Chapter 112
Sean POV
The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, casting long shadows across the desk where financial reports lay untouched. I'd been staring at the same page for twenty minutes, my mind elsewhere.
Yesterday afternoon, I waited for Angela until 9 PM. Then my mother, Victoria, called, urging me to attend a dinner banquet. I had intended to cancel, but she insisted-it was crucial for a key quarterly business deal.
Before departing, I had made sure to leave my phone number with that woman called Olivia.
"If Angela comes back, tell her I want to see her," I had instructed, my voice betraying none of the urgency I felt. "This is my personal number. Contact me immediately if you hear anything."
The memory of waiting in that brownstone, so close yet so far from Angela, had kept me awake most of the night. Five years of searching, and she had slipped through my fingers again.
Thomas knocked softly before entering my office. "Mr. Shaw, your car is ready. Your lunch appointment is in forty minutes."
"I'll be leaving now," I replied, rising from my chair and adjusting my tie. "I prefer to arrive early."
The private dining room door had just opened, I turned immediately, hope rising in my chest only to be crushed when Olivia entered alone.
"Mr. Shaw, hello," she greeted warmly, approaching with a confident smile. "I didn't expect you to arrive so early."
I didn't bother returning her greeting, my eyes searching the empty space behind her. "Where is Angela?"
Olivia's smile faltered. She set her designer handbag on the table, her expression a mixture of nervousness and awkwardness.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Shaw. Angela couldn't make it. She had... other commitments." Olivia settled into a chair, gesturing for me to do the same. "But don't worry, I spoke with her last night about your wish to meet. She's forgiven your behavior from the other night."
I remained standing, studying her face. The slight twitch at the corner of her mouth told me she had never mentioned to Angela about my desire to meet. She was lying!
"She said that?" I asked, my voice deceptively calm. "She specifically said she forgives me?"
"Yes, of course," Olivia replied, her fingers nervously adjusting her napkin.
A cold laugh escaped me. "Hmm."
I buttoned my suit jacket in one fluid motion. This meeting was pointless. I was being played, and I had no time for games.
"I need to go," I said flatly, already heading for the door.
"Wait!" Olivia called after me. "What about lunch? I thought-"
I didn't slow my pace as I strode through the restaurant, ignoring the curious glances from other diners. Outside, I pulled out my phone and dialed Thomas's number.
"I need information on Angela Wilson," I instructed as I slid into the waiting car. " Check all high-end hotels, starting with The Four Seasons and The Plaza."
As the car pulled away from the curb, I glimpsed Olivia rushing out of the restaurant, looking flustered. My phone rang moments later, her name flashing on the screen.
"Yes?" I answered, keeping my voice neutral despite my growing irritation.
"Mr. Shaw, what just happened?" Olivia's voice was breathless. "Did I say something wrong? Is it because Angela couldn't come? I'm really sorry if I misled you, but the truth is, Angela moved out of my place last night with Christopher Blake. I couldn't exactly discuss you in front of him..."
At the mention of Christopher Blake's name, my body reacted before my mind could process the information. My foot slammed onto the brake pedal, causing the car to screech to a halt in the middle of the street. Horns blared around us as traffic swerved to avoid collision.
"Christopher Blake?" The name felt like acid on my tongue.
"Yes, Christopher Blake," Olivia confirmed, oblivious to the chaos she had just caused. "They've known each other for years. He's been very supportive of her and the children-"
I ended the call abruptly, my mind racing. Christopher Blake-my former friend, my business rival, the man who had always looked at Angela with poorly disguised longing. Of course he would be there to pick up the pieces when she returned.
How far had their relationship progressed?
Were they living together?
Had they married?
But I hadn't seen any news about Christopher dating or marrying anyone. And I'd never seen Angela attending any of his business functions.
If they were truly together, why would they keep it hidden?
But regardless of all that, I couldn't forget Angela's words during our last meeting five years ago, when she had looked me in the eye and said, "I love him. I love Christopher."
Three hours later, I received a call from Thomas. "I found her, sir. She's reportedly staying at the Four Seasons Hotel."
Without wasting a moment, I headed straight to the Four Seasons. Inside, I made a beeline for the reception desk.
"I need to speak with Angela Wilson," I stated without preamble. "What room is she in?"
The receptionist's smile remained fixed, though her eyes reflected caution. "I'm sorry, sir, but we cannot disclose guest information. Hotel policy."
Thomas stepped forward. "This is Sean Shaw, CEO of Shaw Group. It's an urgent business matter."
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a group of businessmen nudging each other and pointing in my direction.
"That's Sean Shaw," one whispered loudly enough for me to hear. "Shaw Group's CEO. He was on the cover of Forbes last year. They say getting an interview with him is nearly impossible."
The receptionist's expression remained professionally neutral. "I understand, Mr. Shaw, but I still cannot provide that information. The most I can tell you is that Ms. Wilson has already checked out. She left early this morning."
The news hit me like a physical blow, though I maintained my composure. After five years of searching, I had come tantalizingly close, only to miss her again.
"Did she leave any forwarding information?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"No, sir, she did not."
I nodded once, turning away from the desk. I felt a surge of anger coursing through me.
"Thomas," I said as we exited the hotel, "call Blake Capital. I want a meeting with Christopher Blake. Today."