“Where did she abandon the vehicle?” Ryder shifted his focus, contemplating methods to locate her. She had departed to an undisclosed location, presumably to a person she trusted. He was confident he could identify who that was.
The correspondence indicates Sienna Evans.
Ryder furrowed his brow, “Sienna Evans,” he pondered aloud, then sighed, “Stella.” He directed his gaze towards Luca, disregarding the heightened concern evident on his sister’s face, now that she had heard him mention his son. “You possess Stella’s information, correct?”
“I will contact her, although I probably will not succeed; however, I observed the man retrieving his phone.”
“Stella serves as Brianna’s Assistant Manager, and they share a close relationship,” Ryder informed Nathan as they waited.
Nathan enquired, “Where else do you believe she will go?”
“Your conjecture is as valid as mine in this instance. I will instruct my associates to contact her other locations. She may have travelled to Olympia or Los Angeles. I will update you, Nathan,” he concluded the call, closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly, a fugitive evading capture with no discernible scent to pursue, not even resembling a rogue, which was quite unfortunate.
Luca frowned and enquired, “What?” after the man ended the call.
“Voicemail.”
The individual informed the hotel receptionist of their desire to extend their stay by at least one additional night, possibly two, rather than checking out. Subsequently, they transported her to her store in Colorado. Upon arrival, he entered the establishment and observed an unfamiliar woman behind the counter smiling at him. Fortune may be favouring him.
Observed her name tag reading ‘Maria’
“Good morning, Maria,” he said with a smile, noticing her heart rate accelerate. He smiled slightly more as he leaned against the counter, drawing nearer to her. “I am searching for Stella; the audacious woman left me waiting.”
I detected a hint of disappointment in her tone. “Oh! She must have neglected to inform you. She is in Denver for her sister’s wedding and will not return until Wednesday.”
“Ah, indeed mischievous of her. I shall administer a punishment upon her return,” he chuckled softly, his tone suggesting a playful bedroom reprimand. “You wouldn’t happen to possess the contact number for her current location, would you?” he enquired, observing the woman nod in affirmation.
“I possess it, should an emergency arise.”
“Oh, would you not simply contact Brianna for that?” he remarked nonchalantly, suggesting familiarity with her.
“No, Stella oversees all operations.”
“Could I obtain that number for Stella? She requires a mischievous phone call,” he said, winking directly at Maria.
She blushed upon comprehending his implication and nodded, “Give me a moment; I will transcribe it for you.” Subsequently, she did precisely that, recording two numbers, which prompted him to raise an eyebrow in response.
“That is her family residence number where she is residing, and that is the work mobile device she consistently carries.”
“Thank you, Maria. Please convey my regards to Brianna,” he said as he pushed himself off the counter.
“I will do so upon encountering her.”
“Not present today, then?”
No, not for some time; I have heard about remote work.
“Inform her that Ryder sends his regards the next time you encounter her.” He observed the woman’s eyes widen slightly and smiled as she realised she had inadvertently disclosed information to a man she should not have.
“Ryder who?” she enquired, exhibiting concern.
“Wood,” he remarked, “Thank you for the information, Maria; you were exceedingly helpful.” He smirked directly at her before sauntering out the door. Humans often struggled to maintain their composure when confronted with his gaze and charismatic smile, and he had employed both to his advantage with that woman.
“I obtained two contact numbers for Stella in Denver. There is no information regarding Brianna. However, I suspect that the woman inside is now apprehensive about being terminated,” he chuckled to himself.
Reclined in the car seat and dialled the work mobile number. It connected on the fourth ring: “Goddess Gowns, Stella speaking.”
“Sienna Evans?” he employed her complete name to confirm that Sienna was indeed Stella.
“Indeed, how can I assist you?”
“Where is Brianna, Stella?”
“I have no remarks for you. Mr. Wood, I assume.”
“Should you refrain from informing me, I shall approach you.”
She laughed, saying, “Proceed, come and locate me. Best of luck with that.”
He smiled to himself, “Maria was quite candid, Stella. You are in Denver for your sister’s wedding.”
“Foolish woman,” he overheard her murmur, “Even if you arrive here, I will not disclose what you seek, as I am unaware.”
“I do not believe you,” Ryder stated plainly, and he genuinely did not.
