Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 433

Unfortunately, the weather was not on their side. The moment they stepped off the bus, a torrential downpour unleashed over the mountains, blanketing the forest in a thick, gray mist.

With the treacherous mud and the sun quickly setting, the field team carefully approached Willow, suggesting they hold off on heading into the mountains. They proposed resting in town for the night and beginning the study once the rain stopped.

These operatives had been personally handpicked by Arthur Vance and strictly briefed to prioritize Willow's safety above all else. Anyone who warranted that level of microscopic attention from the executive assistant had to be someone of immense importance—and likely someone with a massive ego. They walked on eggshells, adopting a highly deferential tone.

To their surprise, Willow was incredibly agreeable. She nodded immediately. "I'll listen to you. You guys are the professionals."

The team exchanged shocked glances, completely unprepared for her easygoing nature. Exhausted from the grueling journey, no one wanted to argue. They quickly booked rooms at a nearby inn.

After dropping off her luggage, Willow got ready to video call Silas. He had made it abundantly clear that the very first thing she needed to do upon settling in was check in. She hadn't forgotten.

Silas picked up the moment the call connected.

On the screen, Willow offered a bright, happy smile, clearly in high spirits.

Silas had already received a briefing from Arthur. Knowing she had followed the team's advice and hadn't done anything reckless, the heavy stone in his chest lifted, and his tense expression softened.

But as the camera inadvertently panned across her room, revealing the peeling walls and faded, rustic furniture, a fresh wave of heartache gripped him tightly.

"Why are you staying in a place like that?" Silas frowned.

Wait, he wasn't at home? There were other people around him?

She took a closer look at him on the screen. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored dark suit, his shirt buttoned flawlessly to the collar. His usual relaxed, at-home demeanor was gone, replaced by an icy, untouchable elegance that screamed high-stakes formal event.

It finally dawned on her—he was in the middle of a business engagement.

The realization sent a furious blush to her cheeks, and her fingers curled in sheer embarrassment.

She had assumed he was alone in his office or relaxing at home, which was why she had been chattering away so casually. Had she known he was out in public surrounded by colleagues, she never would have dared interrupt him.