radicalducati Chapter 597: Leave It To Me
Chapter 597: Leave It To Me
The comments below hit like a punch across his face. Each one felt like a noose tightening around his neck.
“I’ve stayed at the Lawson Hotel before. Honestly, it’s overrated. Edenfield Hotel or Evans Group’s places are way better.”
“I just hope Reese is okay. These rumors are scary. Fans are already showing up at the hotel, trying to find her.”
“Isn’t it weird, though? Why is everyone suddenly looking for her? Are we even sure she checked in?”
“You haven’t heard? The media swarmed the place this morning. Word is, Phoenix Alliance Group’s president had an affair with Reese. Reporters stormed the room, but she was gone. That’s when things blew up.”
“My friend said the room was booked under Reese’s name, but she never showed. Turns out, the reservation was actually for the president of Phoenix Alliance Group. And this morning, he publicly announced his engagement to the owner of Emerald Artists Agency, they’re getting married.”
Blake’s gaze darkened as he absorbed the posts, his mind turning fast. A slow smirk tugged at his lips. “No matter where Reese is, Dave’s the perfect scapegoat. Let’s toss in more fuel and let this thing spread.”
Ashley let out a mocking laugh. “That’s your plan? Careful, Blake. You might end up getting burned, too.”
Blake shot her a cold look. “And you, Ms. Brenda McGee, maybe focus on your own game. If you’re really that smart, go figure out how to cozy up to Dave.”
Ashley chuckled. “I do have a plan, but it depends on whether your slip-up ends up making me look guilty.”
Blake fiddled with his tie. “It’s just a coincidence. Reese doesn’t know anything about who you really are or what we’re working on. I’ll go after Reese. You take care of your part.”
Ashley gave a sly smile and walked toward the stairs in her high heels. She had things to do.
She needed to choose a management company for their upcoming public project. But it couldn’t be just any agency. She couldn’t jump on Emerald Artists Agency or Phoenix Entertainment right away. She had to make a list based on the guests from last night’s event.
Her smile widened. “Even if they’re suspicious, no one would ever imagine that Brenda McGee is actually Ashley Scott.”
At the same time, Blake got into his car. Dark clouds rolled in, and rain began to fall out of nowhere.
“Today’s weather is horrible,” he muttered, feeling the tension rise. He pulled off his tie and called his trusted assistant. “Did you get my message? Reese is still useful. Don’t hurt her.”
“Yes, Mr. Lawson. We got your message, but we haven’t found her yet.”
Blake’s eyes turned cold. “You haven’t found her? Weren’t you tracking her in the slums?”
“The area’s too messy, and the signal got jammed,” the aide said, glancing at the six-story building in front of him. The halls were filthy, wires hung everywhere, and people wandered around in vests and slippers.
“This place is full of drifters. No one knows Reese or remembers seeing her.”
Blake’s frown deepened. “If the signal was jammed, maybe you were too loud and scared someone off. Check the nearby cameras for any suspicious vehicles.”
He ended the call and rolled down the car window. The rain hit his face, cooling him off. The fresh air helped him think.
It didn’t feel like Reese had betrayed him. It was more likely someone took her. And he was sure Dave was behind it.
“The drug in the wine worked. Dave was knocked out last night. Someone must’ve helped him.” Blake clenched his jaw. Frustration simmered. “How does a guy like him always escape all the schemes?”
“Sir, should we close the window? The rain’s starting to come in…” the driver said, his voice fading as he caught Blake’s expression in the rearview mirror.
“Stop the car!” Blake ordered, his voice sharp as he rolled up the window.
If Reese was missing, maybe Bianca had some answers. Reese worked at Emerald Artists Agency; they had to be looking for her, too. If not, it meant either Bianca had already found her or someone from Dave’s side had tipped them off. If both sides were in the dark, then someone else had stepped in, saved Dave, and taken Reese.
Rushing in blind wouldn’t help. Blake took a deep breath and pulled himself together.
“Turn around. We’re going to Emerald Artists Agency.” He clasped his hands, a soft smile forming as he began to strategize.
As long as Reese hadn’t turned against him, she wouldn’t give him away so easily. That gave him time to move.
He called Bianca. “Hey, Bianca, are you at the office? I’m on my way.”
****
Wyatt did a double-take when he saw Zane again. He looked like he’d just walked out of a refugee camp. If Dave hadn’t pointed him out, Wyatt wouldn’t have known it was him.
In the backseat, Bianca was scrolling through Twitter, looking for any updates about Reese.
“I didn’t think what happened this morning would spread online this fast. I wonder what the reporters are saying. Even without pictures, the story’s already everywhere,” she said.
Many people claimed they had a friend who could confirm what happened. Bianca figured those were probably the reporters themselves, especially with how detailed the posts were.
“This is getting out of hand. People are pushing their luck just to fuel the drama,” Dave said to Zane, frustration in his voice. “Use Reese’s phone. Post something on Twitter to shut the rumors down.”
Zane grinned, the lines on his face deepening. “Leave it to me.”
Just then, Bianca’s phone rang. Blake’s name flashed on the screen.
Dave and Zane froze, looking at each other before silently closing their mouths.
Bianca waited a moment, thinking, then answered the call.
“Blake? What’s going on?” she said, trying to sound relaxed. “I’m not at the office right now. If you’re heading there, I can ask Diana to meet you. I’ll be back later.”
Blake’s voice came through the other end quickly, filled with worry.
“Bianc, are you out looking for Reese? I saw the news trending on Twitter. Her disappearance is ruining Lawson Hotel’s image. Fans are panicking, guests are leaving, and I’m trying to find her, too. Do you know where she is? Her phone’s been off all day.”
His voice made it clear that whatever happened to Reese was hitting him hard.