The Masterpiece of Leaving：Prepared A Perfect Stand-In For Him novel Chapter 16

Lysander hung up and noticed Celeste's distant expression. Assuming she was frightened, he quickly reassured her.

"They had it coming because of their greedy, and he dared to treat you that way."

Celeste leaned into his embrace and spoke softly. "It's okay. He doesn't know I'm not his sister anymore. I did take over his sister's body, maybe part of me feels guilty for that.”

"Ophelia, you're too kindhearted." Lysander stroked her hair, resting his chin atop her head.

"With me here, I'll protect you. Nothing will ever hurt you again."

Even as he spoke these tender words, his phone kept vibrating with incoming messages.

They were from Nick, his secretary.

Celeste caught a glimpse of the screen—along with updates about the Stanley family, there was mention of Navier.

Nick's team still couldn't locate her.

Lysander's expression darkened further.

How long is she going to keep this up? It's been ages—she can't still be this angry. Would she really cut him out of her life forever?

"Turn the city upside down if you have to—just find her." he furiously typed back.

Celeste's eyes darkened. She deliberately asked. "Lysander, who are you texting?"

"Just work stuff with Nick," he replied hastily, his manner unnaturally stiff as he pocketed his phone. "We're home. Let's go inside."

He changed the subject smoothly. Watching his retreating back, Celeste felt an even greater sense of bitter irony.

Nearly a month had passed, and Lysander still had no information about Navier.

Beyond that one-way ticket to England, she had vanished completely.

Lysander gripped the divorce papers tightly with his thoughts increasingly chaotic.

At a gathering with friends, he had left Celeste at home, needing space to clear his mind.