Chapter 59

Jake's POV

Walking into the restaurant, I saw Selena's friend, presumably waiting for me. A whirlwind of thoughts raced through my head. My mother was calling, demanding to speak with Selena. The press was waiting for her. And here I was, hoping this friend could shed light on Selena's whereabouts.

I joined her at the table. She offered a curt nod as I sat down, already having ordered a drink. She took a long sip and settled back in her chair. "So, here we are," she said. "Why were you blowing up my phone? I won't bother asking how you got my number."

"Selena," I uttered urgently.

"Where is she?" Hillary countered, though logically, the question should have been coming from me.

"You came for her things that night, and now she's vanished," I accused.

Hillary shrugged her narrow shoulders. "She asked me to help her get her things, and I did. But I'm not responsible for where she is. Selena's an independent lady, with a mind of her own." She opened her purse, retrieved a small, white fol