Free Web NovelChapter 352: Chapter 136 Phoebe Goes Missing
Gemma’s POV
The week had passed in a haze of family business and preparations, and I completely forgot to mention Nancy’s unexpected visit to Dominic’s office. That same day, we had ventured into the secured shopping district to find Vincenzo’s birthday gift. His birthday celebration was scheduled for the weekend at the Thorne family estate, and the young heir had been calling me constantly all week, buzzing with excitement about the party details. His enthusiasm was absolutely endearing.
The celebration day arrived quickly. I felt particularly at peace since changing my phone number had finally ended those disturbing calls, allowing me to sleep without fear again.
"Songbird, are you ready to go?" Dominic strolled into our walk-in closet, selecting one of his custom Italian watches and fastening it around his wrist with practiced ease.
"Almost there, handsome," I replied, applying the final touches to my makeup.
Dominic checked his encrypted phone, smiling. "Vincenzo won’t stop calling. What an impatient kid!"
"He’s just thrilled about his big day," I laughed, amused by Vincenzo’s single-minded focus these past few days on his coming-of-age celebration.
"That boy gets excited about any family gathering," Dominic chuckled. "I’ll wait for you downstairs."
After he left, I finished my makeup, slipped into my dress, and examined my reflection. The emerald green gown I’d chosen deliberately matched Dominic’s eyes. It hugged my curves perfectly, featuring a tasteful V-neckline and elegant shoulder straps. My hair was styled in a sophisticated braid with a few loose tendrils framing my face.
When I descended the marble staircase, Dominic’s reaction was immediate and gratifying.
"My goddess!" he exclaimed, his eyes traveling appreciatively over my form. "You’re the most magnificent creature my eyes have ever beheld!"
I smiled at his enthusiasm. "You always know exactly what to say, don’t you?"
"I’m merely stating facts," Dominic replied, wrapping his arms around my waist. "It’s almost unfair to the other family members—you’ll be stealing everyone’s attention!"
"And that doesn’t make you jealous?" I teased.
"Not at all," he responded confidently. "I know you’re mine. Let them admire your beauty—you’re absolutely breathtaking. I’m just fortunate to be the man who gets to take you home."
"Well," I murmured, giving him a quick kiss, "keep talking like that, Dominic Frost, and you might receive more than just admiring glances by night’s end."
His smile widened considerably. "In that case, I can’t wait for this celebration to be over!"
I laughed at his eagerness. "Seems like impatience runs in the Frost bloodline!"
He joined my laughter as we headed out, his arm possessively around my waist.
Nadia had arranged her son’s celebration in the Thorne estate’s grand ballroom—though "estate" hardly did justice to what was essentially a fortified compound. The residence resembled those featured in luxury magazines, with every detail exquisitely refined, blending old-world elegance with modern security features.
The ballroom stood adjacent to the main residence, overlooking meticulously maintained gardens patrolled by discrete security personnel. Imposing marble columns supported a vaulted ceiling, while the walls featured bulletproof glass panels. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from above, their light reflecting brilliantly throughout the opulent space. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
Despite the grandeur, the decorations maintained tasteful sophistication befitting a family heir. The entertainment was spectacular—acrobats executing impressive maneuvers on aerial silks suspended from the ceiling. Professional performers moved throughout the space, while fire-breathers created dramatic displays at the secured entrances. It was as if the circus performers themselves served as living decorations—luxurious yet still appropriate for a young heir’s milestone celebration.
"Auntie! You look absolutely ravishing tonight, even more stunning than usual," Vincenzo greeted me enthusiastically, offering an elaborately garnished mocktail from a silver tray. "This is for you, beautiful. No alcohol, of course—for my little cousin’s sake."
"Thank you, sweetie! How thoughtful," I smiled, embracing him warmly and offering birthday wishes before he turned to embrace Dominic with obvious affection.
