Chapter 515

Lauren and Ruby had been searching for Billy for two days straight, but there wasn't even a trace of him. They visited his office again, only to find it completely deserted.

Lauren was ready to call the cops, but Ruby stopped her. "Mom, let's hold off on calling the police for now," she pleaded. "If Xavier finds out, there's no way he'll ever want to see me again."

"Ruby, you're overthinking this. If we don't get the police involved now and have them nab Billy, what's going to happen to our assets?"

The thought of money - and Xavier - swirled in Ruby's head, and finally, she agreed to let Lauren call the authorities.

After reporting to the police, they had to wait for an investigation to unfold. Their faces were ashen, they could hardly believe that Billy had been transferring their assets. All the money was gone! The house, the car, everything vanished.

Lauren still had one property to her name, but upon inspection, she found out that Billy had sold it. She had no recollection of signing off on the sale of the house! "When I get my hands on Billy, I swear I'll make him pay dearly!" Lauren fumed.

Ruby slumped into a chair at the café, her gaze lost on the passersby, mind in utter turmoil. "How could Dad be so cruel! We're family, for goodness' sake. How could he do this to us!"

"I've got people on it, trying to track down Billy," Lauren said with resolve. "That wealth is marital property, not just his to take off with. He has no right!"

Ruby spat out angrily, "We need to find Dad fast, or how will we survive? It's all Josefina's fault – that woman has brought ruin upon our family!"

Lauren let out a bitter laugh. "Stop calling Billy 'Dad.' He doesn't deserve that title. Once I find him, I'm filing for divorce and we'll leave the country with our money."

"Really? Can we actually find Billy?"

"We can, and we will. I've paid good money, and those people won't let it go to waste."

Lauren's determination gave Ruby a glimmer of hope. But Ruby couldn't help herself and had to ask, "Mom, who is my real father?"

Lauren's eyes flickered, avoiding the question. "That's grown-up stuff. Not for your ears."

Ruby was puzzled. "Why won't you tell me?"

"Just remember that you are Billy's child, Ruby. Don't fret over other things; it'll just tire you out."

Lauren stood up and headed towards the restroom. "Ruby, I'm going to freshen up." Ruby watched her go, still yearning to know the identity of her biological father. Was it possible that her real father was someone close by?

...

Lena sought out Reid, her face pale, her eyes pleading. "Reid, are you going to abandon me too?"

Reid was conflicted, unsure of what to say. Seeing Lena's forlorn expression tugged at his heartstrings, but then he remembered his grandmother's words, stirring a different emotion within him. In this moment, Reid's heart was hardened.

"I used to think you were my sister, but it turns out you're not my blood. Even so, our family has always loved and cherished you. But you, Lena... you pushed our grandmother down the stairs, leaving her comatose for years. How could you be so heartless?"

"Reid, I didn't push Grandma. I respect and care for her deeply; why would I do such a thing? Ever since Josefina returned, all the attention has been on her. Whatever she says goes, and no one believes a word I say anymore. Reid, you promised you'd always protect me..."