Alec's explanation rang hollow, though. Yet, he couldn't come up with a convincing story since Jarrod had simply vanished into thin air, leaving even him clueless about Jarrod's whereabouts.

With Jarrod's phone off the grid, Alec resorted to quickly inventing excuses while he scrambled to uncover the truth.

In a bid to placate Vicki's growing concern, Alec motioned to the secretary, who arrived bearing a bag from a fancy jewelry brand. With a coaxing tone, he presented it to Vicki. "Here's something Mr. Schultz had me order for you a while back. He meant to hand it over himself, but with his abrupt departure, he asked me to pass it on. He promised more surprises upon his return."

Vicki peered into the box, catching sight of the latest Limited edition “Love of the Century" necklace from the esteemed jewelry brand. It wasn't something just anyone with deep pockets could snag.

The releases were all exclusive editions, requiring a certain status to acquire.

Vicki's vanity tingled with satisfaction, but beneath the surface, a flicker of irritation remained. She lifted her gaze to Alec, questioning, "Did he really order this?"

Alec maintained his composure, replying, "Absolutely. It was a special request from Mr. Schultz."

Actually, Jarrod hadn't personally selected these jewelry pieces.

That wasn't his style. Instead, he'd simply handed Alec a card and left the details in Alec's capable hands.

Whenever Vicki found herself discontent, Alec's solution was to shower her with gifts. Thus, since their engagement, Vicki had received meticulously chosen presents, those she assumed prepared by Jarrod but actually by Alec, for every occasion. It had helped to alleviate her frustration to some extent.

Observing Vicki's demeanor soften, Alec continued to gently reason with her, "Miss Hampton, Mr. Schultz deeply regrets any inconvenience caused, but he was conducting business, intending to secure a better future for you. I hope you'll understand."

Vicki, the hopeless romantic, found herself utterly infatuated at that moment, making her remarkably easy to placate. Her ire swiftly dissipated. “Alright, I get it. Alec, do you know where Jarrod has gone to? He left so quickly. I'm worried he forgot something important. I'm thinking of flying over to bring some things for him."

Upon hearing this, Alec swiftly waved his hands. "No worries, Miss Hampton. Mr. Schultz has got an assistant traveling with him. They'll see to all his needs. Plus, who knows? He might be back in a day or two. You just wait at home."

Alec finally managed to send Vicki away, heaving a long sigh of relief. He then tried calling Jarrod again, but silence greeted him.

Alec found himself utterly baffled, clueless about Jarrod's whereabouts. At the very least, a heads-up would've been nice, so Alec could brace himself for whatever was coming.

As Vicki settled into the car, just as the driver was about to pull away, they were halted by an unexpected interruption.

Vicki glanced over and recognized the face, prompting her to instruct the driver to lower the window.

Outside, Deniz wore a hypocritical smile. "Miss Hampton, it's been a while. How've you been holding up?"

Vicki didn't hold a favorable opinion of Deniz. Rumors had it that this old man had quite the reputation as a womanizer, and there were whispers of him mistreating his wife upon his return.

Vicki's aunt, ached for her sister's suffering amid the marriage with Deniz, had allocated some projects of the Hampton Group to Deniz in a bit to shield her sister from Deniz's abusive behavior.