My Brother Slaughtered His Mom, But He Wed Me?

Chapter 9 The Missing Person Found

The CEO's Office at Carter Corporation.

After instructing Anna to bring coffee, James felt a complex mix of emotions.

Even though he and Anna were legally recognized as husband and wife, James knew that a deep-seated enmity separated them—an insurmountable barrier that would never fade. They were destined to have no future together.

Their marriage was merely a smokescreen to fend off the Carter family's interference in his marital affairs. Given Anna's current situation, she was unlikely to betray him, making her the ideal candidate—easy to manage.

Beyond this, he really shouldn't have any further entanglements with Anna.

James rubbed his temples.

He needed to divert his attention.

He called Luke in, "You mentioned the woman from that night has been found. Where is she?"

"She's temporarily settled at Imperial Haven, a hotel under Carter Corporation's umbrella. If you wish to see Miss Mendes, we can bring her over now," Luke replied.

James said, "Bring her here."

Ten minutes later, Luke returned with a woman.

The woman appeared innocent, dressed in a long white dress. A diamond hairpin adorned her hair, which fell in soft waves over her shoulders. A diamond necklace graced her neck, with no other adornments.

She looked like a wealthy girl fresh out of college, naive and oblivious to the world's harsh realities. Her demeanor matched the woman from that night.

"Tell me what happened that night," James said, his voice icy.

In a gentle voice, Lily began, "That night, I was downstairs celebrating with my college friends. I drank a bit too much in my excitement and ended up sleeping at the hotel. I was quite out of it, so I don't remember much. When I came to, I saw us..."

She trailed off, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

James remained noncommittal, turning to Luke.

Luke nodded, confirming that Lily's account matched their findings.

James furrowed his brow even more.

The woman's story checked out, and her appearance seemed fitting, yet for some reason, James felt none of the thrill from that night.

In fact, his mind drifted to the memory of being close with Anna on the sofa the previous day.

"Understood. Send her back," James instructed coolly.

His indifferent demeanor left Lily anxious. "No, we've already been together. Isn't Mr. Carter going to take responsibility?!"

Lily had met many wealthy and powerful men, but none as handsome or influential as James. A man at the pinnacle of the social ladder was someone she never dared to dream of. Now that fate had handed her this opportunity, she wouldn't let it slip away!

James's cold gaze sent a shiver down her spine, but with such wealth within reach, she wouldn't abandon this opportunity.

Lily bit her lip, looking pitiful and aggrieved, "I know I'm not a match for Mr. Carter, but that night you said you'd take responsibility. Once I walk out that door, I'll forget it all."

As she spoke, she wiped away a tear, "To have this connection with Mr. Carter is already a great fortune for me. I dare not ask for more."

While Lily couldn't rival Anna's beauty, she was still a delicate beauty. A weeping beauty was a lovely sight, but to James, it was only irritating.

After speaking, Lily pretended to leave, her steps deliberately slow.

She was waiting for James to call her back.

But silence was her only answer. As she neared the door without hearing any instructions from James, her anxiety grew. Finally, she couldn't help but stop and turn back, calling out, "Mr. Carter, I..."

As Lily spoke, James instructed Luke, "Take her back to the Imperial Haven."

Seeing Lily speak, he asked, "Is there anything else?"

Lily's heart finally settled, and she managed a small smile, "I noticed the dark circles under your eyes, Mr. Carter. I just wanted to remind you to take care of yourself, even with your busy schedule."

"That's not your concern," James's voice turned sharply cold, making Lily shiver involuntarily.

The weight of authority was suffocating, as if the very air had thickened, making each breath a struggle.

With fists clenched tight, Lily steeled herself with resolve—this was her chance, and she wouldn't let it slip away!

Once Lily had exited, Luke stepped back into the office, only to be met with James's stormy expression, devoid of any satisfaction from the supposed discovery.

"Where's Anna? Is she planning to grind every coffee bean in the city before I get a cup?!" James snapped, irritation evident in his voice.

That Lily might have worn the mask of innocence, but her eyes betrayed her scheming nature. She thought she was slick, but her performance was painfully transparent.

"The Madam went to the mall for some sugar. She should be there now, probably on her way back," Luke replied, itching to confirm with the driver.

"Probably?" James's eyes narrowed, his displeasure cutting through the air.

Luke shuddered, "I'll find out immediately."

But as Luke reached the door, Helen strolled in. Luke gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

With a smile, Helen handed over a thermos and asked, "Looking for Miss Mitchell, James?"

"What are you doing here?" James's voice was as cold as ice.

"I know you're not exactly happy to see me," Helen explained, "but Dad's worried about your health. He sent me with some soup, thinking you might be sick of the homemade stuff, so he got this fresh from the restaurant."

"Funny thing, though. I caught a glimpse of Miss Mitchell, and before you give me that look, I swear I didn't even get to say hi before she was off with some handsome young guy."

"Are you done?" James's voice dripped with ice.

"I..."

"Take your things and leave!" James's voice trembled with barely restrained fury.