Chained To Me: A Billionaire Enemies To Lovers Romance

Chapter 42 -Everly

Aston and I are planning a big party to celebrate the opening of his charity—The Aston Thomas Center for Cancer Research. We're hosting it in the ballroom of Thomas Real Estate Group.

I walk around the space with him. "We need to set up the DJ booth over here." I point to the front stage directly centered in the room, bordered by massive red curtains. "And the bar can be here." I indicate the back of the room where people can congregate.

Aston nods. "Looks good to me. But do you think this ballroom will fit everyone we invited?"

I look down at my notepad. "It's slated to hold 650 seated guests, and we invited about that many, so we should be good."

He looks pleased, and that makes me happy. Somehow, Aston and I have learned to work together. We've come a long way since his first days of yelling at me, making my job impossible. Now, his reputation's on the mend, though it isn't entirely fixed by any means.

"I think this charity ball is a great idea," I tell him. "It will turn the focus away from you, away from that night at Amethyst, and onto something good. Your research center is going to achieve some incredible things."

He looks down at me, causing my heart to ache and butterflies to flurry in my stomach. "Thanks to you, Everly. This was all your idea."

I smile.

In the end, Aston has proved to be an excellent client. He's been taking my directions, and his image problem has slowly improved.

Just then, Lina barges into the space with the party planners, directing them to make everything perfect.

"Set the tables up here," she says. "I want them to look glamorous and over-the-top. Everything must scream luxury as we will have benefactors attending with deep pockets."

"Of course, Lina." The party planner scribbles down notes while another takes photos of the space.

"Looks like everything's going to be in good hands," I comment to Aston.

He nods his approval.

I receive a a phone call and notice that it's from Shining Stars Rehabilitation Center.

"Excuse me," I say. "I need to take this." I step away from Aston to take the call in private. "Hello?"

"Is this Everly Hunter?"

"Yes, it is."

"This is Dr. Blake. I'm calling to tell you that your sister, Kaley, has checked out of our facility. As you might know, her birthday is today. Since she's eighteen, we can no longer legally hold her."

My stomach drops as I realize that Kaley has taken it upon herself to leave the only place that might've saved her life.

I can only imagine where she is now—out in Seattle, in the cold, getting high, getting her fix.

No.

"Doctor, isn't there some way you could've stopped her?" I ask.

"No, I'm afraid there's nothing we could do. She's an adult now, free to make her own decisions. It's an unfortunate turn of events. We were so hoping that Kaley would respond to treatment."

"Yeah, me too. I'll come get her and try to bring her back. Do you have any idea where she might be?"

"We don't know. She left only an hour ago. She might be anywhere."

"Thanks, Dr. Blake."

I hang up the phone with a sick feeling in my body. My heart sinks as I try to imagine where Kaley might be. I thought she would've called me if she planned to leave the rehabilitation center. The fact that she didn't means that she doesn't trust me to help her.

"Is everything all right?" Aston asks, walking over to me.

"It's not okay," I explain the situation to him with tears in my eyes, telling him that I need to go back to Seattle to find my sister.

"So, she could be anywhere?" he asks, looking concerned.

I nod. "Unfortunately, I'm used to this. I've looked for her too many times to count."

"Let me come with you to help."

"You want to help me?"

"Of course. We'll fuel up my plane and can leave within the hour," he says.

"But Aston, you don't need to go with me. It's such a long journey." I place my hand on his arm. "And when I get there, I'll be searching the streets for her. It's going to be grim."

He looks down at me, his blue eyes set on my own, shining with determination. "I'm coming, and that's final."

I feel my stomach clench at his command. Having Aston with me, helping me look, will improve this situation. But still, it feels like a tall ask.

I follow him out of the ballroom, and we take his Mercedes to the airport.

I have one thing on my mind—finding my sister. I'm determined to save her. I don't care how often I have to look all around Seattle. I don't care how often I have to stay out until three in the morning, inspecting the seedy areas of the city. I will always, always be there for her.

This is just one of those times when I know she needs me. She may not realize it herself.

I'll never give up on Kaley.

Never.