Chapter 188: Made from the System

Damian I was too late. If I followed the logic, it was clear that the note hadn’t been there for long; otherwise, someone would have taken it or sat on the chair. I must have missed her by moments—barely a hair's breadth, if that. The realization nearly broke me into pieces, but I had to stay composed. I didn’t want George to hear the depth of my despair, even though he knew how much I loved her. I stared at the spot where Charlotte had been. The bench was empty, but the crumpled tissue on the grass told me I hadn’t imagined her presence. Dammit. I ran a hand through my hair, pacing the waterfront as frustration bubbled beneath my skin. George had tracked her to this spot, but now she was off the grid. “Keep looking,” I ordered, tightening my grip on the phone. “Start checking security cameras in the area. Someone must have seen her.” “Yes, sir,” George replied before the call ended. I clenched my jaw, staring out at the darkening water. It felt like the tides were pulling som