!

...

Time flew by, and fifteen days passed.

Elaine stayed in that room isolated from the outside world, day after day undergoing questioning.

Until the afternoon of the fifteenth day, when the investigator appeared at the break room door again, his expression much softer than before.

"Ms. Brown, after investigation, there's currently no evidence showing you have any improper connections with foreign organizations, nor any evidence proving you leaked state secrets."

"The investigation concerning you is temporarily concluded. You're free to leave now."

The investigator returned her personal belongings.

"However, the case is still under investigation. As an important related person, you'll need to continue cooperating with follow-up investigations for some time. You're not permitted to leave the country without authorization and must regularly report your whereabouts to the designated department. Please understand."

Elaine took her phone, her fingertips somewhat cold.

She nodded: "I understand, thank you."

Walking out the door of that gray building, the afternoon sunlight shone down, making her squint slightly.

She stood on the steps, pausing for a few seconds, feeling the long-missed sunlight, as if in another lifetime.

These past two weeks felt like a long, oppressive dream.

"Elaine!"

Just then, a familiar voice called out.

Elaine looked toward the sound and saw a car parked by the roadside, Bradley pushing open the door and striding quickly toward her.

He looked somewhat travel-worn, reaching her in a few steps, looking her up and down as if confirming she was alright.

"Are you okay? Did they give you a hard time?"

Bradley's voice was full of concern.

"I'm fine, just cooperating with the investigation."

Elaine shook her head, wanting to give him a reassuring smile, but found her cheeks somewhat stiff.

The next second, Bradley suddenly reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace.

It was a warm, solid hug, his arms holding tight, as if afraid she might disappear again.

Elaine was caught off guard, her body stiffening slightly.

"Thank goodness..."

Bradley's voice sounded by her ear. "You're out... thank goodness."

The embrace lasted several seconds before Bradley seemed to realize something and released her, but his gaze remained fixed on her: "I'm sorry, I... I lost my composure a bit. It's just these past two weeks, I..."

Elaine saw the bloodshot in his eyes, her heart stirring slightly.

These past two weeks, he must have been worried sick about her outside, running around everywhere.

"I'm fine."

Elaine repeated softly, this time her smile more natural. "Thank you, Bradley."

Only then did Bradley fully let go, though his gaze was reluctant to leave her: "Let's get in the car, it's cold outside."

Sitting in the car, warmth enveloped her.

The car smoothly left that austere compound and merged into traffic.

"How did you know I'd be released today?"

Elaine couldn't help asking. "Even I only found out today."

Bradley focused on the road ahead: "I didn't know. I just... came to wait every day. Thinking, what if."

A complex warmth welled up in Elaine's heart.

During her two weeks of isolation, someone outside had been worrying about her, working on her behalf.

"Really... thank you so much."

She said sincerely, her voice somewhat low.

"Don't say that."

Bradley shook his head, his tone gentle. "You're my most important... friend. How could I just stand by."

He glanced at her quickly. "Where do you want to go now? Home to rest? Or get something to eat first? You probably haven't been eating well."

Home...

Elaine's thoughts immediately went to Vera.

Two weeks without seeing her—how was Vera doing?

"I want to go home first, see Vera."

Her voice carried urgency.

"Okay."

Bradley immediately changed direction, heading toward Elaine's home.

The car soon stopped downstairs at the familiar apartment complex.

Elaine practically ran upstairs and opened the door—

The interior was quiet and tidy, but empty.

Usually at this time, the nanny should be preparing dinner, and Vera should be home playing.

"Vera? Remy?"

She called out several times, only empty echoes responding.

An uneasy feeling crept up.

She immediately found a charger for her phone, turned it on, and dialed Remy's number.

The call was answered almost instantly, Remy's anxious voice coming through: "Ms. Brown! Finally we hear from you! Are you alright? I've been so worried!"

"I'm fine. Where's Vera? Why isn't she home?"

"The afternoon you were taken away, Mr. Smith came and said you'd be away temporarily and wanted to take Vera back."

Remy spoke rapidly. "I couldn't reach you on your phone, and Mr. Smith said he'd take good care of her... so I let him take her."

Elaine's heart sank.

"I understand. I'll go get them right now."

Elaine tried to keep her voice calm.

Emily was still at the Smith family home. After what she did to Vera last time, she was really afraid...

"What's wrong?"

Bradley noticed her expression change and asked softly.

"Arthur took the child."

Elaine took a deep breath and turned to look at him. "I need to go get Vera back. Can you take me to the Smith family home?"

Bradley's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't ask more questions, just nodded: "Okay, let's go."

The car started again, heading toward the Smith family home.