Since something felt fishy about Susan, it was only natural to investigate.

Anastasia had someone tail Susan and, sure enough, they quickly discovered something was amiss.

"What did you say? Susan stole money from Ryan?"

Anastasia was quite surprised to hear this news.

On the other end of the line, her man reported, "Yes. Ryan found out, and they're arguing right now."

Susan had been secretly misappropriating Ryan's money, and not just once. The sums were significant: first three hundred thousand, then five hundred thousand. She was caught by Ryan when she was attempting to transfer a million.

"Where did she spend the money?"

"She gave it to her ex-husband, Boris. From what we've observed, it seems Boris has some dirt on her and is blackmailing her."

Boris?

An image flashed through Anastasia's mind-the scene she had accidentally witnessed at the resort.

It seemed Boris really did have something on Susan. But what could it be?

Although she was back with Ryan for now, it was only because of the pregnancy. This was a time she should have been treading carefully, and the last thing she should be doing was anything that would make Ryan think less of her.

Yet she was risking his wrath by repeatedly stealing his money. The leverage Boris had on her must be substantial...

However, this didn't seem to have anything to do with Carter.

She pondered for a moment before giving her instructions. "Keep watching. I want more specific details. If possible, start with Boris. See if you can get him to talk."

"Boris has disappeared..." The voice on the phone, sounded sheepish. "We were trying to tail him, but he's very cautious. He's already quit his job at the resort, and we don't I know where he's hiding. He barely@ses any electronic devices, so it's very difficult to track him."

"It's fine. Take your time. A grown man can't just vanish into thin air."

After hanging up, Anastasia changed her clothes and immediately set out to find Susan.

Boris might be missing, but Susan was still around, wasn't she?

What kind of secrets was Susan hiding?

A glint of interest flashed in Anastasia's eyes.

Her timing was perfect. Ryan and Susan had just finished their argument.

Seeing her arrive, Ryan composed his angry expression and asked warmly, "Are you here to see Carter?"

Anastasia nodded. "Yes, I'm a little worried about him."

She glanced at Susan, who was sitting on the sofa looking pitiful with red-rimmed eyes, before heading upstairs.

Carter had already heard she was there and had come out of his room to go downstairs, bumping right into her on the staircase.

He turned around and went back to his room with her.

Anastasia observed him for a moment. His mood seemed stable, but the carefree look in his eyes was gone. He looked as withdrawn as he had been before. This brought her a small measure of relief.

"You don't have to go see Ms.

Lawson anymore, but you can't drop

your consulting job with the

Lancaster Group. They need you. I've

already put in a request for you you

can work from home instead of

going into the office."

Carter was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "I can help out when I have time, but..."

"But what? You're not going to do it because Susan won't allow it?" Anastasia put her hands on her hips. "By that logic, I should also be on Susan's 'not allowed fist Are you going to break off your friendship with me, too?"