CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98: ZANE RHODES IS MISSING

On the tree-lined path of the campus, a few students were strolling along the roadside, while Shannon Quinn was driving at a leisurely pace.

Sheila Yardley sat upright in the passenger seat, turned her head to look at Shannon Quinn who was driving, and asked, "TA Quinn, were you also Professor Lockwood’s student before?"

"Yes, I’ve always learned from him."

"Are you and Professor Lockwood... dating?"

"Huh? Of course not."

"I thought so. They always say you’re Professor Lockwood’s girlfriend, but I feel like if Professor Lockwood were really in a relationship with you, he would definitely acknowledge it openly."

It’s not the first time someone thought she and Aidan Lockwood were dating, not just students at the school, but also colleagues at the studio, and even people in the circle have thought so.

Because in the past, Aidan Lockwood would take her wherever he went, it’s not surprising for people to think that way, but as long as the two of them understand, it’s fine.

Shannon Quinn initially thought Sheila Yardley asked about this because she was interested in Aidan Lockwood and wanted to confirm if he was single.

But later in the conversation, Sheila Yardley mentioned she already had a boyfriend, and when she talked about him, she would get a little shy, but the smile on her face was full of happiness.

She seemed like a very innocent girl. If it weren’t for the pregnancy, Shannon Quinn might have taken her under her wing.

After all, Lynn Kendall still had some little schemes, and Sheila Yardley was only a sophomore, with no social experience. Shannon was worried she might get bullied or be led astray by Lynn Kendall.

When they reached the studio, Shannon Quinn introduced Sheila Yardley to Lynn Kendall. Lynn was quite enthusiastic, and she did have the ability; hopefully, she would teach Sheila sincerely.

Two days later, Shannon Quinn had already planned to find time to go to the hospital for a check-up, and today Erin Bishop was free in the morning, so Shannon took the opportunity to go to the hospital.

Following Vincent Rhodes’s arrangement, she found the doctor with the last name Chester.

His full name was Silas Kerr, wearing glasses, looking gentle and well-mannered, probably around twenty-five or twenty-six, and reportedly, he was this hospital’s heartthrob.

"Miss Quinn, right? Please follow me."

Shannon Quinn glanced back at Erin Bishop, who waved at her and said, "Go ahead, I’ll wait for you outside. It’s not your first check-up, what’s there to be nervous about?"

Silas also overheard and paused, turning back to Shannon Quinn, reassuring, "Don’t worry, we’re a legitimate hospital, and your husband is actually my childhood friend."

Upon hearing Silas and Vincent Rhodes were childhood friends, Shannon’s curiosity was piqued, and she followed him into the examination room, asking, "Do you know my husband well?"

"Of course."

"Can you tell me something about him?"

However, it seemed like Silas and Vincent had already coordinated, as he answered straightforwardly without any hesitation, "I’m only responsible for my duties. As for other matters, it’s better for Miss Quinn to ask your husband directly."

Given this response, Shannon Quinn abandoned her line of questioning, knowing she wouldn’t get much out of it.

Yet, this only fueled her curiosity about Vincent Rhodes’s secrets even more.

It was almost laughable; she had to learn about her own husband’s affairs through others.

"Lie down, please, and relax."

...

The examination process was similar to before, and Silas was very professional, conducting a thorough check-up.

He informed her that everything was normal with the baby, advising Shannon to pay attention to her diet and rest.

While they were leaving, Shannon Quinn, still uneasy, asked, "Dr. Chester, if someone else comes to the hospital to check on my records, will they find out that I’m pregnant?"

"Rest assured on that, the hospital keeps patient information confidential, and your husband has already given instructions—so even if someone asks, we won’t disclose a word."

Only then did Shannon Quinn’s concerns ease. For one, she was afraid Landon Sutton would find out about her pregnancy and suspect the baby’s origins; if he thought the child was his, things would get more complicated. And she was also wary of June Yardley, who had already warned her, though she didn’t know what June might do, it was better to stay cautious.

"Shannon, finished with the check-up? Do we need to wait for the results?"

Shannon Quinn shook her head, saying, "No need, they’ve already told me, let’s go."

"Having privileges sure is nice; no need to queue."

Shannon Quinn glanced at the pregnant women waiting in line with their husbands, smiled faintly, and muttered to herself, "I’d rather not have any privileges."

A phone played an unknown English song, which was Erin Bishop’s ringtone.

Seeing the caller ID, she muttered in confusion, "Ronan Rhodes?"

"What’s up?"

Unable to hear what Ronan Rhodes was saying on the other end, Erin Bishop seemed surprised, "What?! Where are you now?"

"...Oh, okay, I’m nearby. I’ll come find you first."

Erin Bishop hung up and quickly pulled Shannon Quinn towards the elevator.

Seeing her anxious demeanor, Shannon Quinn kept pace with her and asked in confusion, "What happened?"

"He said Zane Rhodes is missing!"

Upon hearing this, Shannon Quinn rolled her eyes at her, "I thought something big happened; can such a grown man really just get lost? Why are you in such a hurry?"

In truth, Shannon Quinn wanted to say, if Zoe Whitman, as Zane Rhodes’s girlfriend, wasn’t worried, why did Erin lose her composure over Zane’s affairs, putting his issues first, and going to find him regardlessly? Even after going through all that trouble, who would appreciate her efforts? Wouldn’t they just see Zane comforting Zoe, ignoring Erin’s feelings?

Sometimes she thought Erin was quite sharp, perceptive about everything except when it came to Zane, where she seemed irrationally foolish.

Perhaps some matters have to affect oneself to understand the feelings of the involved parties—the love-hate entanglement, wanting to forget yet unwilling to let go of the past, are her own internal struggles and dilemmas. Unless she figures it out herself, no one could persuade her.

Just on the street behind the hospital, they saw Ronan’s car parked on the roadside, and with Ronan standing by was Zoe Whitman.

Upon seeing Zoe Whitman, Erin Bishop’s hurried running steps slowed down.

Ronan strode forward, pulled Erin aside, then glanced at Zoe Whitman, who was not far behind and on the phone, before softly asking Erin, "She said my brother disappeared this morning, didn’t tell her where he was going, and couldn’t be reached by phone. I’ve looked everywhere I know. I asked you to come over to see if you remember any ’old places’ from when you were with my brother... like places you frequently went on dates."