Chapter 2

I quickly stood up. "Hello, Mr. Rhodes. I was just reviewing this week's workload statistics."

Henry nodded. "Well. The province was initiating an inter-connectivity project for information centers, linking to the national paternity test database. Once that's done, we'll be able to utilize the national database. As Head of the Information Section, I need you to go to the provincial capital for a meeting this afternoon, right after lunch."

"I..." I started to refuse immediately, but having just become the section head, it didn't seem right to turn down an assignment from leadership.

Henry slightly furrowed his brow. "What's the matter? Do you have something that prevents you from going?"

I quickly shook my head. "No, not at all! I was just wondering if I needed to stay overnight."

Henry broke into a smile. "That's up to you. You can even stay a day or two to look around the provincial capital if you want. Just remember to get receipts for reimbursement."

"N-no, it was fine. I'll probably come back tonight."

I attended the meeting in the provincial capital. To my surprise, the official leading the conference was my highly-regarded graduate mentor from years ago, Atlas.

Back in grad school, Atlas had taken good care of me and was always trying to introduce me to his daughter.

Unfortunately, at that time, I had just managed to date the department beauty, my wife now. Anyone else, even if stunningly beautiful, couldn't catch my eye.

Besides, with Atlas being so eager to promote his daughter, I figured there must be some flaw in her looks or personality.

I had originally planned to return right after the meeting, but Atlas insisted I stay. I ended up sharing lots of wine with Atlas.

After a few rounds of drinks, Atlas slung a friendly arm around my shoulder. "Teagan," he began, his tone earnest. "How would you feel about moving to Buakye City? The workload here is immense, and I am finding it a bit much to handle alone. Come work with me. I'll offer you a deputy leadership position, Vice Dean. The package was 20,000 a month, 15 months' pay a year, plus an annual bonus. What do you say?"

For a fleeting moment, the paternity test report flashed through my mind. But it wasn't conclusive yet; thinking about divorce and splitting assets was premature. I shook my head slightly. "I appreciate it, Atlas, but you know my situation. My wife and kids are settled here. Our home was here."

"Ah, I get it." He chuckled. "Can't bear to be away from that lovely wife of yours. Well, the offer stands. If you change your mind, just call me. I'll keep this position open for you for two years."

"Thank you. Let me toast you instead."

In the end, I couldn't withstand Atlas's relentless toasting. I didn't make it back home until almost noon the next day.

Pushing the door open, I was surprised to find both my son and daughter at home, when they should have been at their weekend enrichment classes.

They were happily munching on KFC and watching TV.

I scanned the room but saw no sign of my wife.

Walking into the living room, I asked, "Where's your mom?"

My daughter trotted over obediently and hugged me. "Mom went out. She told us to stay and play."

What has gotten into Millie lately? How could she just leave two young kids home alone?

She could've at least told me. I would've cut last night short and come straight home.

I pulled out my phone to call her, but my thumb froze just above the dial button.

Something felt off.

It was Sunday daytime. She should be off work.

Leaving the kids home alone like this... it was completely out of character for her.

Something was wrong.

That familiar, sinking feeling washed over me.

Could a man's intuition actually be trusted?

I hurried into the bedroom and booted up the computer.

Logging into the tracking website, I pulled up the location of my wife's iPhone.

As the location radius narrowed, my blood ran cold. The pin dropped right in the city center's International Hotel.

A wave of pure, white-hot rage shot through me.