?<strong>Chapter 541:</strong>


    The alcohol had everyone a bit tipsy.


    To Michael’s left, Adrian held Joelle close.


    To Michael’s right, Allie, having indulged a bit too much, had fallen asleep on Rafael’sp.


    The wind blew, and the sky was filled with stars.


    Joelle observed Michael’s somber demeanor and was the first to raise her ss.


    “Here’s to this tranquil moment and to all of us who have weathered the storm.”


    The three men clinked their sses with Joelle one by one. The noise roused Allie from her slumber as she rubbed her eyes and asked, “Are we heading back to the hotel?”


    She had been sleepy for a while. Rafael lifted her in his arms.


    “It’s gettingte. I’ll take her back first.”


    Every story starts at galn   ovels ;


    Michael stood up, stretching leisurely.


    “I’m tired too. I refuse to be the third wheel any longer.”


    Adrian chuckled.


    “How about another drink?”


    “No, thanks.”


    In the aftermath of Lacey’s passing, Michael felt as though he had imbibed an entire lifetime’s worth of alcohol.


    Alcohol was undeniably a detrimental substance; it had the capacity to strip individuals of their self-control and plunge them into chaos. The most disheartening aspect was that, once sobriety was restored, one still had to confront the harshness of reality.


    Michael staggered down the stairs, step by step.


    Joelle and Adrian noticed him pause halfway.


    Michael stared at the heavens, perhaps believing that the most luminous star was Lacey.


    He inteced his fingers, praying earnestly as he stood beneath the night sky, appearing both isted and despondent.


    People frequently yearn for the unattainable.


    Deep down, Michael understood that what he desired was no longer within reach.


    Joelle felt a surge of emotion, uncertain whether it was Michael’s plight or the wind that caused her nose to tingle with impending tears.


    Adrian held her shoulder, kissing her forehead.


    “Joelle, you must live well, if only for me.”


    Joelle nodded, her voiceden with emotion as an unsettling sensation welled up inside her.


    Life’s unpredictabilities served as a poignant reminder for them to treasure their moments together.


    Joelle couldn’t let Adrian be another Michael.


    On the way back to the hotel, Adrian received a call from Can.


    “Mr. Miller, someone has spotted Chris.”


    “Where?”


    “Singapore.”


    Adrian exchanged a meaningful nce with Joelle. After all this time, they had finally unearthed a promising lead.


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