Eleanor Hollis quietly sat in her seat, completely ignoring the scrutiny from those around her. Tonight Hugo Quinn would have dinner with Old Master Ford; would they really discuss the wedding date? She realized how little confidence she had in this relationship, constantly worrying about losing it. In the evening, Hugo walked out of the office and saw her still sitting in her seat, his eyes flickering. "I have something to do tonight, you should head back first." Eleanor’s fingers slowly curled; the matter he mentioned must be about going to the Ford Family, right? "What’s the matter? I was planning to cook for you and Marcus tonight, if you come back too late, you won’t be able to have dinner." She deliberately spoke lightly but saw Hugo gradually approaching and leaving a kiss on her forehead. "Not tonight, sorry, Eleanor." Eleanor’s heart sank slowly, but she still managed to pull out a difficult smile. "Can’t be with us? Do you really have to go out tonight?" Hugo nodded, ruffling her hair. "It’s very important, I’ll have someone take you home first." Eleanor shook her head; she had her own car. Follow current novels on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁 "Then I’ll leave first, if it’s any later, it’ll be too late." Hugo said, tenderly, as he strode into the elevator. Eleanor stayed where she was, her mind in chaos; she remembered Claire Shaw’s words and felt incredibly blocked up inside. After returning home, she took out her phone, wanting to call Hugo and ask what he was really up to, wanting to know if he would speak the truth. But as soon as she dialed the number, she regretted it, quickly hanging up, and anxiously waited on the sofa. The last picture didn’t seem Photoshopped; Hugo and Claire truly lay on the same bed, so would something unexpected happen again this time? Marcus’s voice suddenly sounded, and Eleanor temporarily set those thoughts aside, sitting at the dining table. "Dad said he has something tonight and won’t come home for dinner." Marcus’s eyes were bright, scooping a bowl of soup and sipping it slowly. Eleanor watched him, her heart melting, sometimes finding it odd that even though she and Marcus weren’t mother and son, looking at this child, she always felt like she was looking at her own son. If that child was still alive, he’d be as big as Marcus. Over at the Ford Family, several people had already gathered, and Old Master Quinn and Old Master Ford were constantly conversing, finally nodding their heads solemnly. Hugo arrived at this moment, sitting at one side of the sofa, listening to their conversation, his expression becoming increasingly unsightly. Back then, Old Master Quinn’s wife went missing when flying back from abroad, a case that rocked the entire world; after all, the passengers on that flight came from different countries, hundreds of people disappearing mysteriously overnight, affecting too many families. Until now, no one knows where that plane went. Old Master Quinn never gave up searching over these years, yet the information discovered has always been disappointing. This morning, the Ford Family suddenly brought news, saying they found traces of the original plane, a piece of wreckage discovered on an island near the South Sea; now many countries’ reconnaissance teams have already gone there, and they must set out immediately. So Hugo came to see Old Master Ford not because of his issues with Claire Shaw but for his family. Old Master Quinn tightly gripped his cane, his face both excited and grief-stricken. Only finding a piece of the plane implies it has disintegrated? If the plane disintegrated mid-air, chances of survival for those inside would be virtually nil. "Dad, don’t overthink it first, Grandpa Ford’s people and I will go and take a look." Hugo held Old Master’s hand; despite his excessiveness and stubbornness in certain matters, he always remained faithful to his wife. Zachary Quinn’s hand trembled, slowly covering Hugo’s hand. "Alright, you help me go and see what the actual situation is." Old Master Ford summoned them because of this matter, and his people were about to set off on a private plane; if Hugo was going, he’d have to prepare now. Claire Shaw walked over in a business suit; her university major was in minor languages, being proficient in eight languages, always working in foreign translation, so naturally, Old Master Ford would have her go this time. Hugo called Eleanor, intending to tell her he was about to go abroad. But Eleanor never answered; he hurriedly sent a text message and boarded the Ford Family’s private plane. Eleanor came out of the bathroom to see the missed call, but upon calling back, the phone was off; she opened her inbox and saw Hugo’s message, just a brief dozen words. ——I won’t be home tonight, so rest early. She felt a tremor inside, realizing she also received a message from Claire Shaw—a picture. The picture showed Hugo chatting with Old Master Ford, looking quite amiable. ——Eleanor, I’ll be with Hugo tonight; don’t wait for him. Eleanor suddenly didn’t know whether she should believe her words, yet Hugo indeed said he wouldn’t come home, were they really together? She couldn’t sleep, dialing his phone also resulted in the same off status. Deep into the night, she dreamed of Hugo and Claire Shaw tossing and turning in bed, the scene so vivid it felt like it was unfolding right before her eyes. Eleanor shivered awake. Rain fell outside, she picked up her phone for a look, still no missed calls; she dialed Hugo’s phone again, still off. Her eyes gleamed with a hint of disappointment, leaving the room lights on, planning to endure until dawn. Meanwhile, Hugo had reached the South Sea island, gathering alongside people from various countries, everyone investigating that piece of wreckage, yet currently, no definitive data showed what actually happened to the plane back then. The area surrounding the wreckage was cordoned off, unauthorized personnel kept away, except for investigation officers dispatched by their nations. Hugo came with the Ford Family, who were representatives from Z country, so approaching the plane was effortless. It was a segment of the plane wing, half submerged in the sea, and one side completely scorched; if not scrutinized, one would never distinguish it was once part of an aircraft. Beside him, Claire Shaw conversed with the island’s indigenous people, soon securing accommodations for the night. "Hugo, there might be other remains around here, so all plan to stay and look further on the island; come on, the accommodations are set." Claire spoke gently, cherishing the time spent with him. Hugo nodded, touched the charred wing, and followed the rest of the Ford Family.