Loving DAD 1087

Chapter 1087 

The moment Matty’s name was mentioned, Theo’s expression tightened with alarm. 

“That bad kid… he’s in Marcentine too?” 

Julliard gave a faint nod. 

Theo jumped to his feet. “Julliard, I miss my mom. Please… take me to her.” 

A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Julliard’s lips, so fleeting it was almost imperceptible. Still, he feigned 

hesitation. 

“But Thomas said you shouldn’t wander around. If something happens to you, I will be the one to blame.” 

Theo pleaded, his tone earnest and anxious. “I’ll stay right beside my mom. I promise I won’t run off. Julliard, don’t worry. It’s my idea, not yours. Even if something happens, it won’t be your fault.” 

At that, Julliard finally nodded. 

“Alright then. I’ll take you.” 

The banquet was in full swing, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. 

As the foremost socialite of the city, Victoria’s allure was undeniable. Despite the negative rumors that had surrounded her not long ago, once she took her place within the Kalen Group, she once again became the center of admiration–someone everyone sought to befriend. 

Those gathered around her now were no longer just hopeful suitors; they included high–ranking figures and influential names. 

Victoria was radiant and busy entertaining guests, while Richard and his sons found themselves surrounded by people eager to speak with them. 

Even Silas–who was usually quick–tempered and abrasive whenever he faced Sharon–now carried himself with surprising grace and restraint. 

Sharon, however, was never fond of such occasions. She rarely attended banquets and had little patience for this kind of social bustle. 

The cake had already been cut, and since Victoria was the evening’s main focus, Sharon’s presence–or absence -hardly mattered. 

Thinking of Theo, she turned to Thomas. “Thomas, let’s go check on Theo.” 

“Alright.” 

Just as the two were about to leave, a slim figure suddenly stepped in front of them. 

Sharon looked up and froze. It was Johanna. 

It had been a long time since she’d last seen her. The day Victoria was kidnapped, Johanna had supposedly been taken as well. Yet later, Jamie had shown up at the Kalen estate. 

Johanna was his own sister, yet he hadn’t gone to rescue her himself. 

“Sharon. Thomas.” Johanna greeted them with her usual gentle smile. 

But something about her felt off. Sharon couldn’t quite pinpoint it, only that the once–bright clarity in Johanna’s eyes was now clouded–shadowed by something cold and heavy. 

The cheer she once carried seemed smothered, replaced by a faint, unsettling gloom. 

Discreetly, Sharon gave her a quick once–over. She didn’t notice any visible injuries, but she couldn’t help wondering whether the kidnappers had hurt Johanna. 

“Johanna,” Sharon asked calmly, “did you need something?” 

Johanna’s voice was soft but steady. “Sharon, may I borrow Thomas for a few minutes? There’s something I’d like to speak with him about… privately.” 

Before Sharon could respond, Thomas cut in, his tone cool and dismissive. 

“Johanna, I’m still capable of managing my own time. If you want to talk to me, just ask directly. I’m not a tool to be borrowed at will.” 

Johanna paused for a second, then lowered her gaze slightly. “My apologies. That was careless of me.” 

When she looked back at Thomas, however, her eyes flickered with faint light–softer now, her voice unconsciously gentler. “Thomas, could I speak with you? Just for a moment?” 

Thomas’s refusal came swift and sharp. “Sorry. I’m here to protect Sharon. I don’t have time for small talk.” 

“Only a few minutes,” Johanna pressed quietly. 

Thomas’s expression didn’t waver. “A few minutes is long enough to stage a kidnapping.” 

As she watched the two walk away, Johanna’s eyes began to sting. Her vision blurred with a surge of jealousy and bitterness. 

Yes. It had only taken a few minutes for her to be kidnapped too.