Chapter 42. Where Is Williams?

Third-Person POV

While speaking with the guest, Andre’s instincts flared like a warning siren. Something felt off. He scanned the crowd, searching for Vanessa. She wasn’t at the bar front where he’d last seen her, and a knot of unease tightened in his chest.  

He spotted Louisa slipping back into the ballroom, her expression far too smug. His eyes narrowed. She was up to something.  

He returned to the guest and excused himself with a small smile. "I'll be back."  

“Where is Vanessa?” he demanded, striding toward Louisa.  

Louisa feigned surprise. “What's that?”  

"My assistant isn't where I left her. Where is she?"  

She frowned at him. "How should I know? She's a grown up and very sly, she could've gone anywhere. And secondly, I can't be seen with someone who humiliated me in front of the crowd."  

Andre’s jaw clenched. He didn’t believe her for a