Sherman had memorized Rita's schedule. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Rita would visit her father. She persisted in visiting even though it was difficult to get more clues from Karen. Thus, Sherman chose to pick her up from her father's home to take her out for dinner or somewhere else, to cheer her up."Yes, I'm going back today. I'll text you after I finish eating," said Rita."Okay, but text me when you're about to finish eating. I'll come over immediately.""No. I'll be driving today, so just send me your location. I'll meet you there.""That works, too."They did not immediately hang up the phone after making their plans. Listening to each other's shallow breaths through the phone, Rita felt that she was one step closer to happiness. "I'm going to start driving now, so let's hang up, okay?"Sherman replied, "No, let's keep it this way. I won't bother you."Thus, Rita did not hang up the phone. While she was driving, they occasionally exchanged a few words. It was just
Sherman quickly scrolled through his phone and dialed Vince's number, which had been blocked.Vince was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper, which reported another world record broken by the Parr family. He was sour about it when Sherman suddenly called. He immediately sat up and answered the call happily."Hello, Sherman. To what do I owe this pleasure? Are you coming over with Rita to have dinner with us?"Sherman did not have time for pleasantries. "Rita is in trouble. Something happened on her way home!""What?" Vince exclaimed. "You must be joking, right? She's used this road countless times, so how could something happen? Maybe you just couldn't reach her because she had switched off her phone or it ran out of battery…"After the initial panic, Vince calmed down and sat back down on the sofa, trying to reassure both himself and Sherman on the phone. "Don't worry. We've traveled this road back and forth countless times, and there's also a security patrol, so I'm sure sh
Karen chuckled. "Sherman is probably joking. How could anything happen to Rita on her way home? Maybe she had an argument with him and didn't answer his calls, so he thought something happened."Vince, visibly impatient, replied, "Enough with the questions. Just wait at home. I told him the same thing when I called him, but he wouldn't believe me and even threatened me. I don't know if he even considers me as an elder!"Vince descended the stairs as he spoke, leaving Karen standing there with her arms crossed disdainfully.'Who in this family actually treats him as a real elder anyway? Doesn't he realize what an embarrassment he is by clinging to Sherman like a leech?'At times, Karen did not approve of Vince's behavior and would have scolded him already if it were not for the baby boy in her belly. However, it seemed like something bad really had happened since Sherman called Vince.Karen instinctively thought of Sadie. In case something unexpected happened, she needed her daught
'If he likes Rita that much, I might as well let her live. After all, we could benefit a lot from Sherman. But Sadie is right, too. She's alone now, so how could she even have the means to kidnap Rita? It seems I've been overthinking,' Karen comforted herself, hand on her chest.Meanwhile, Sadie's expression changed after hanging up the phone, and she briskly walked over to Esmond. "Mom called. You heard her, didn't you? She doesn't want anything to do with you. After you've settled the Rita problem, I'll find a way to arrange for you to meet with her, but for now, I have to go home."Esmond nodded. "I know I let you and your mom down before. Alright, sweetheart, you go home first. Daddy won't let you down with this matter, and I'll make sure it won't lead back to you."Sadie felt very unwilling when he referred to himself as her father, but she needed his help, so she had to bear with it for the time being.On the way back, Sadie's mood remained cheerful. She heard from Karen that
"Yes. So far, they haven't called or stated any ransom amount, but this is a very serious incident. My wife was taken on her way home, and I believe your officers understand what might happen next. Our only demand is to prevent the worst-case scenario. I want her back safe and sound, not a hair harmed."The lieutenant Sherman was talking to did not take the matter seriously, but upon realizing Sherman's identity, he immediately sat up straight. "I promise to ensure the safe return of your wife. We've mobilized a team to investigate and gather clues in the area."Sherman impatiently interrupted him, "Alright, handle it however you see fit. I just want her back safely."He hung up. Knowing he should not rely only on the police, he contacted the people who had some connection with the criminal world. He was not unfamiliar with unconventional methods, but some people were too arrogant, always thinking they could manipulate everything."Go find out if there's been any activity from Esmo
Vince had not expected to hear those words from Sherman's mouth. Genuinely incensed by his words, Vince spat in the direction Sherman had departed."Pah! Who does he think he is? How dare he speak to me like that! How could Rita have turned out so well if I had raised her like a stepdaughter? I provided her with everything she ever wanted ever since she was born. The fact that Sherman was able to marry her was all thanks to my pleading and insistence! And he still dares to say I don't care for her? What does he know about caring for her?"Vince paced angrily, his frustration mounting. 'Just who the heck did Sherman think he was? I'm his father-in-law, yet he looks down on me? If he's so high and mighty, then he might as well not marry my daughter! How can he accuse me of not worrying about Rita when she's in trouble? Of course I'm worried! He's making it sound like he's the only one who cares about Rita in the whole world. What's he playing at putting up such a loving act in front of
Vince could not see Sadie's smug smile since his back was turned toward her.'Seems like Esmond has employed more reliable help this time, making the abduction swift and decisive,' thought Sadie. Out loud, she asked with concern, "Dad, have you called the police?"Vince impatiently waved her off. "Enough, let's go back for now. Standing here won't bring Rita back. Sherman has sent people to look for her. I don't know if he'll call the police or not. If they've kidnapped her and he calls the police, it might put Rita in danger."Sadie nodded. "You're right. Let's go back. Mom might be worrying about us right now."Mentioning Karen reminded Vince that she was pregnant. He did not want to stay there either. After all, the people who had kidnapped Rita might target the others in her family as well."Alright, you don't need to worry about Rita's kidnapping. Let's go home."As they drove back home, they saw Karen—her baby bump showing—standing at the door and anxiously looking around.
Sherman felt a pang of heartache at the thought of how naive Rita was. Suddenly, he remembered a key figure in all of this—Esmond.Sherman recalled how he and Rita had embarrassed Esmond. Being a formidable thug for so many years, there was no way he would be able to swallow that humiliation."It better not be you behind this," Sherman muttered to himself.Sherman had kept tabs on Esmond after their previous escape, so if it was indeed him, there should have been some activity. However, after that incident, Esmond had been unusually quiet, even avoiding his own territory.Sherman could not let go of this lead.Just then, Lucy called. "Mister Sherman, we've found Esmond's whereabouts. He went to his casino as usual today, and we didn't see him near the Russell's mansion," Lucy reported.After hearing her report, Sherman became even more suspicious. Other than Esmond, he could not think of anyone else Rita might have recently offended.Using such drastic measures, even disregardin