Chapter 227

"What's going on, Caroline? Spill it, don't leave me hanging."

My face was pale, and I bit my lip hard. "Alfonso... he knows where my kid is."

Savannah's eyes widened immediately.

"How does he know? Is it true?"

"I don't know. He said Brandon told him when he was drunk."

"But Alfonso wouldn't dare use this to threaten me for the highway project unless it was true."

"Dammit, I'm going in there to kill that bastard right now."

Savannah, in a fit of rage, was about to storm into the restaurant.

I quickly grabbed her arm and shook my head. "Don't provoke him. If he really knows where my kid is, he could do anything. We have to play it cool."

Savannah clenched her teeth, realizing the gravity of the situation. "So, what do we do? Let Alfonso threaten us? Give him the highway project? We can't let that scumbag win."

I nodded. "Don't worry, I have a plan. Call Royce."

Savannah nodded and dialed Royce's number, then handed me the phone.

"Royce."

My voice was filled with panic, and he picked up on it immediately.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Royce's voice was urgent. "Caroline, you're scaring me."

"Alfonso knows where my missing kid is. He said Brandon told him when he was drunk."

"He's using it to blackmail me into giving him the highway project."

As I said this, I felt my vision blur and my heart race uncontrollably.

My hand shook, and I didn't hear what Royce said next. The phone slipped from my grasp and fell into the car.

Everything went black, and I passed out.

The last thing I remembered was Savannah's frantic shouting.

When I woke up, the hospital room was empty.

I was momentarily confused, then the memories came flooding back.

My heart had raced so fast that I had fainted.

Just then, Royce walked in with a cup of warm water.

He saw me and his eyes softened. "You're awake? Here, drink some water."

I looked at him in surprise. "How did you get here? Weren't you on a business trip?"

Royce sighed. "You scared me to death. The call went dead, and Savannah told me you passed out. I had her take you to the hospital while I rushed over."

"I couldn't get here any faster."

I took the cup from him and smiled weakly. "Sorry for the trouble."

He brushed a thumb across my lips. "Don't smile. If you need to cry, just cry."

His words broke the dam, and I started sobbing uncontrollably.

Royce pulled me into his arms, letting me cry on his shoulder.

I buried my face in his neck, feeling utterly broken.

"Royce, what do we do? Why did Alfonso have to find out? If he threatens my kid's safety, what can I do?"

"Do I have no choice but to give him the highway project?"

"I don't want to give in."

I cried for a long time.

Royce patiently listened, his hand gently rubbing my back.

"It's okay, remember what I said? I'm here for you."

I gradually stopped crying and looked at him, sniffling. "What do we do? Do we really have to give in to Alfonso?"

He smiled gently. "Who said that?"

"I haven't had a chance to tell you, but I've been investigating the child's whereabouts. I have a lead."

My eyes lit up as I looked at Royce. "Really?"

"Yes. I've been looking into it. Karen had close contact with someone from a fishing village around the time you gave birth."

"I suspect she might have taken your child there. But there are hundreds of fishing villages near Skyview City, each with children who have been trafficked, adopted, or fostered. We have to check each one."

"It will take time, which is why I didn't tell you earlier."

"But now Simon has provided a description of the child's features. I'm confident we'll find him."

I stared at Royce, stunned by his words.

He wiped away my tears with his thumb. "What's wrong? Are you in shock or just happy?"

"I told you I'd help you find your child. When have I ever broken a promise?"

A surge of emotion welled up inside me.

I suddenly leaned forward and kissed Royce hard on the lips. "Thank you."

Royce was taken aback, seemingly unable to believe what I had just done.

I had kissed him so forcefully that I had cut his lip, and it was bleeding.

His eyes darkened, and he grabbed the back of my neck to kiss me again.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

The intimate moment was interrupted, and Royce sighed deeply, letting go of my neck. "Come in."

Savannah walked in, holding some papers.

"Mr. Castillo, the doctor said Caroline fainted from extreme stress. She just needs to rest and avoid getting too upset."

She then noticed I was awake and looked surprised. "Caroline, you're awake?"

"Why were you crying?"

I wiped my tears and turned away, embarrassed by the blood on Royce's lip.

Savannah didn't seem to notice the tension between us. "Caroline, don't worry. We'll find your child. Trust Royce."

"We won't let Alfonso get away with this. He'll pay for what he's done."

Royce sighed deeply. "Did you come in just to say that?"

Savannah looked confused. "Didn't you ask me to check with the doctor?"

For the first time, I saw a look of exasperation on Royce's face. He usually had everything under control, so this was surprising.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, since I'm fine, let's get out of here before my mom finds out."

"How long was I out?"

"Five hours. Don't worry, I've arranged everything at home. Kathy is covering for you, saying you're out with friends and might be home late."

I nodded, relieved that Kathy was there.

"Are you done?"

Royce suddenly asked, looking directly at Savannah.