Chapter 154

Eleanor's POV

I watched as Le Jardin's private chef meticulously arranged the last dish on the dining table. The subtle aroma of truffle and herbs filled the apartment, but my attention was fixed on the delicate bone china soup bowl I'd specifically chosen for Serena. She'd grown so thin lately, her wrists as fragile as fine porcelain.

"The temperature will hold perfectly, Ms. Yates," the chef assured me, adjusting the warming plate. "I've included extra portions of the bone broth, as requested."

"Thank you." I checked my phone again - 8:55 PM. "That will be all."

After he left, I circled the table, adjusting everything to perfection. The silverware gleamed under the pendant lights, each piece perfectly aligned. Serena would probably tell me I was fussing too much, but she'd been pushing herself too hard lately. Someone had to look after her, even if she wouldn't look after herself.

Nine o'clock came and went. The candles burning lower. I'd canceled a client meeting for this dinner. The knot in my stomach was growing as I kept checking my phone.

By nine thirty, the unease had morphed into something darker. Serena's phone went straight to voicemail - again. This wasn't like her at all. Even during her busiest days, she never completely disconnected. She was too careful, too conscious of potential business emergencies.

"Something's wrong," I muttered to the silent apartment.

I grabbed my keys and coat, hands shaking slightly as I punched the elevator button. The ride down to the parking garage felt endless. In my Range Rover, I gripped the steering wheel so tight my knuckles went white, trying to focus on breathing as I navigated through evening traffic toward StarRiver Group's headquarters.

The massive glass tower loomed ahead, its upper floors still illuminated despite the hour. I barely remembered to grab my visitor's pass before rushing through security. The elevator ride to the executive floor was torture, each floor number lighting up with agonizing slowness.

When the doors finally opened, I nearly collided with Vincent Chadwick. He stumbled back, startled by my sudden appearance.

"Ms. Yates? I wasn't expecting-"

"Where's Serena?" I cut him off, scanning the empty office space beyond.

Vincent straightened his tie, composure returning. "The CEO left hours ago. Around Five, I believe."

"Hours ago?" My voice rose sharply. "What about her evening appointments?"

"She canceled everything," he replied, frowning slightly. "Said she wasn't feeling well."

Ice formed in my stomach. Serena never admitted to feeling unwell, not unless something was seriously wrong. "Did she say where she was going?"

"No, just that she needed to handle some personal matters."

"Personal matters?" I echoed incredulously. "Serena doesn't have 'personal matters.' She lives and breathes this company."

Vincent shifted uncomfortably. "Well, she seemed... distracted today. After the meeting with legal about the Chapman situation-"

"Chapman?" My head snapped up. "What situation?"

But Vincent was already backing away, clearly realizing he'd said too much. "I'm sorry, Ms. Yates, but I really can't discuss company matters..."

I barely heard his excuses as I rushed back to the elevator, my mind racing. Back in my car, I sat motionless for a long moment, trying to think through the fog of panic. My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone, scrolling to Lucas's number.

The call connected on the second ring.

"Eleanor?" His deep voice was touched with surprise.

"Lucas," I choked out, tears suddenly threatening. "Serena's missing."

"What?" His tone sharpened instantly.

"She's gone! I've been waiting at home with dinner, but she never showed. Her phone's off - it's never off, Lucas! I went to StarRiver, but she left hours ago. Her secretary mentioned something about Chapman, but won't tell me more. She canceled all her meetings, said she wasn't feeling well, but you know her - she'd have to be dying to admit that!"

"Eleanor." His voice cut through my rambling. "Slow down. When was the last time anyone saw her?"

"Around Five, according to Vincent. But Lucas... she doesn't do this. She doesn't just disappear. Something's wrong. I can feel it."

There was a brief silence, then: "Stay where you are. I'm making some calls."

"But-"

"Eleanor." His tone brooked no argument. "Stay in your car. I'll call you back in five minutes."

The line went dead. I stared at the dark screen, feeling completely helpless.

A security guard passed by, giving my car a curious look. I realized I was crying, tears sliding silently down my cheeks.

My phone lit up with Lucas's callback, and I grabbed it like a lifeline.

"Lucas?"

"She was at the police station." His voice was tight with controlled tension. "Something about filing charges against Chapman. That was about four hours ago."

"The police station? Why didn't she-"

"Eleanor, listen carefully. I need you to go home. I'll handle this."

"But I can help! I could-"

"Go home," he repeated firmly. "If she contacts you, call me immediately. Otherwise, stay put and let me work. Understood?"

I wanted to argue, to insist on doing something, anything. But the steel in his voice told me it would be useless. "Understood," I whispered.