What's going on with Addy? Why isn't she picking up her phone? Leon's gaze revealed a flicker of doubt. Unwilling to stop trying, he hit the call button once more. Maybe she's tied up with something and didn't hear it ring. Yet, just like before, the phone rang endlessly without anyone answering. Eventually, an automated voice responded, "Sorry, the person you're trying to contact is not available at the moment." This time, Leon suddenly caught on to the exact wording of the message ... not available? It couldn't simply be that she missed the ringtone. Could something have happened to Addy? The moment this idea popped into Leon's head, he quickly brushed it aside. No way. This is a legitimate medical exchange conference with thorough security and strict screening of attendees. The banquet also included invitations to Kreshill's most prominent noble families, making it highly unlikely for anyone to stir up trouble. Leon remained motionless, his bold, defined brows knitting together slightly. Even if someone managed to sneak into the conference, why would they go after Addy? Although she's a member of the Daves, Addy has always lived quietly, avoiding the spotlight. In fact, many in Kreshill aren't even aware of her existence. With her maintaining such a low profile, what reason would anyone have to single her out? None of it added up. Countless scenarios ran through Leon's head, but he rejected every single one. What could possibly be the explanation? Leon pressed his lips together tightly, continuously redialing the number as if waiting for Addison to answer.Even after trying nearly a dozen times, he still couldn't get through. A slight wave of unease began to settle over him. Holding his phone firmly, he glanced over at Matthew, who was seated in the lounge. To curry favor with Matthew, Tobias had arranged for a luxurious recliner crafted from aged wood to be brought in. Matthew lounged on the recliner, lightly rocking back and forth with his eyes shut, a faint smile revealing his current delight. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say his grin nearly stretched to the heavens, a clear sign of his excitement at seeing his granddaughter. The glow from the nearby fireplace cast a warm light on his cheerful face, adding a slight blush to his complexion. For some reason, Leon found himself feeling a bit uneasy as he watched this scene. Watching Matthew's joy, Leon felt a whirlwind of emotions stir within him. Ever since Addison married into the Johnstons, it had been ages since Matthew had smiled with such genuine happiness. And now, just as he found his joy again, this unexpected situation had to arise. Leon's heart was a tangle of conflicting feelings. After a brief pause of uncertainty, he chose to remain silent and quietly returned to the lounge. In his heart, Leon silently hoped that Addison would notice the missed call and get back to him. Hearing footsteps nearby, Matthew opened his eyes and asked, "What's the update? Can we proceed now?" Leon paused before replying, "Uh ... Let's hold off for a little while longer." "What are we waiting for? Let's go now—why wait?" Matthew's voice was filled with excitement, his impatience clear. Leon gently tried to reason with him. "Just a little longer. You've waited three years—what's the harm in waiting a bit more? "You're in good health, but you still need to take it easy, don't you think?" Matthew, clearly not listening, responded, "It's because I haven't seen my granddaughter in three years, and that's why I'm so eager."She's my only granddaughter. If I'm not anxious, who else will be? Do you expect Lance to be the one anxious?" The moment Leon heard Lance's name, his face darkened. "Why bring him up all of a sudden?" None of the Daves had any fondness for Lance. It felt incredibly inappropriate to mention him right now. "I'm heading to the front hall," Matthew said, brushing off Leon's comment. He set down the fan he had been holding and stood up, his back rigid as he made his way slowly toward the front hall. Seeing he couldn't stop Matthew, Leon scrambled for another excuse. "Uh, Dad, there are still some things outside that need to be sorted ... "The venue, the tables, and the chairs—nothing's set up yet. If you go now, won't you just make things worse for them?" Matthew stopped in his tracks. He turned around, looking confused. "Things aren't ready?" Leon paused briefly before replying, "Yes, I'm not making this up." Leon approached Matthew and gently guided him back to his seat. Matthew was pushed back onto the recliner, looking bewildered. It seemed as though Leon feared Matthew would rise again, so he intentionally positioned himself to "hold" him in place on the recliner. This time, Matthew didn't get up. Instead, he sat calmly on the lounge chair, his expression now more composed, quietly waiting for the preparations in the front hall to be finished. Seeing that Matthew had settled down, Leon let out a sigh of relief. His mind had been consumed with worry about Addison, a nagging sense of dread never quite leaving him. The moment he had "settled" Matthew back into his seat, Leon quickly moved aside to try calling Addison again.If he couldn't get through this time, he'd send someone to search the entire conference. He'd search high and low, leaving no stone unturned, to find their precious Addison. As Leon pulled his phone out of his pocket and pressed the familiar dial button, the phone was still ringing when, out of nowhere, a hand landed on his shoulder from behind, making him jump. "Who's there?" Leon quickly turned around. When he did, he was met with a mischievous grin, Tobias' face wearing an amused smile. "It's me," Tobias said, his lips curling into a smile. Leon shot Tobias a quick, sidelong glance, choosing to ignore him. Clearly, Addison's situation was his top priority, and everything else had to wait. Tobias, however, seemed oblivious to Leon's indifference and continued, "Didn't we agree to go to the front hall? Why is Mr. Matthew still here?" Before Leon could respond, Matthew spoke up first. "The people in the front hall aren't ready yet, I'll wait a bit longer." "Not ready? They've been prepared for ages! They're just waiting on you!" Tobias' voice was loud and insistent. "Ready?" Matthew looked confused. "Yes, I watched them getting everything set up. They're just waiting for you!" The words hit Matthew like a bolt of lightning, instantly shattering the calm he had just found. His face drained of color, turning from red to pale in an instant, and his voice, tinged with anger, erupted, "What's going on?!" Had Leon been lying to him again? At the same time, Leon felt a sharp sense of frustration and helplessness, his heart sinking at that moment. He was overwhelmed with frustration. Just as he had managed to calm Matthew down, everything fell apart!"Well ... " "Speak up, what's going on?" Matthew pressed once more. Leon could no longer keep it to himself. He shut his eyes, bracing himself, and admitted the truth. "Addy ... I can't get in touch with her ... " "What?" Matthew, stunned by the news, sprang up from his chair. "Why can't you reach her?!" "Have you checked everywhere? Could something have happened to her?" Matthew asked, his voice filled with urgency. "We haven't had the chance to search yet," Leon answered. The old man was nearly frantic, pacing restlessly. "What are you waiting for? If my granddaughter is missing, we'll never find her!" Leon hesitated, casting a glance at Tobias. After all, they were in the host's territory, where multiple forces were at play, and searching would complicate things further. "Search!" Matthew couldn't care less about the complexities. His only concern was the safety of his precious granddaughter. He declared, "Even if I have to turn this place upside down today, I'll find my granddaughter!"