Chapter 78: Fruitless Search

MAVIS

"Isabel? Hello? Are you there?" I repeated in frustration, drawing the phone away from my ear. Much to my surprise, the call had already been disconnected, leaving me to stare at the screen with a mixture of confusion and disappointment.

The unexpected end to our conversation only added to the growing unease that had been building within me. It was embarrassing to me that the receptionist was watching as my step-sister disconnected the call without letting me finish talking.

"Sir, if I may ask, did Miss Isabel happen to provide you with her address before the call ended?" The receptionist inquired, with a tone of concern. He could have sensed my consternation as I stood there, grappling with the abrupt termination of the phone conversation.

I shook my head in response, "Unfortunately, no." I forced a smile to show that it was something I could handle. "She's a little upset with me, but we can talk it over when we meet,"

Smiling at me, he responded. "Alright, so, is th