CEO's Contract Obsession-Chapter 213: Where The Hell is Mary?

As Henry anticipated before leaving the hospital, the front of the Welsh Holdings Building is swarming with reporters, as if they were deliberately summoned to be present at that specific time and day.

"Hmm, it appears that someone must have tipped them off about our arrival today," Henry mused, his gaze fixed on the view beyond the window.

Dave communicated via radio to the security team, informing them they had reached the block and were approaching the building. Prior to the arrival of their SUV, the security team led by Rei, skillfully redirected the media to the side, clearing a path for the Welsh couple, not letting anyone speak to Amy and Henry.

Ava, who was already inside the building, swiftly retrieved a wheelchair for Amy. Their movements were quick and efficient as Amy was promptly transported inside the building, inaccessible to the media who were prohibited from entering.

Upon their arrival in Bellory during lunchtime, Amy had already instructed Sandra to arrange lunch for everyone, as she had been unable to reach Mary. As the couple reached Amy’s office, they were warmly greeted by Amy’s employees.

As Bellory was not yet fully operational, only a handful of core and essential employees were present. Despite the limited time to prepare for Amy’s impromptu visit, they managed to create a do-it-yourself banner, hastily printed, with the intention of making Amy feel welcomed and appreciated.

As soon as the Welsh couple entered the office, everyone enthusiastically shouted, "Welcome back, boss!" while proudly holding up the ’WELCOME’ banner. Amy couldn’t help but chuckle when she noticed that one of the letters held by the IT manager was upside down.

"Boss Amy, we’re all thrilled and delighted to have you back," Kevin greeted warmly before extending what he was holding, causing Henry to raise an eyebrow in annoyance. "This is from all of us, not just me," Kevin clarified, casting a quick glance at Henry, who was glaring at him.

Kevin presented a bouquet of white roses and pink carnations to Amy, who hesitated to accept it, aware of Henry’s aversion towards Kevin’s presence. Meanwhile, Maya, oblivious to the underlying tension, encouraged Amy to take the bouquet, and eventually, Amy relented and accepted it.

"Thank you, everyone. I didn’t anticipate such a warm welcome. I merely wanted to check on each one of you and ensure that everything is going well here. But it seems that you’re all doing great," Amy expressed with gratitude, addressing her employees.

"We are doing great boss!"

"Don’t worry about us, focus on getting well."

One of the employees spoke up, saying, "Boss, Kevin has been assisting all of us in settling down and providing valuable teaching as well. You don’t need to worry." Henry’s eyes narrowed in response to the comment, expressing his distaste.

"That sounds wonderful. I’m just here for a visit today and will be heading home soon. I’ll see all of you next week, so make sure you’re prepared as we officially launch Bellory. Alright?" Amy announced, and everyone responded in unison, expressing their agreement.

"I’ve arranged lunch for everyone to enjoy. Please help yourselves. Thank you, everyone!" Amy added graciously before proceeding to her office, accompanied by Henry, Rei, Sandra, and Maya.

Amy exclaimed in frustration, "Where the hell is Mary?" as soon as Rei closed the door to her office.

Sandra, Maya, and Rei exchanged glances, silently encouraging one another to speak up. They were hesitant to address the matter individually, knowing that Amy was already irritated by Mary’s absence, especially considering her role as the Chief Operating Officer, responsible for managing the office in the CEO’s absence.

Henry interrupted, not wanting Amy to become further upset, considering she had just been discharged from the hospital. "Love, it’s lunchtime, so perhaps Mary is simply having lunch with Anton, right, Rei?" Henry turned to Rei, his eyes wide, silently urging him to agree, even if it meant telling a white lie.

Rei responded to Henry’s suggestion with a blank expression, stating, "As of this moment, Mary and Anton are not in the building, Amy." Henry, who was holding onto Amy’s wheelchair, instantly smacked his forehead and ran his hand across his face in a mixture of disbelief and frustration towards Rei.

"What? Where are they?" Amy asked, her voice filled with confusion, trying to make sense of why the two Chief Operating Officers of two companies are missing when their superiors are on medical leave.

