Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 237

“Huh?”

The unexpected question left Emma momentarily stunned.

“It’s nothing. I just came by to check on you this afternoon, and Hailey mentioned you had stepped out.”

Nathan’s expression was normal, and he was still organizing some charts and documents, showing no sign of anything unusual.

Emma bit her lip, feeling a little flustered, but she explained in a soft voice, “Yes, I went out for a bit. I had something to take care of.”

She didn’t elaborate on what it was.

Nathan nodded and didn’t press further. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Have you had dinner yet?”

Emma had just gotten back, so of course she hadn’t eaten. Besides, it was just now six o’clock, right around dinnertime.

But what she said was, “Oh, I had some snacks this afternoon, so I’m not hungry yet.”

The implication was that she wasn’t ready to have dinner.

Nathan, who had been thinking of asking her to join him, paused for a fraction of a second in his work before replying naturally, “I see. Okay.”

***

Melissa had spent the day at the hospital, her mind elsewhere.

Seeing that it was almost six o’clock and his daughter showed no signs of leaving, Thomas gently reminded her, “Melissa, Tessa is here to take care of me. It’s getting late. Isn’t Mr. Cooper getting off work soon?”

At her father’s words, Melissa turned on her phone screen and saw that it was indeed almost six.

Her mind was completely focused on Evan. Whatever was happening, he would still need to eat when he came home, and she couldn't bear the thought of him going hungry.

She had thrown out last night’s leftovers that morning. Evan didn't like eating leftovers, so Melissa always cooked fresh meals every day.

She made braised ribs, a fish and tofu soup, and a side of sautéed vegetables.

When the food was ready, she looked at the clock. It was already 8:30 PM, but Evan still wasn’t home, and there wasn’t a single message from him on her phone.

After setting the dishes on the table, Melissa stood there, phone in hand, staring at her chat with Evan. She typed and deleted a message asking when he would be home several times, but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to send it.

The large house was utterly silent. This was a wealthy neighborhood, so the security and landscaping were top-notch, and it was always peacefully quiet at night.

Melissa just sat at the dining table, staring blankly as the hot dishes slowly grew cold. Her heart was a mess of panic, anxiety, and dread, but there was nothing she could do.