Liam Winston had initially harbored deep resentment toward the Sullivan family.
But now, his expression softened slightly.
"Thank you for your assistance, Mrs. Sullivan and young Master Sullivan."
"If the Winston family can be of service in the future, perhaps we can truly collaborate."
Amelia Sullivan carried herself with impeccable grace—even someone as temperamental as Ethan Sullivan was handled with ease.
Her emotional intelligence was undeniably high.
Amelia smiled gently. "In that case, we shall take our leave now."
"Safe travels, Mrs. Sullivan."
"No need to see us out."
The moment the car door closed, Amelia's warm smile vanished completely.
It was replaced by icy detachment.
The instant Zachary Sullivan settled into the car, he received a sharp slap across the face.
"Spouting nonsense in public—have I taught you nothing all these years?"
Amelia's eyes burned with frustration.
"After finally succeeding today, if you dare slip up, you’ll regret it when we get home!"
Zachary clutched his cheek, not daring to utter a word.
Amelia’s tone suddenly softened as she reached over to straighten his collar.
To an outsider, she might have appeared the picture of a doting mother.
"Zachary, that Chloe Evans is trouble. Stay away from her."
"If any scandal breaks out, you know the consequences."
She knew her son’s nature all too well.
The way Zachary looked at Chloe was filled with undisguised desire.
Amelia could tolerate her son’s dalliances.
But she would never allow him to entangle himself with such a scheming woman.
Zachary lowered his voice. "I understand, Mother."
——
Inside the VIP lounge, Sophia Sullivan was about to seek out Ethan.
Pushing the door open, she found the man’s face dark with fury, his entire aura radiating menace.
"If anything happens to Emma, I’ll bury all of you with her."
Ethan pressed his fingers to his temple, his knuckles white.
"What exactly happened?"
The subordinate kneeling on the floor hung his head in shame, offering no excuses.
"Miss Watson and Miss Emma were originally in the lounge."
"We thought everything was fine, but when we opened the door again, the young lady was gone!"
Ian Watson also knelt on the ground, his expression grave.
"President Sullivan, I apologize."
"Emma said she was thirsty. I went to the next room to get water, and in that instant, she was taken."
Ethan’s headache throbbed violently.
Suppressing his rage, he ordered, "Find her. Now."
Ian responded immediately.
"We’ve already sealed off the entire venue."
"Every vehicle entering or exiting is being checked. We won’t overlook any leads!"
Just then, Sophia stepped inside.
"If you don’t mind, President Sullivan, I’d like to assist as well."
She hadn’t expected the competition to go awry, let alone Emma’s disappearance.
Seeing her, Ethan’s agitation eased slightly. "I appreciate your help, Miss Sullivan."
"Of course. I’m very fond of Emma."
Sophia moved toward the lounge without hesitation.
Her demeanor was calm, her professional instincts taking over.
She ran her fingers along the sofa, then brought them to her nose.
"Anesthetic. The latest formula."
"Extremely potent—knocks someone out within seconds."
Sophia frowned as she calculated.
"But the effects are short-lived. A significant dose would be required."
"If someone tampered with the lounge, the drug would’ve taken about an hour to dissipate."
Suddenly, her eyes sharpened.
"Check all vehicles that entered or exited an hour ago. Focus on those heading north!"