The computer department at headquarters fell into a tense hush. Everyone hurried back to their desks and began connecting to Blanche's digital footprint, working at lightning speed.
One by one, traces of "Blanche" vanished from Novandria's vast digital web.
Her elementary school transcripts, graduation photos, marriage license—every record that could be found online was being erased, piece by piece.
She stared at the monitor, tears shimmering in her eyes. The man beside her noticed and silently offered her a tissue from his pocket. His deep, reassuring voice broke the silence. "I'll be staying in Novandria for a few more days. If you're having second thoughts, you don't have to leave. Think about it."
Blanche took the tissue, blinking back her tears. She managed a small smile and shook her head. "It's not that I can't let go. It's just… saying goodbye to the past is always bittersweet."
He nodded quietly. "I understand."
Meanwhile, outside the city's grand sports center, a steady stream of official cars pulled up. Eddy, accompanied by Novandria's top officials, was busy greeting dignitaries from around the world.
Two hours slipped by. He wondered if his wife had made it to the banquet hall yet.
Eddy glanced at his phone—barely a single bar of signal, the crowd around him swallowing up any chance of a call.
No wonder he hadn't heard from her bodyguard.
Worried, he turned to one of his security staff. "Go find out where my wife is."
The bodyguard nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
Just then, a sleek black sedan, adorned with a small national flag, rolled to a stop at the entrance. Novandria's officials hurried over, eager to greet the arriving guest.
"Mr. Simmons, allow me to introduce you to one of the most distinguished foreign dignitaries we've had in ten years," one of the officials announced, barely able to contain his excitement.
Eddy stood behind them, distant and distracted.
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