At Gonzales Holdings, Stuart had just stepped out of the building when a swarm of reporters surrounded him. For weeks, the company had been a fixture in the headlines. The person they really wanted to interview was Caitlin, but after a full day of waiting, she hadn't emerged. Stuart was the next best thing.

"Mr. Gonzales, hello! What are your thoughts on your daughter winning the bet against Leo Barrett?"

"The next generation is truly formidable," Stuart said, looking into the cameras. "Never underestimate the young people of today."

"So, you trusted Ms. Gonzales from the very beginning?"

"Of course," Stuart nodded, his eyes firm with conviction. "My daughter is not only a brilliant physician but also an outstanding skincare innovator and investor. I am incredibly proud of her."

After a few more questions about Jade Glow Balm, a reporter changed tack. "Mr. Gonzales, it's public knowledge that your first wife has been missing for over twenty years. According to Eldermere law, your marriage to her has been legally dissolved. Do you have any plans to remarry in the future?"

"No," Stuart said plainly. "Whether my wife, Carey Richards, is alive or dead, she will always be my wife and my daughter's mother. I need to see her if she's alive, and I need to see her body if she's not. I will never stop searching for her as long as I live." He pulled out his wallet, flipping it open to reveal a faded photograph of a beautiful young woman with bright, bold eyes.

"This is my wife, Carey. I'm sure many of you have seen my missing person notices online. I am offering a ten-million-dollar reward for any information that leads to a breakthrough, and a

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one-hundred-million-dollar reward to anyone who can bring her back to me His voice was thick with emotion. "Please, keep an eye out. Thank you." He bowed to the cameras. When he straightened up, the corners of his eyes were red.

The reporters were moved by his devotion. One of them quickly shifted the subject. "Mr. Gonzales, there's one more question on everyone's mind." "Please, ask."

"What kind of man are you hoping your daughter will marry someday?"

Gordon was watching the interview, too. When the reporter asked that question, he quickly put in bis wireless earbuds and grabbed notebook and pen, ready to take

meticulous notes.

The words of his future father-in-law were gospel. He had to become the perfect son-in-law, the one Stuart couldn't imagine his daughter living without content

Stuart considered the question seriously. "My daughter is still young. I haven't really thought about that yet."

The reporter pressed on. "Do you think anyone in this world is truly good enough for Ms. Gonzales?"

"Can I be honest?" Stuart asked.