Chapter 46

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*Meanwhile on the other side*

After the excitement of the Victoria's Secret fashion show, Charles and Collin kept their lips sealed about what they had witnessed, knowing how delicate the situation was with Chase.

Meanwhile, Chase's parents were blissfully unaware of the drama that had unfolded, focusing instead on their upcoming celebration.

Days passed, and the atmosphere surrounding Chase's company returned to normal. The partnerships and transactions, particularly those involving the Russian mafia that Chase was entangled with, began to run smoothly once again.

It seemed that the storm had passed, allowing Chase to refocus on his work without the distractions of the past.

Amidst this return to normalcy, Chase's parents were preparing to celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary. They had decided to leave Russia for a change of scenery, wanting to commemorate their milestone in a special way.

After discussing their plans with family and close friends, they settled on Dubrovnik, Croatia—a stunning destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history.

"We want everyone to be together for this special occasion," Chase's mother announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Dubrovnik will be perfect! The scenery is beautiful, and we can relax and celebrate."

Chase's father nodded in agreement. "It'll be a nice getaway, and we can create wonderful memories with everyone we love."

As the plans came together, invitations were sent out, and the anticipation built among their friends and family. Chase, although unaware of the deeper implications of their trip, felt a wave of excitement at the thought of the celebration.

He looked forward to spending time with his parents and reconnecting with old friends.

Unbeknownst to him, the upcoming trip to Croatia would soon intertwine with his own journey, leading him into unexpected encounters that could change everything.

The stage was set for a dramatic reunion, and as the days approached, both anticipation and tension hung in the air, waiting to be unleashed.

After three days of anticipation, the private plane carrying Chase and his family soared through the skies from Russia to Croatia for his parents' fortieth anniversary. In the back, Chase sat with his laptop open, but his focus was fragmented.

The steady hum of the engines and the chatter of his loved ones faded into the background as a feeling of lightness settled over him. It was as if something significant awaited him in Croatiasomething good.

Yet no matter how hard he tried to concentrate on work, his mind would drift, lost in thoughts of this feeling. Charles and Collin, sitting a few rows ahead, exchanged furtive glances, their concern for their friend evident.

They had both noticed Chase's serious demeanor and the way he seemed to zone out, caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

Charles cleared his throat, breaking the silence that enveloped them. He faked a cough to gain Chase's attention, feeling a knot of anxiety twist in his stomach.

"I need to tell you something," he said, his voice steady yet serious. Chase lifted his eyes, his expression remaining stoic, but a flicker of curiosity danced in his gaze.

"Remember the day when you and Lance were talking about the shipment? Collin and I saw the news that day that..."

Charles hesitated, swallowing hard as he held Chase's gaze, feeling the weight of the moment. "The woman you've been looking for, Iris Larsen, was back in the fashion world."

At the mention of her name, Chase's eyes widened, his serious expression softening. A rush of conflicting emotions surged within him—anger at his friends for keeping this news from him, mixed with a profound sense of hope and validation.

The fleeting glimpse he had of Iris in that New York coffee shop suddenly felt less like a figment of his imagination and more like a tangible connection to something real.

"She opened the Victoria's Secret fashion show. It's been all over social media." Collin chimed.

Chase leaned back in his seat, absorbing the weight of their words. The lightness he had felt moments before had shifted into a cocktail of hope and longing.

With Iris back in the spotlight, the possibility of reconnecting seemed both thrilling and daunting.

As the plane continued its journey, Chase's thoughts spun wildly. Croatia was supposed to be a time for celebration, but now it felt like the beginning of a new chapter.

He glanced at Charles and Collin, their expressions a mixture of support and concern, and nodded slightly. They were right; this was the moment he had been waiting for.

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