CHAPTER 767

Cedrick knew Gwendolyn well enough to be aware that she would stop her car and contact emergency services if she encountered a stranger in danger or in need of help. However, she would never allow an unfamiliar person into her car.

As Cedrick examined the surveillance camera screens, his breathing grew heavy. It was evident to him that the person in the car was intentionally trying to avoid being captured by the public surveillance cameras.

While Cedrick could make out some details, such as a muscular physique and a partially visible shoulder, he couldn’t determine the man’s identity.

Salinsburgh had recently experienced a surge in mysterious incidents, placing an increased workload on the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Analyzing the scene, Cedrick concluded, “There are no signs of a struggle or any potential weapons that could be connected to a crime. It is possible that the man is indeed an acquaintance of Gwenny’s.”

He turned to Swain and instructed, “Check with the nearby businesses around the bridge and inquire if any of them have outdoor surveillance cameras installed. We might obtain valuable footage that can shed light on the situation.”

It could potentially be their first breakthrough in the investigation.

“You’re right, Boss. I’ll be right on it.”

As Swain prepared to leave, he felt a moment of concern for Cedrick’s well-being. He paused at the door and reminded, “Boss, I understand you’re anxious, but please take care of yourself too. It’s winter, the rain is freezing cold, and you’re still soaking wet. We wouldn’t want you falling sick before finding Mrs. Jenson.”

Cedrick’s stern look silenced Swain.

“All right, I’m off.” He shrugged and exited the room.

Despite his damp hair and dripping clothes since his return from the canyon, Cedrick chose to ignore his discomfort.

He reached for a pack of cigarettes from the drawer, something he hadn’t done in years since becoming a parent.

However, that night, he decided to indulge, knowing he wouldn’t be seeing the kids and, therefore, wouldn’t need to worry about smelling like nicotine.

With his lighter in hand, he lit the cigarette and took a deep drag as if releasing the built-up stress and tension within him.

As the bitter smoke filled his lungs, he coughed uncomfortably.

His eyes reddened as he stared at the cigarette between his fingers and whispered, “Darling, I broke your rules and smoked. I deserve to be punished by you. Can you see that? Please let me find you soon…”

His voice choked with emotion as he finally allowed himself to let go of all the heartache he had been suppressing since losing his wife.

Now alone, the man who used to stand tall in the face of adversity was sobbing, consumed by sadness.

The sound of heavy rain outside masked his sobs in the office.

Cedrick took a deep breath, coughing slightly, and quickly finished his cigarette before disposing of the butt in the glass ashtray.

Having turned off his phone long ago to prevent Nico and Charles from reaching him, Cedrick reached into the drawer and retrieved another phone, dialing the number he had memorized by heart.

However, much to his disappointment, he received the same message as before, telling him that the number he had dialed was out of service and to please try again later.

The fact that Gwendolyn’s phone was still switched on left Cedrick feeling even more devastated.

As he grappled with the situation, the unsettling facts surrounding the incident refused to escape his mind. There were no signs of a struggle in the car, indicating that the man who got into her car was someone she knew.

Furthermore, the car appeared to be in perfect condition, meaning Gwendolyn had chosen to drive off the cliff.

And even in the canyon where the car had landed, there was no trace of blood or any evidence to explain what had transpired.

The rain had washed away any potential clues, leaving Cedrick haunted by the uncertainty and dangers his wife might have faced.

As Cedrick stared at the photos captured by the surveillance cameras, a sudden realization washed over him.

Without wasting another moment, he got up from his desk, walked out of the office, and retrieved the phone one of the officers found in Gwendolyn’s car.

The phone had been severely damaged, smashed to bits.

Nonetheless, Cedrick was not ready to give up hope. Leaving the Federal Bureau of Investigation behind, he set off to seek assistance from someone who lived in the basement, a skilled and trustworthy repairman named Owen Hirst.

Handing the phone in a transparent plastic bag to Owen, Cedrick asked, “Can you fix this?”

Owen put on his specialty gloves and carefully examined the shattered remains of the phone before shaking his head regretfully. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Jenson. This phone is beyond repair. Even if I manage to fix the physical parts, recovering the contents would be extremely difficult.”

Undeterred, Cedrick clarified, “I don’t need you to fix the phone entirely. Just put the chip back together and connect it to another display screen so I can see the contents of the phone.”

Understanding his request, Owen nodded confidently. “That’s easy.”

“How long will it take for you to do it?”

“If everything goes smoothly, I’d say about two days.”

Cedrick frowned, his imposing demeanor evident as he placed a blank check on Owen’s table. “I don’t care if you have to skip meals or burn the midnight oil, but I want it done by tomorrow afternoon.”

Owen’s eyes brightened at the sight of the blank check. “Don’t worry, Mr. Jenson. I’ll survive on coffee and energy drinks tonight and get it done for you.”

Cedrick left his contact number and departed the basement at that.

Meanwhile, in the laboratory’s ward, Zendaya gazed out of the window, her eyes fixated on the falling raindrops.

Every now and then, she would reach out, trying to catch the droplets and engaging in her playful game.

Without Cedrick around, there was no one to rein in her exuberance, and the ward resounded with the infectious sound of her joyous laughter.

As Zendaya’s joyous laughter filled the ward, Benedict couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

Nico had returned to Harrick Villa to pack some clothes for Zendaya and Benedict as per Cedrick’s request, preparing for their indefinite stay in the laboratory.

Currently, Charles, Benedict, and Zendaya were the only occupants of the ward.

Charles appeared distant, his cold demeanor leaving others unsure of what thoughts occupied his mind.

Benedict, sitting on the hospital bed, observed Charles coldly. “How can you space out while peeling an apple, Charles? Is there anything else you can do?”

Jolted out of his thoughts by Benedict’s complaint, Charles accidentally cut his finger with the fruit knife in his surprise.

He stared at his hand in shock, his expression now grave. The feeling that Cedrick was acting strangely that night lingered. It felt as if he was hiding something from him.

“Charles?” Benedict blinked and focused on the blood on Charles’ finger. “Your blood is all over the apple now.” He pouted.

Charles snapped back to reality and apologized, “I’m sorry.”

Benedict, however, had more pressing concerns on his mind than to hold a grudge against him. “What happened to Daddy and Mommy? Why aren’t they here to visit us tonight? Why won’t they let us return home? Did they run into any trouble?” he asked curiously.

Carefully tending to his injured finger with tissue papers, Charles replied, “I’m not too sure what happened to them, but a lot of things have been happening around Salinsburgh lately. It’s entirely normal for Cedrick to be too busy to care about you two.”

Benedict fell silent as he contemplated Charles’ response.

Meanwhile, Zendaya continued to sing and play by the window, her hands wet from the rain, yet in an incredibly joyful mood.

Charles kept a watchful eye on her from a distance, concerned that she might catch a cold. He was about to get up and reason with her to leave the window sill when his phone rang.

Glancing at the screen, he saw that it was a call from Whitney.: text © owner.