Chapter 190 Dora’s Acciden

Katherine’s expression suddenly became awkward. Five years ago, Charles had given her a handkerchief, an action that had made her feel quite embarrassed. In her eyes, Charles was like a deity who could satisfy all her wishes. For this reason alone, she had confessed her love to him and expressed her desire to become his wife.

She had been waiting ever since for that day to come. The fact that he did not publicize their relationship didn’t worry her at all. Apart from Katherine there never were any other women in his life, hence the lack of public affection was never too much of a problem. Only now did she begin to doubt his intentions. Why had he offered her a stupid handkerchief when all she wanted was some affection? If that was the best he could come up with, his feeling for her had probably changed.

“Why you giving me that thing?” she said while wiping her tears, “I’m not a child any longer.”

Charles did not attempt to comfort her. The simple act of putting his arms around Katherine was, without doubt, too much for him. Instead, he opted for a more practical solution.

“Take her to Elsa for a check-up,” he said to Roy. “We need to see what’s wrong with her.”

Katherine’s eyes were wide open with surprise. She could only stare as Charles walked out of the room without even offering one single glance of pity to her.

Bella’s initial intention was to go straight to bed after returning to her room. However, she found it difficult to fall asleep at this time. She decided this was the perfect chance to do some work for Nick. The only thing to do was to raise the pillow and open the laptop. This way, if she felt tired, she could take a nap any time.

As might be expected, she encountered several drawbacks while designing the brochure. These could only be resolved without calling Nick. Her arm reached out to reach for her mobile on the bedside table.

The first thing she saw when the screen got bright was a series of messages from Dora.

SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING ME. IN CASE YOU DO NOT HEAR FROM ME BY TOMORROW, I’VE BEEN ABDUCTED…WHERE ARE YOU? THOSE GUYS ARE STILL BEHIND ME. I’M GETTING REALLY SCARED …I’M SENDING YOU A SNAPSHOT OF THEIR LICENSE NUMBER. REMEMBER TO SHOW IT TO THE POLICE WHEN YOU GO TO REPORT ME MISSING.

The last message was a photo taken through the rear mirror, depicting the small truck following Dora’s car. Its number of plates were clearly visible. Bella was so frightened, she immediately phoned Dora. Nobody picked up the phone. This only made Bella fear the worst.

Dora had contacted Bella because she had no other family. Bella would have contacted her boyfriend if she knew his phone number. The only decent idea she could come up with was to contact Edwin. Maybe he could give her Carl’s number.

Edwin was driving his Lamborghini when he picked up the phone. Bella could hear the noise of the traffic and the sound of the wind whistling by his ear.

He seemed surprised by the fact that Bella had taken the initiative to contact him.

“What’s up, Bell?”

“I need Carl’s phone,” she said as loud as she could.

“What happened?” Edwin must have sensed the urgency in Bella’s voice.

“It’s about Dora. She has gone missing. The last thing she mentioned was that a strange van was following her. After that, nothing at all. I want to ask Carl if he knows anything.”

“Have you phoned the hospitals? She may have been in some kind of accident.”

“I would prefer to talk with Carl before doing that.”

"Don’t worry too much. I’m sure Dora’s fine. Anyway, I will forward Carl’s phone number to you, or if you like, I can call him myself and ask him to contact you.”

“Anything will do…”

“When did Dora send the last message?”

“At three-twenty in the morning.”

“Dora may have also contacted Carl. Will call him now to find out. Then I shall get back to you.”

“All right. Waiting for your call.”

Throughout the entire conversation, Charles had been standing in the hallway listening to Bella. It bothered him so much that Bella had phoned Edwin first, he was trembling out of anger.

A few minutes later, he heard her phone ringing. This time he was not going to allow her to talk to Edwin. Without knocking, he stormed in the room.

The unexpected invasion started Bella at first. For a brief second, she raised her head and stared at him before returning to her conversation.

Charles softened somehow when he saw the hopeless expression on Bella’s face. Edwin must have had some bad news for her. This was a great opportunity for Charles to give her some comfort. He waited for Bella to hang up before he went next to her and put his arms around her shoulders.

“What can I do to help?” he said in a low voice full of understanding.

“I don’t get it,” said Bella. “Who would want to abduct Dora? She wasn’t rich neither did she have enemies. What else may it be?”

“Have you tried calling the police? I’m sure they’re going to be more help than Edwin.”

“You’re wrong. You must wait twenty-four hours to file a missing person case. By that time, it may be too late for Dora. Please help me find her…and I will do anything you ask.”