Page 44 of Unwrapping Romance

“If you want to know where she ran off to, there are no credit card records of plane tickets being bought, which means she probably paid cash at the airport.”

“She knew I’d try to find her.” I sighed.

“I spoke to her landlord in Pennsylvania. He said that her lease was up, and she didn’t want to renew. She moved all her things out and into a storage unit near her home. I pulled up her bank records, and she closed her account. As for her phone, she canceled her plan and most likely purchased a burner phone that can’t be traced. I also scoured her social media and hacked into her iCloud. She’s been talking to some guy named Pete Stratford. They’re making all these plans to travel. From what I read, they’re in love.”

“Are you telling me she left her kid to go travel with some guy?”

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying. I traced his IP address to a home in Seattle. I have his number if you’d like to call him.” She smiled.

“Give it to me.” I picked up my phone and put it on speaker.

“Yeah?” he answered.

“I need to speak with Claire.”

“Who the hell is this?”

“It doesn’t matter. Put Claire on the phone now!”

“Claire, there’s some guy on the phone for you,” I heard him say.

“Jack, is this you?” Claire asked.

“Damn right, it is. Did you really think I don’t have the resources to find you?”

“I didn’t think you’d do it so quickly. I said everything I had to say in the letter.”

“Your letter is bullshit, Claire. You are to come back to New York and get Ellie. She’s been crying for you.”

“I’m sorry, Jack. I can’t. I love our daughter, but I’m lost. I can’t do it anymore.”

“You’re her mother!” I shouted.

“And you’re her father! Take some fucking responsibility. I raised her alone for four years. Now, it’s your turn. She’s a very special little girl; the more you get to know her, the more you’ll see that. Goodbye, Jack. Don’t contact me again. Elianna will be fine. I know you’ll do the right thing. Tell her I love her.”

“No! If you loved her, you wouldn’t have abandoned her.”

“But it was okay for you to abandon her for the first four years of her life? Goodbye, Jack.” She hung up.

Shaking my head, I threw my phone down.

“You want my advice?” Morgan asked. “She’s not coming back, Jack. You’re that little girl’s father, and I’m sure she’s scared to death. Her mother abandoned her, and now her father doesn’t want her either?” Her brow raised.

“It’s not that I don’t want her. I can’t raise her.”

“You can. You’re a billionaire, for God’s sake. You have more resources than most people. I know what it’s like when your mother abandons you, and it’s not easy to accept.”

“Thank you for all your help.” I pulled out my checkbook and wrote her a check. “I’m sure this is enough.” I handed it to her.

“More than enough.” She smiled. “Thank you. I’m heading to Turks and Caicos. If you need me for anything, call.” She stood up, and I walked her to the door.

“Turks and Caicos, eh?” I asked.

“I have a friend whose cousin is paying me to spy on her husband. She’s positive he’s there with another woman. Shewants receipts and photos. All expenses paid.” She grinned. “Who am I to turn down a free vacation?”

“I agree. You’d be crazy if you did. Good luck. I hope you find the cheating bastard.”

“Oh, I’ll find him. Call me if you need anything, Jack.”

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