Chapter 227

Maria Lewis froze for a second before she realized she should shake his hand. “Hi.” "Five years ago, you vanished without a word. James searched the whole country, even asked me to help. I was in the UK back then, pulled every string I had, but still came up with nothing. I honestly thought I'd never see you again. Never imagined you'd actually come back." Carl Campbell's eyes were full of what looked like genuine concern, his voice soft. "How have things been for you these past years?" Maria nodded slightly, caught off guard by the warmth. “Thanks for asking. I'm doing alright.” “So... you're staying this time, yeah?” Thinking about how Ethan said he wanted to stay in the country, Maria paused before replying, “Yeah, I think so. I’m getting used to being back—it feels good.” Carl took out a thick red envelope from his pocket, lowered his voice and said, “I didn’t get the chance to give you a wedding gift back then. Think of this as a belated one—or maybe even some new year’s money.” M