He never expected her to quit as suddenly as she'd started. It caught him off guard.

Caitlin was busy. "I have to go," she told him. "Talk to you later."

"Alright."

After hanging up, Caitlin pulled up Karla's file again, studying it intently. The information was the same as before, but this time, something new caught her eye.

Twenty years ago, Karla had owned a property in The Capital.

But she sold it three months after Marcia went missing.

On the surface, it was just a piece of property. But Caitlin saw two problems.

First, Karla and Marcia were ordinary working-class women. Even though real estate was cheaper twenty years ago, their salaries wouldn't have been enough to buy a place.

Second, why would Karla sell the apartment just a few months after her sister disappeared?

Caitlin opened a real estate app and searched for the apartment complex.

She quickly discovered that Karla's old apartment was currently on the market again.

*Ping.*

A WhatsApp message appeared on her phone. It was from Gordon Sylvester.

[What are you up to, darling? Want to see a movie tomorrow?]

Caitlin replied: [I'm going to look at an apartment tomorrow.]

[Then let's go together. What time? I'll pick you up.]

[Nine in the morning?]

[Perfect, darling.]

The next morning at nine o'clock sharp, Gordon's car was parked at the intersection near Gonzales Manor.

When Caitlin arrived, she saw him leaning against the car door, one long leg slightly bent. He looked effortlessly cool and elegant, impossibly handsome from every angle.

"Catie."

He waved to her from across the street.

Caitlin was wearing a wine-red dress that cinched at the waist, paired with a straw hat adorned with a string of white pearls that matched her white sandals. It was a simple outfit, yet she looked absolutely stunning.

"Gordon," she called back, waving. She liked saying his full name. He liked hearing her say it.

He handed her a bubble tea.

"Thanks." Caitlin took a sip. It was her favorite: taro with extra sugar and mini boba.

Gordon opened the passenger door for her. "Get in."

Caitlin ducked into the car, and he walked around to the driver's side.

Once they were both inside, Gordon said, "Catie, Nooked up that complex you're interested in. It was built twenty-five years ago, so the facilities and environment are a bit dated. The Sylvester Group has a real estate division. If you're looking

&

to buy, I can show you some of our properties."

"No, that's okay," Caitlin said, taking another sip of her tea. "I have other reasons for going today."

"Alright." Gordon didn't press.

Soon, they arrived at Elegance Residences. Twenty-five years ago, it had been the most prestigious complex in the area, but time had not been kind. Now, it looked like a tired old man, its former glory faded.

The person who met them wasn't the current owner, but a real estate agent. He led the way and unlocked the door. A musty smell hit them as soon as opened, a sign of long vacancy. The agent quickly put on a to

mask and offered two more

Caitlin and Gordon.