Chapter 435

When Esme shoved Elodie out, Richard was leaning against the car, puffing on a cigarette.

Richard spotted them halfway through his smoke, then stubbed it out.

He strolled over and took the wheelchair from Esme. "I got this," he said.

Esme stepped aside, and Richard wheeled Elodie to the car.

He opened the door, lifted her into the seat, then folded the wheelchair and tossed it in the trunk.

After shutting the car door, Richard turned to Esme. "Mrs. Black, is Isabella okay?"

Esme hesitated, then nodded. "She's fine."

Richard gave a slight nod and got into the car without saying anything more.

As the engine roared to life, Esme cast a wistful glance toward the neighboring sandy area, marked by haphazardly scattered sand and forsaken tools, yet conspicuously devoid of any trace of Wade.

Esme called over a servant. "Seen Wade?"

The servant looked around. "I think he went to his room for a shower."

Esme's eyes darkened. "Got it."

The servant retreated.

Esme stood there for a moment, then headed upstairs.

A bit later, she emerged from the kitchen with a plate of fruit.

Carrying the plate, Esme made her way to Wade's room.

"Wade, I brought you some fruit," she called, knocking lightly. "I'm coming in."

Esme pushed the door open and entered.

The room was somewhat chaotic, with once pristine white walls now covered in graffiti.

Sand was scattered across the floor, along with Wade's clothes and socks.

Esme walked in, her eyes landing on the bathroom.

The sound of running water and faint murmuring came from inside.

She set the fruit plate down, pulled a knife from under it, and gripped it tightly as she approached the bathroom.

She nudged the door open. The bathroom was steamy, and a man lay in the large tub, his face obscured by foam.

Wade was possibly worn out from playing, his eyes closed as if he were asleep.

Esme tightened her grip on the knife, took a few steps forward, and plunged it into the man's chest!

Blood quickly turned the water red. The man groaned in pain and grabbed Esme's arm.

Esme panicked, yanking her hand back, leaving scratch marks on her arm.

The man in the tub tried to get up, and Esme backed away, trembling. "You brought this on yourself!"

With that, she bolted from the room, locking the door behind her, fearing that Wade might come out seeking help.

After that, Esme hurried away.

Meanwhile, Richard drove to a fancy restaurant.

He carefully lifted Elodie out of the car and gently placed her in the wheelchair.

Richard had booked a romantic couple's suite, tastefully decorated with a charming ambiance.

After ordering, Richard's phone rang. He glanced at it and said to Elodie, "I need to take this."

Elodie pouted. "What's more important than me?"

"It's work," Richard replied.

"If it's work, can't you take it here?" Elodie shot back, eyeing him suspiciously.

Richard frowned. "You want to listen?"

Elodie nodded. "Yes!"

Richard nodded and answered the call, putting it on speaker.

A male voice on the other end started talking about work.

After listening to the lengthy report, Elodie felt overwhelmed.

When the call ended, Richard's expression appeared rather grim.

Elodie tugged at his sleeve. "Richard, are you mad?"

Richard's voice was cold. "No."

Elodie sighed, "I'm sorry, Richard. I just care about you so much. I'm worried you haven't moved on from Nina."

Richard's brow furrowed. "Do you really see me as such a spineless man in your heart? Or that I'd cheat on you?"

"That's not what I meant," Elodie quickly said.

"You have always conducted yourself with integrity.Since you said you'd take care of me, I believe you. It's just... my legs are useless now, and I'm scared you'll leave me."

Elodie knew how to play the vulnerable card.

Whenever Richard got impatient, she would speake of her legs, her expression pained and tearful.It always worked.

Richard indeed couldn't stay mad when she did that.

Regardless of whether Richard felt guilty or genuinely liked her, Elodie was determined to keep Richard by her side, using any means necessary.

Richard's tone softened. "Silly girl, how could I leave you? I promised to take care of you, and I will. If we're going to be together, we need to trust each other, right?"

Elodie nodded. "Yes, Richard, I won't doubt you anymore."

Just then, Richard's phone rang again.

This time, he didn't rush to answer it but looked at Elodie.

Though she was annoyed, Elodie knew Richard was usually busy, and she had just promised to trust him.

So, she put on a gentle and understanding expression. "Go ahead and take the call. I'll wait for you here."

Richard smiled and ruffled her hair. "Good girl, I'll be quick."

Elodie nodded. "Okay."

But as soon as Richard left, her smile vanished.

Richard stepped out of the suite and headed to the next room. Inside, Seb and Wade were already seated.

The tea on the table was steaming, but no one had touched it.

The atmosphere was tense.

As soon as Richard walked in, Wade spoke up. "Richard, I asked for help, and this is the sort of assistant you bring me?""

Richard said, "Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Landon from the Landon Group."

"I never heard of him," Wade replied with a smirk. "Richard, I need an assistant, not a nobody."

"Mr. Landon is your best option," Richard insisted.

"Oh?" Wade looked at Seb with disdain. "I don't see it."

Seb frowned, clearly annoyed by Wade's attitude.

Without a word, Seb stood up and turned to Richard. "It seems like you're not willing to collaborate with me. Nothing more to discuss"

Richard walked over and patted Seb on the shoulder. "Just hear me out for a sec."

Seb stayed silent, while Wade's mocking grin remained.

"Mr. Landon has the skills, and in Silvercrest, Mr. Black has the connections. You two working together would be perfect," Richard said.

Wade sneered. "Why should I team up with him?"

"Because you have a common enemy," Richard replied, locking eyes with Wade. "You both want to take down Quentin."

Wade's eyes flickered.

Richard continued, "Mr. Black, you've been away for years. Now, most of the Black Family's resources and connections are Quentin's."

"If you want to win, you need someone capable and loyal. In Silvercrest, you won't find anyone better."

Wade thought for a moment and asked, "Alright, tell me, why does he want to take down Quentin?"

Richard and Seb exchanged a glance.

Seb sat back down and said firmly, "Because he kidnapped my wife. Mr. Black, let's work together. I'll support you and handle anything you and Richard can't."

"But I have one condition: I want my wife back, safe and sound."