A solemn expression replaced the smile on his face, and he shook his head gently.

"Chloe, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I came because I was afraid you'd be anxious, and I wanted to update you on this matter. During my recent trip to Gerby, time was tight, and I found no trace of her. I had to start from scratch."

"I'm sorry for the trouble," I replied with a hint of disappointment.

"Don't say that. We were all classmates," Theo responded.

"I went to the four high schools in their city and finally found some information about her. I only learned the basics of her situation. After all, she's been away from school for too long. They also mentioned that there's been no news of Beatrice in recent years."

He shook his head and added, "But I can't shake the feeling that the situation is not optimistic."

Surprised, I asked, "Why do you say that?"

Theo straightened up. "I asked a hotel attendant about their address. The attendant said that those living in that area are mostly wealthy p