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Generally speaking, at this point, the spring banquet was wrapping up. With the forthcoming afternoon tea, guests would gradually take their leave.

Camilla Farrell was conversing with several politicians’ wives, and Jade Carlson followed by her side, the very picture of readiness and diligence.

However, Camilla made no further effort to introduce her to anyone else.

She was here to attend the spring banquet, not to network on Jade’s behalf. If an appropriate opportunity arose, she would naturally offer a word or two of recommendation, but if not, she wouldn’t insist.

But what Jade wanted was far more than these.

Jade couldn’t help thinking to herself, “I was indeed right to do this, aiming to climb through the governor’s wife’s secretary; merely garnering sympathy is far from enough, I need a great favor!”

At that moment, the nanny brought over by Mrs. Farrell rushed down from upstairs in a flurry.

“Madam, Madam! Something terrible has happened!”

Sister Zia’s eyes were red-rimmed, her forehead drenched in sweat, her expression one of utter panic.

Mrs. Farrell’s heart skipped a beat.

Sister Zia was the nanny responsible for looking after the baby; could it be that…

Before she could think further, Sister Zia had already reached her, on the verge of tears, she cried out, “Madam! The baby is gone!”

“What?!” Camilla’s complexion turned deathly pale in an instant!

How could that be?!

This was the Summers Residence, not some crowded street market. How could the child just vanish?!

“Are you sure you’ve looked everywhere? Could the child have simply rolled over while sleeping and burrowed into the blankets, out of your sight?” someone suggested.

The nanny, distraught, sobbed, “I’ve searched everywhere! There’s no sign of him under or around the bed! And there’s a bodyguard still at the door, but the child is just… gone!!!”

Cries and shouts drew the attention of everyone in the banquet hall, causing a stir amongst the guests.

“What’s happened?”

“They’re saying Mrs. Farrell’s child is missing…”

“What? How could that be? Wasn’t someone watching the child?”

“Indeed, it’s so strange…”

Dylan Summers also came over upon hearing the commotion, quickly offering reassurance, “Mrs. Farrell, please don’t worry, we’ll find the child…”

But Camilla couldn’t hear a word, her mind in turmoil, she disregarded all etiquette and raced toward the staircase, fearing the worst for her child.

Jade followed closely behind, her heart rejoicing secretly: The big scene had begun!

As she ascended the staircase, she glanced back as if led by a specter and saw Purple Summers amid the crowd, a cold smile playing on her lips.

A tightness gripped Jade’s heart.

“Could Purple be onto something?” Jade grew nervous. She had already made a few missteps with Purple. If once was bad luck, twice poor fortune, then thrice… Purple might truly be extraordinary.

“My plan is foolproof, she couldn’t possibly know!” Jade reassured herself, attempting to remain calm, “Even if she suspects something, it’s too late now!”

Jade pushed aside her unease and hastened to catch up with Camilla ahead.

Outside the crowd, Zara Jameson instinctively took Purple’s hand, looking at her with concerned eyes.

“Something really has happened,” Zara murmured softly.

Jane McCain’s expression was also tense, murmuring, “Purple guessed it right…”

Yet, they had only guessed generally and had not foreseen that Jade would use an infant, not even a year old, as a ploy.

“Don’t worry, it will be all right,” Purple comforted her two friends, “Let’s go have a look too.”

The curious guests at the banquet hall whispered amongst themselves as they made their way upstairs.

Purple, along with Jane and Zara, blended into the crowd and ascended the stairs.

Nathaniel Summers, frowning, summoned a security guard and ordered, “Secure the front and back doors; don’t allow anyone to leave or enter.”

…