Chapter 9

Cynthia stood frozen, caught off guard by the unexpected situation. A few bodyguards swiftly stepped forward, taking the suitcase from her hands. One of them spoke gently, "Ms. Cynthia, Linda is receiving treatment at the New York City Medical Center. We're here to escort you so you can reunite with her." Cynthia nodded lightly. "I understand," she said, pressing her lips together as if deep in thought. She turned to the leading bodyguard and asked, "What's your name?" The tall, imposing man answered without hesitation, "Kane." Observing her demeanor, he added, "Ms. Cynthia, is there anything you need?" Cynthia spoke directly, her tone firm. "I need you to help me get a New York phone card and a bank card." She paused briefly before continuing, "Also, make sure no one finds out about my return flight to New York." Kane nodded. "Understood. I'll handle it." Something about Kane's steady, low voice gave Cynthia an inexplicable sense of reassurance. The bodyguards escorted her all the way to the airport entrance, where she and Kane got into the car waiting for them. Outside, New York's October skies unleashed a torrential downpour, unusual for the dry season. Raindrops streaked down the tinted windows of the Porsche SUV, blurring the view. Although it was only nine in the morning, Cynthia couldn't make out the scenery outside. Her heart felt as damp as the weather, heavy with an inexplicable gloom. Meanwhile, 11,000 kilometers away, Cynthia was unaware of the storm brewing online. Shortly after boarding her flight and turning off her phone, her announcement on Instagram about leaving the entertainment industry and terminating her contract went viral. "Top Singer Cynthia Abruptly Quits the Industry!" "Cynthia Ends Contract with Former Company Amid Allegations of Being Shelved!" "Cynthia and Luna..." Several hashtags with her name dominated Instagram's trending topics. At Luna's home, Patrick and Gavin, who had been keeping her company, both froze when they saw the headlines. Neither could hide their shock. They knew how much Cynthia loved singing and how deeply she cared about her career as a singer. Why would she suddenly announce she was quitting? Gavin was consumed by an overwhelming sense of unease. "Did something happen to Cynthia? Why would she suddenly quit the industry?" Even the usually composed Patrick couldn't help but feel concerned. Luna, noticing their reactions, let a fleeting trace of resentment flash in her eyes. She coughed softly, feigning graciousness. "It's all my fault. If I weren't sick and keeping you both here with me, Cynthia wouldn't have been so upset that she'd quit. Maybe she just doesn't like me. Perhaps she doesn't want to see me getting too close to either of you..." In just a few words, she deftly painted Cynthia's decision as nothing more than impulsive spite and attention-seeking. Patrick's expression softened slightly, but an underlying unease still lingered. He quickly took out his phone, opened his contact list, and found Cynthia's name. Pressing call, he waited, only to be met with the cold, automated response: "We're sorry, the number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable..." Gripping his phone tightly, Patrick's knuckles turned white as his worry transformed into frustration and simmering anger with each failed attempt to reach her. His chiseled features darkened, a brewing storm evident in his eyes. "What is she up to this time?" Luna continued to stoke the flames. "Mr. Patrick, please don't be upset with Cynthia. She's just acting impulsively. Don't hold it against her." Gavin, meanwhile, found himself unable to reach Cynthia either. The gnawing anxiety in his chest grew unbearable. "I'm going back to check on Cynthia. I'm worried something might have happened to her." As soon as he spoke, Luna's eyes brimmed with tears.