Austin's residence.

Arthur Austin was extremely dissatisfied with Bradley's extravagant actions.

"Dad, isn't Bradley being ridiculous? If Freya went missing, he could have just reported it to the police. Did he have to bring it to the public? Besides, with all the mess in the company, who's going to clean up after him? He's flying helicopters himself to search for someone while leaving a pile of problems behind for others to deal with!"

Mr. Austin, also frantic upon hearing of Freya's disappearance, was infuriated by Bradley's son's words and glared at him furiously.

"Bradley isn't here, so you'll have to handle things at the company for now. Haven't you been the CEO for these past few years? Besides, a human life is at stake here, and Bradley cares deeply about Freya. It's understandable why he's so anxious. If you won't help, then at least refrain from making cold remarks behind his back. Do you have any humanity in you?"

Arthur was scolded into silence and dared not say another word.

He knew his father had always favoured Bradley, but he hadn't expected him to prioritize Freya over the company's affairs.

This woman was indeed a disaster.

She had brought misery upon their entire family, and he wished she were dead.

However, he couldn't show his true feelings. "Alright, Dad, I'll send someone to search immediately"

"There's no need!" Mr. Austin looked disappointed. "While Bradley is away these days, you and James will stabilize the company. We'll wait for Bradley to come back before making any decisions."

"Alright, Dad."

Though Arthur said this, once he left, he immediately made a phone call.

"Keep a close eye on Bradley's every move. Report to me immediately if anything happens. If you find Freya, eradicate her!"

After saying this, his expression turned cold, and he made another call back to the company.

"Bradley hasn't been at the company for the past few days. It's time to implement our plan. You know what to do. Once it's done, I won't forget to reward you!"

…

Meanwhile, in an apartment building in the city, a couple was passionately engaged in intimate activities.

"Madeline, you're such a seductress. How did I not realize your charm before? If I knew earlier, I would've pursued you!"

The husky voice of a man was followed by the coquettish voice of a woman, "It was just a fling. Did you really take it seriously?"

Madeline pushed the mischievous man away and wrapped herself in a thin sheet, her face flushed with intoxication.

Patrick Perry embraced her, a playful smile on his lips. "I did take it seriously. I'm going to pursue you now."

"Get lost."

Madeline swatted away his wandering hand, grabbed a pack of cigarettes from the side, and was about to light one when the phone on the bedside table suddenly rang.

She picked it up, and Ella's anxious voice came through. "Madeline, something's wrong. Freya's in trouble!"

"What?" Madeline threw away the cigarette, her expression immediately turning grim.

"Freya has gone missing near Zephyr Peak. Bradley is going crazy, mobilizing all the manpower from the Royal Garden Mansion to search for her. The police are also involved."

Madeline was frozen in place.

Freya is missing?

"Where are you now? I'll come find you." she said urgently, ignoring her lack of clothing, and started to get dressed, grabbing her bag to leave.

At that moment, Patrick embraced her from behind, his hoarse voice asking, "What's going on?"

"Freya's missing, and your sir has gone mad!"

Madeline tossed out these words and hurried out, leaving Patrick standing there in a daze.

…

Two days and two nights passed, and Bradley, exhausted and feverish from his injuries, finally collapsed from exhaustion.

"Bradley, you should go back first. I'll continue the search for you!"

Xavier, exhausted after two days and nights of searching, suggested.

"No, I have to find her myself!" Bradley, having not slept for three days, refused to give up until Freya was found.

The helicopter bearing Bradley hovered tirelessly around the vicinity of Zephyr Peak, accompanied by unmanned drones scouring the area below. With a pair of binoculars firmly in hand, Bradley himself tirelessly scanned the landscape, day and night, in search of any sign of her.

Finally, at three in the morning, the local police reported finding a female corpse in a wolf den.

Upon hearing the news, Bradley rushed to the police station.

The body was badly mutilated, making identification impossible.

However, a necklace was found in the wolf den, and Bradley recognized it immediately—it was the one he had given Freya, engraved with her initials.

Bradley looked at the necklace, blood rushing to his head. After spitting out a mouthful of blood, he collapsed to the ground.

"Bradley—"

Xavier quickly caught him, and Bradley, burning with fever, convulsed uncontrollably.

Madeline and Patrick received the news and hurried over, arriving just in time to witness Bradley's collapsing.

"Patrick, I'm leaving this to you. I'll take him back to the medical room."

Xavier said, tossing the words over his shoulder before lifting the man out of the police station.

Two days and nights without a drop of water, coupled with severe injuries and a raging fever, would have felled an ordinary person long ago. But Bradley steadfastly endured.

Had Freya already taken up every corner of his heart, causing him to forget even the deep-seated enmity coursing through his veins?

After everything settled down, Madeline walked towards the direction of the body. As she lifted the white cloth covering it, a piercing scream escaped her lips, and she stumbled backward.

Patrick embraced her from behind, and she broke down in his arms, sobbing loudly.

"No, this can't be Freya. There must be a mistake."

From the moment Ella called her until now, she had been waiting every day for news of Freya's safe return. However, instead of receiving that news, she was told of her death.

"Freya was so beautiful. If she could see herself now, she wouldn't be able to bear it." Madeline choked out, tears staining Patrick's shirt as her delicate fingers gripped his arm tightly.

Patrick's arm reddened from her strong grip, but he didn't mind. He held her tightly, comforting her, "The identity of the body hasn't been confirmed yet. Perhaps this isn't Freya."

Madeline sobbed uncontrollably, trembling as she reached for her phone and dialled Ella.

"They found Freya's body. It's a horrible sight."

"What body?" Ella's voice was calm, devoid of any emotion.

"The police found a female body in a wolf den this morning, completely mutilated. All signs point to it being Freya. Ella, if it's really her, what should we do?"

"Where are you now? At the police station?" Ella asked calmly.

"Yes, I rushed over as soon as I got the news. The body is here to." Madeline replied, her voice choked with emotion.

"Find a secluded place. I need to talk to you." Ella instructed.

Madeline held the phone, then turned to the man beside her. "I need to take this call. I'll be back in a moment."

Ella caught the mention of someone beside her. "Who are you with?" he inquired.

"I..." Madeline hesitated, glancing at Patrick, but ultimately remained silent.