Adam Collins sat at the breakfast table in silence, his presence heavy and oppressive, pressing down on the room like a storm cloud. The atmosphere was tense, yet it did nothing to deter his dear mother from fussing over her elder son, determinedly piling fruit onto Spencer's plate, as if the simple act of motherly concern could erase the discomfort in the air. He smirked. He was already used to it and not bothered at all.
For a while, he let the three people pretend he wasn't there, watching as they awkwardly attempted to carry on with their meal. But when he finally had enough of their wordless avoidance, he broke the silence. He might not have interest in these clowns but he did have an interest in someone.
"Where is Melanie?", he asked in a cold voice.
The reaction was immediate and strange. Adam's sharp gaze swept over the three of them, noting the way they all stiffened at the mention of her name. A quick glance was exchanged between them, but it was Spencer's reaction that stood out the most. The man went completely pale, his grip tightening around his fork before he forced himself to look away.
It was their mother who eventually spoke, her tone clipped and dismissive. "She's gone to stay with her friends for a few days. What concern is it to you?"
A lie. And a blatant one at that.
Adam frowned. She wasn't even trying to make it convincing.
His mind turned over the facts. The last time he'd seen Melanie, she was going out for dinner with Spencer to meet a client. That had been three days ago, and she hadn't returned since. Three days was nothign to worry about but there was something off about the situation that made him uneasy.
His voice dropped slightly, his words measured and deliberate as he questioned them, "It's been three days. I get that she might need space from the lot of you, but why isn't she coming into the office?"
Spencer cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. When he finally spoke, his words came out hesitant, almost rehearsed. "Uh... you know she hasn't taken a single day off in three years. I just thought... maybe she deserved a real break."
Adam studied him carefully, his expression unreadable. The explanation might have sounded reasonable on the surface, but Spencer's nervous demeanor gave him away.
He leaned back slightly, fingers tapping against the edge of the table in a steady, rhythm, like nails knocking on a coffin, "Tonight is your wedding anniversary celebration. And she's still not here. Don't tell me she's taking a break from that too. i'm sure grandfather would love to see that. He is going to be here in a few hours."
The moment the words left his mouth, he didn't miss the way the three of them exchanged yet another uneasy glance, their tension palpable. It was subtle, but not subtle enough. They were hiding something. And at that moment, Adam knew with absolute certainty—his gut instinct had been right all along.
Melanie wasn't off visiting any friends. That much was obvious.
But if she wasn't with them... then where was she?
His jaw tightened as he mulled over the possibilities. Today wasn't just any day. It was the deadline he had given her—the final day she had to make a decision.
And knowing what he did about Melanie, it was highly unlikely that she would simply vanish to avoid him. No, that wasn't her style.
While he was thinking, Spencer spoke up, this time with clarity," Tonight, I'll handle everything and of course she will be here by then. Don't spout anything. And I know Grandfather is arriving in a few hours. She'll be here by then! She must have forgotten or maybe she is sleeping in."
Adam scoffed at that and stood up," Very well. Then I will look forward to this arrival.
Before he could turn around, Hallie spoke up. "Why does it even matter to you when she arrives or what she does, Adam?"
Adam stilled. Then, with a slow movement, he turned back to face her. His gaze was cold, assessing—like a predator sizing up insignificant prey. And then disregarding her as even being worthy of his prey.
"Do you know me?" His voice was quiet, but the weight behind it made the air feel heavier.
Hallie frowned. "You're Spencer's younger brother..."
Adam's lips curled, but there was no amusement in it. "I didn't ask who you think I'm related to. I asked if you know me." He let the words hang for a beat, watching as unease flickered across her face. Then, in a voice that carried nothing but disdain, he added, "Since you don't, don't say my name so casually. I don't like it."
With that, Adam walked out of the house, leaving behind the people who dared to call himself his 'family.'
But the moment he was out, he pulled out his cell phone and made a call," Find out where Melanie Collins is. I want answers in the next hour."