Vince replied, "The hospital informed us that the baby did not survive either."
Joseph's eyelashes trembled, and his thin lips remained sealed.
Not wanting Joseph to dwell in this state, Vince attempted to divert his attention. "Xavia has given birth to a son. Would you like to go and see them?"
"Get me the hospital's surveillance footage."
"We failed to retrieve them. The fire was too intense and it affected the circuits and network."
Joseph's brows furrowed as he said hoarsely and stubbornly, "Find a way to retrieve it."
Vince nodded, though he held little hope. Lucas had gone to retrieve the surveillance footage immediately after the fire, but the equipment had been completely burnt beyond recognition.
After Vince left, Joseph recalled that Emily had taken away Chloe's ashes. He took out The Flawless Love from his pocket, feeling a numbing ache gripping his heart. He could not come to terms with Chloe's death and lacked the courage to go to the hospital. The mere idea of standing in the very place where Chloe had lost her life was more agonizing than taking his own life.
Joseph went to the mansion and entered the bedroom Chloe had stayed in. Everything inside remained the same. The slightly crumpled bed sheets, the soft glow of the desk lamp, the books scattered on the table... These remnants bore witness to Chloe's presence just a day ago. But now, they were separated by the chasm of life and death.
He slipped off his shoes and got into the bed, feeling the lingering warmth Chloe had left behind. In an instant, all his senses were amplified. Within the soft embrace of the blanket, her delicate fragrance lingered, permeating the air.
In the midst of this bittersweet realization, he could almost feel her beside him. He extended a trembling hand, yearning to reach out and touch her. But like a mirage, her figure dissolved into nothingness. No matter how desperately he grasped, his efforts were futile. She had vanished without a trace.
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