Chapter 25

Gael swiftly cut her off, his patience running thin. "Just stop. Where is she? I've not seen her since I got back," he demanded, his voice more composed but still holding a hint of urgency.

Linda's response came with a sense of uncertainty. "Neither have I, sir. It seems like she stepped out and hasn't returned," she informed him, her voice carrying a mix of remorse for her previous action.

"It's alright, you can go," Gael dismissed her, acknowledging her presence before turning his back to her.

Linda nodded and quietly exited the study, leaving Gael alone with his thoughts. His mind filled with a growing sense of unease and worry.

He wondered where Elma could have gone and why she didn't inform him.

Without wasting another moment, he retrieved his cell phone and dialed Elma's number, hoping for her to pick up.

************

Elma found herself in a state of tipsiness after joining Chloe in consuming multiple shots of tequila, adding to the glasses of vodka she had already indulge