"We... we don’t know, Amy," Sandra stammered, sensing the annoyance in Amy’s voice. She and the others had attempted to reach Mary and Anton, only to find that their phones were either switched off or had no signal. Sandra knows that Amy was not someone who got angry easily, but the tone in her voice sounds like she was not pleased with Mary’s absence.

Amy used both her hands to massage her temples for she can feel an incoming headache. Henry who was observing her creased his forehead and got worried... again.

"Amy, are you feeling alright, love? I think we should go home."

"Not yet. Sandra, it was Roana who was beside Josephine earlier, right?" Amy clarified and Sandra nodded. "Please ask her discreetly if she knows where those two are. I won’t be able to feel comfortable leaving if my COO is not here." Amy instructed, and Sandra promptly left the room following Amy’s order.

"Anton’s penthouse is just nearby, Rei. You should go and check it out," Henry instructed, urging Rei to investigate Anton’s residence for further information.

As Henry contemplated the situation, a sense of worry washed over him. He couldn’t shake off the concern that the disappearance of Mary and Anton might be linked to their previous accident, potentially involving someone who held a grudge against him and Welsh Holdings.

Although he hoped his speculation was unfounded, he couldn’t dismiss the thought easily, recognizing the need to dig deeper into the matter.

Rei nodded in acknowledgment and set off to carry out his task. With Rei gone, Maya was the only one remaining in the room. Sensing the tension and Amy’s irritation, Maya tried to dodge it and offered to fetch food for both Henry and Amy, hoping to avoid the situation and further irritation.

Amy let out a heavy sigh as Maya left the room, she then turned her attention to Henry. Upon seeing his frown and worried expression, her frustration melted and was instantly replaced by concern. "What’s wrong?" she inquired.

"I’m worried, love," Henry replied, with a serious tone. "Anton has never been late before, unless there was a problem or an important issue, such as something happening to his parents. But he would have informed either Rei or me.

The fact that both Anton and Mary are unreachable is quite concerning for me. I’m starting to think they might be in trouble. What if the person who was after us is now targeting our friends?" Henry’s words carried a weight of concern and a sense of urgency.

Amy’s eyes widened as the magnitude of the situation sank in. Henry’s concerns seemed valid, "Gosh, Henry, you are right. Now I feel so bad for being upset about her absence."

Before they could dive deeper into their discussion, Sandra returned with information."I spoke with Roana, she said their room was locked and no one was answering when she knocked for breakfast so she thought that Anton and Mary went to work early."

Amy and Henry exchanged worried glances when suddenly, the door burst open. A breathless Mary stood before them, her eyes carrying dark circles, dressed in office attire that seemed hastily put together and lacking her usual polished business look.

"I am so sorry I’m late! Please, babe, forgive me. I promise I’ll make it up to you! I’ll explain the reason for my tardiness so you won’t be angry anymore. I’m truly sorry, and it won’t happen again!" Mary gasped out her apology, visibly exhausted and overwhelmed.

Amy let out a sigh and couldn’t help but facepalm herself. The slightly disheveled appearance of Mary confirmed her suspicion, and she had an idea of what might have happened. She couldn’t believe how disorganized Mary looked at that moment.

"Alright, explain yourself," Amy said tersely, her tone conveying a sense of urgency and impatience.

Mary, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, responded with a playful salute. "Yes, Ma’am," she replied. "But before I start, may I ask that everyone else leave the room? The matter is quite sensitive, and I believe it’s best discussed first just between Amy and me."

Henry laughed as he shook his head, "You know that married couple shares everything, right? So, I will soon find out whatever it is that you will tell my wife." Henry was just teasing Mary for he also has an idea why she was late by just looking at her.

"That’s fine with me, as long as she will tell you with me present in the room! Now get out, both of you. Sorry, Sandra, I’ll tell you when I am ready," Mary said enthusiastically.

"Small thing, don’t worry I understand, and I think I know what are you going to say anyways," Sandra chuckled and then turned to Henry, "Let’s go, Mr. Welsh, time to go, perhaps you should look for your best friend too." Sandra pulled and dragged Henry out of the room with a teasing smile on her face as she glance one last time to Amy and Mary.