Chapter 879
879:
After a pause, Collin knelt and gently wiped the boy’s cheeks.
“Hey, it’s okay. Maybe they’re just caught up in something. Doesn’t mean they don’t care.”
With warmth in his voice, he added, “Why don’t you come home with me for now? We’ll find Mommy and your sister together.”
Eyes wide and full of heartbreak, Zander looked up at him.
“You really think you can find them, bad man?” he asked through heavy sobs.
Collin held back the urge to correct him. This wasn’t the time for titles or pride. Instead, he softened his tone and offered the only thing he could right now—a quiet, steady smile.
“That’s right,” Collin said with a small nod. “You saw them this morning, didn’t you? My team’s good—really good. If anyone can find your mom and sister, it’s them.”
Images of Collin’s capable staff flashed through Zander’s mind. Their quiet efficiency and sharp uniforms had left an impression.
For the first time, something shifted in his expression. “Okay… I’ll believe you this once.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to come home with me?” Collin asked, making sure to keep his tone as gentle as possible so he wouldn’t scare Zander.
Rather than answer right away, Zander looked down at his shoes, lips pursed in thought. A few quiet moments passed before he gave a slow, thoughtful nod.
That one gesture was enough to ease the tension in Collin’s chest. He exhaled and opened his arms with a small smile. “Come here. I’ll carry you.”
Find what you love at gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸𝗼𝗺
The offer brought back a memory for Zander—Collin’s arms had felt oddly safe the last time. He hesitated for just a second before stepping forward. Without saying a word, he tucked himself into the man’s arms, letting himself be lifted once more.
“You know… I still don’t know your name,” Zander mumbled.
Collin glanced at the boy’s flushed face. He recalled that the little girl’s name was Zenia.
Zander introduced himself to Collin, telling him his name.
An eyebrow arched slightly as Collin spoke. “Can I call you Zander?”
“Sure…” Zander mumbled.
Dustin showed up just as Collin stepped out of the hotel room with Zander in his arms.
“What happened here?” he asked, glancing around the vacant suite, confusion written all over his face. “But where’s the boy’s mother?”
Collin didn’t respond right away. He didn’t want to say anything in front of Zander. “I’ll fill you in later. First, find out if Linsey reserved this suite. Also, get your hands on the security footage—see exactly when she left.”
“Understood.”
Collin brought Zander to his apartment near the company. Since Linsey’s departure, he hadn’t visited Vista Villa much. This place was modest—nothing like the villa he used to live in.
By the time they arrived, Zander had dozed off in Collin’s arms, worn out from all the crying. Collin gently slipped off the boy’s coat and shoes, placed him on the bed in the main room, and pulled the covers over him.
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