Chapter15 Weston Vale searched for Jewel Whitmore for seven days straight. He barely closed his eyes that entire week. When he was thirsty, he grabbed whatever water was at hand. When hunger twisted his gut, he swallowed a few bites of fast food. When exhaustion finally dragged him under, he curled up wherever he stood and snatched a minute of sleep, only to jolt awake to dreams of the life he had once had with Jewel. Back then, everything had felt limitless. On a whim, he would drive or lift off by helicopter just to find her. He planned elaborate surprises, handmade trinkets, a bespoke hairpin, afternoons spent throwing clay together to make lopsided cups. No matter what he gave, Jewel had always been delighted. She never cared about the price tag. She had once told him the only thing she loved was his sincerity. When had that sincerity disappeared? In his dream he cried, tears splashing onto the diamond ring that was supposed to mean forever. He jerked upright with a sudden, brutal thought. their divorce wasn't finalized. The cooling-off period ended today. He might still stop it before the decree. He could still keep her. He rushed to the registry office, only to learn that someone had "expedited" the process. The divorce certificate had already been issued. The pain was a blade turning inside his ribs. But in that agony a thin sliver of light appeared. If someone had gone to such lengths to process the divorce for Jewel, then she had to be alive. Otherwise there would have been no reason to push it through. The realization twisted with fresh hurt. She was alive... and hiding from him and Grayson. "Call Miles Carter," Weston ordered. "Trace the paperwork trail from the divorce." When news came that Jewel was in Acadian, Weston and Grayson Sloane were electrified. They booked the earliest flight and went straight to the Whitmore Group tower. At the base of the building, both men faltered. The image of Jewel's face, vacant and deadened in that coffin, kept rising between them and the elevator doors. They stood there until noon before finally forcing themselves upstairs. The moment they saw her, they stared, unable to blink as if one missed second might cost them the rest of their lives. Jewel looked different. Softer. A little rounder in the cheeks. The delicate oval of her face had warmed with color; her eyes, dark, bright, pearl-like, sparkled when she smiled. Most striking was her health. She looked... well. Chapter15 12.500 "Jewel," Weston's voice shook. Grayson couldn't take his eyes off her, terrified she might vanish if he looked away. Jewel's smile vanished the instant she saw them. "Do you need something?" she asked, polite, distant, her gaze edged with loathing. The look cut both men to the bone. "Jewel..." Weston's throat tightened. "I've been looking for you..." They stepped closer, reaching for her as if to offer the old comfort of a hug. She stepped back as if they were contagion. "Don't come near me." Disgust flickered openly across her features, as if she were staring at something unclean. "If there's nothing else, let's not see each other again." She rose without sparing them another glance. "Jewel, please, let me explain," Weston burst out, catching at her hand. "I know I was wrong. Please, give me one more chance." Grayson stood beside him, pride stripped raw, his gaze pleading in the same silent way. Jewel slid her hand free, expression arctic. She nodded to security. "I don't know these two. Don't let them in again." "Yes, Miss Whitmore." Guards appeared with shields and batons and swept Weston and Grayson toward the elevators like refuse. They ended up outside, clothes scuffed, leaves clinging to their suits, hems askew. They had never looked so undignified. And yet, even as humiliation burned, relief pulsed beneath it. They had found Jewel. Title: CEO, Your Wife Is Gone Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic Status: ongoing In "CEO, Your Wife Is Gone," Elise battles cancer while striving to fulfill her role as the perfect wife to George. Trinity, Elise's sister, orchestrates a deceitful scheme against her... Embark on a heartfelt journey in this modern romance novel that explores themes of love and betrayal amidst the challenges of illness. Follow Elise as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and confronts unexpected twists orchestrated by those closest to her. What sets "CEO, Your Wife Is Gone" apart is its poignant portrayal of love tested by adversity and the resilience of the human spirit. Dive into this captivating narrative filled with emotional depth and intricate character dynamics. Discover the unique blend of romance and suspense that defines this captivating story available to read at CrushReel. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Elise's journey online at CrushReel today.