"Auntie, I adore the gift you sent! Look—I’m already wearing it!" Vincenzo proudly displayed the platinum wristwatch I’d selected from Dominic’s connections.
"I’m delighted you like it, sweetie."
"And what about my present?" Dominic interjected with mock offense. "No mention of that?"
"Uncle, it’s incredible!" Vincenzo showed off the gold bracelet Dominic had given him. "And I especially appreciated the generous contribution that appeared in my account." He laughed heartily.
"Use it wisely, kid," Dominic advised, embracing his nephew again with genuine warmth.
"Your friends are at that table, near the family’s reserved section," Vincenzo indicated, pointing toward tables close to the main stage area.
"I’m here, cutie!" Zoe announced her arrival, dragging Finn behind her through the security checkpoint.
"Oh my goodness!" Vincenzo dramatically placed his hand over his heart, applauding theatrically. "I feel compelled to acknowledge this masterpiece!"
"Careful, Vincenzo—do you have a death wish?" Finn joked, attempting to appear stern despite his amusement.
"If I’m to die admiring this beauty, I’ll embrace my fate willingly," Vincenzo winked at Zoe, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
"You troublemaker!" Finn couldn’t maintain his serious expression, knowing Vincenzo’s harmless flirtation with Zoe was a running joke between them all.
"Cutie, you know the rules—call me when you turn eighteen," Zoe hugged him before immediately turning her attention to my midsection. "Where’s auntie’s little baby? Is your mommy taking proper care of you? Tell auntie everything."
"Zo, you realize I’m only in early pregnancy, right?" I laughed at her enthusiasm.
"So? He’s already becoming familiar with my voice. When he arrives, I’ll be his favorite aunt!" Zoe declared confidently.
We reached our designated table and greeted everyone. Zander sat uncomfortably between Gerard’s sisters, who were clearly pursuing him aggressively. Erica and Audrey, attractive women in their forties with substantial divorce settlements, appeared utterly fascinated by him. As Gerard often remarked, they lived rather carefree lives since their divorces, frequenting family events and changing romantic partners with remarkable frequency.
"Gemma!" Zander excused himself immediately upon seeing us approach. "Thank God you’ve arrived."
"Weren’t you enjoying Gerard’s sisters’ company? They’re quite charming," Dominic teased knowingly.
"Too charming," Zander wiped his forehead nervously. "They actually grabbed my backside, claiming they wanted to check if I worked out. Then they attempted to grab my—well, you understand."
"Only attempted?" Dominic laughed mercilessly at Zander’s predicament. "Watch out—they won’t give up easily. Since their divorces, they’ve become quite bold in their pursuits."
"I need to find Phoebe quickly!" Zander glanced around anxiously. "She went to the powder room but hasn’t returned."
"She probably stopped to chat with someone," I suggested reassuringly.
"Perhaps, but she promised not to be long. Those predatory sisters were already circling, and Phoebe promised to protect me from their advances." Zander appeared genuinely concerned.
"Since when does a grown man need protection from determined women?" Dominic laughed without mercy.
"Have they pursued you?" Zander countered defensively.
"Fortunately not. Being Nadia’s brother has its advantages—Gerard forbade them from approaching me, and since they respect Nadia, they’ve honored that boundary." Dominic smiled smugly.
"Lucky you. I feel like prime target on display!" Zander’s expression prompted another round of laughter from Dominic.
"Seriously, where’s Phoebe?" Zander asked again, his concern becoming more apparent.
"Come on, Zander, give her some privacy," I scolded, though I found his discomfort amusing.
"Gemma, it’s been quite a while since she left for the restroom." His serious tone caught my attention immediately.
"Alright, I’ll help you find her," I offered, accompanying him toward the powder rooms.
Phoebe wasn’t in the ladies’ room. Our calls went directly to voicemail. We searched throughout the celebration but found no trace of her anywhere. We encountered Vincenzo and Brenda, but they hadn’t seen Phoebe either. Something definitely felt wrong in the secured compound.
