Chapter 251: What Gives You the Right?

After that day, Betty completely disappeared, like she'd never been around at all.

Alex used every connection he had to look for her.

But Matthew had covered his tracks perfectly. Every lead was cut off, and Emily seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Alex didn't go to the office for a whole month. He turned his car into his office and spent every day out searching. His eyes were bloodshot, he didn't bother shaving, and he'd lost a lot of weight.

Michael felt sorry for him but didn't dare say anything.

"Mr. Baker, if you keep this up, your health will break down—"

"Any news?" Alex cut him off.

"Not... not yet."

Alex closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat. His throat moved as he swallowed.

A month had passed, and he still didn't know if she was dead or alive.

Eleanor asked her mom every day when she'd come back, and Alex never knew what to say.

Just then, Michael's phone rang. He answered, listened for a few seconds, and his face changed.

"Mr. Baker, there's news from Matthew's side—he's taking his wife to a charity dinner tomorrow."

Alex's eyes flew open, and a sharp look flashed in them.

His wife. Who else could it be but Emily?

The charity dinner was at the city's top hotel. The whole banquet hall was booked, filled with well-dressed people and clinking glasses.

Alex stood in the hallway outside, leaning against the wall with his head down as he fixed his cufflinks. He wore a waiter's uniform—white shirt, black vest—and held a tray with a few glasses of champagne.

The "colleagues" next to him wore the same uniform, but their stance gave off a quiet pressure. These were mercenaries Alex had hired through special channels, all experienced fighters.

Alex lowered his voice and told them, "Don't hurt her."

They nodded without a word.

The banquet hall doors were open. Alex walked in with the tray, his eyes scanning the room without drawing attention.

Then he saw her.

Emily wore a dark green dress, her hair pinned up to show her neck. She had pearl earrings that glowed softly under the lights. She looked healthy, a bit fuller than a month ago, and her slightly rounded belly was hidden by the dress folds. Her hand rested on Matthew's arm.

Matthew sat in a wheelchair, wearing a white suit with a dark blanket over his legs. He had a polite smile and was chatting with a guest next to him.

Alex's pupils shrank. His fingers tightened on the tray until his knuckles turned white. It took all his self-control not to rush over and pull Matthew out of the wheelchair.

He took a deep breath, stepped back to the edge of the room, and stayed hidden in the crowd like a real waiter, waiting quietly.

The dinner went on as planned. Emily sat quietly next to Matthew, clapping when needed and keeping a standard smile on her face.

After the auction, Emily stood up, leaned over to say something to Matthew, then let go of his arm and walked toward the bathroom alone.

Alex put down the tray and followed her. At the same time, he signaled the mercenaries. Two of them moved toward Matthew.

The hallway was long, covered in thick carpet. Emily's heels made no sound. She walked ahead, and Alex followed behind.

When she pushed open the bathroom door and went in, Alex rushed in after her and locked the door.

Emily turned around at the noise. When she saw him, her face showed no reaction—no surprise, no anger, no disgust. Just complete calm, like she was looking at a stranger.

"Emmie." Alex's voice shook. He stepped forward and reached for her. "I'm here to take you away."

She slapped him. The sound echoed loudly in the empty bathroom.

Alex's head turned from the hit, a red mark appearing on his cheek.

"Alex?" Emily's voice was cold as ice. "Why should you take me anywhere?"

Alex froze.

He stared into her eyes, searching for any sign of pretense or a crack, but there was nothing.

Emily frowned. "Don't come looking for me again."

Alex took a deep breath, pushed down his feelings, and grabbed her wrist. "Come back with me. I'll explain everything once we're home."

Emily reacted faster than he expected. She yanked her hand free, slapped him again, then stomped on his foot with her heel. The sharp point made Alex grunt and loosen his grip.

She pushed the door open and ran out.

Alex gritted his teeth and chased after her, but he'd forgotten about Matthew in the wheelchair outside.

As he reached the hallway corner, he saw Matthew being pushed out a side door by one of the mercenaries. Another was blocking hotel staff who tried to approach.

"Mr. Baker." Matthew sat in the wheelchair, tilting his head with a faint smile. "Long time no see."

Alex stopped. Emily had already run behind Matthew and was watching him warily.

"What did you do to her?" Alex's voice came out low and rough.

"Nothing much." Matthew took Emily's hand, his tone casual like he was talking about the weather. "Just helped her forget some things she didn't need to remember. She's fine now."

Alex clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms and drew blood. "Why?"

"I want her to stay with me forever." Matthew smiled.

The mercenaries had closed in behind Alex, ready to act.

But Matthew just waved a hand and told the hotel security, "This gentleman has had too much to drink. Please see him out."

The guards hesitated and stepped forward.

Alex didn't move. His eyes went past Matthew to Emily's face. She was looking down at Matthew's hand holding hers, her head slightly tilted, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

That brief moment of confusion gave Alex a spark of hope.

"Let's go," Matthew said to Emily. The wheelchair turned.

Emily walked beside him without looking back.

Alex watched their figures disappear down the hallway, feeling like all his strength had been drained. He leaned against the wall, closed his eyes, and breathed hard.