CHAPTER 6
Richard Sterling hesitates for a moment, then sighs. "Clara is 16 years old," Richard Sterling begins, his voice tinged with sadness. "She's…always been a bit rebellious, headstrong. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye." He pauses, as if choosing his words carefully. "She disappeared about two weeks ago. She left a note saying she needed some time to herself, but…it doesn't feel right. This isn't like her."
Can I see the note? Emily asked
Richard Sterling shakes his head. "I don't have the note," Richard Sterling says, his voice tight. "I…I destroyed it. In the heat of the moment, I panicked. I thought it would be better if the police didn't see it." He avoids Emily's gaze, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. "I know, it was a mistake. But it's done now."
Richard Sterling hesitates, a shadow crossing his face. "The note…" Richard Sterling says, his voice barely a whisper. "It's…personal. I'm not sure I'm comfortable sharing it." He looks away, avoiding Emily's gaze.
Emily's mind races. She remembers reading about Richard Sterling and his late wife, who died during childbirth. The story was a tragic one, painting him as a grieving widower. "I remember reading about your wife," Emily says softly, her tone more sympathetic now. "I'm sorry for your loss." She watches him closely, wondering if his grief has anything to do with Clara's disappearance.
Emily nods slowly, absorbing the information. "Two weeks," Emily repeats, her mind racing. "And you haven't gone to the police? That's…unusual, to say the least." She pauses, her gaze fixed on Richard Sterling. She watches him closely, trying to gauge his reaction. "But that still doesn't explain why you're asking me for help instead of the authorities."
There's no need to get the authorities involve.I know where she's but she doesn't want to see me and I don't want to trigger her, "Richard Sterling said with a heavy heart"
Emily studies Richard Sterling's face, searching for any sign of deception. His denial seems genuine, but his anxiety is undeniable. "So you're saying you *suspect* you know where she is," Emily clarifies, her voice carefully neutral. "But she wouldn't want to see you. Why is that, Mr. Sterling? What's going on between you and your daughter?" She watches him closely, waiting for the truth to finally emerge.
Richard Sterling sighs, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Alright, alright," Richard Sterling says, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're right. I do know where she is…sort of." He avoids Emily's gaze, his face etched with guilt. "She's…she's staying at a friend's cabin in the south. But she doesn't want to see me. She made that very clear."
He looks up, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and frustration. "Clara has always wanted me to remarry," Richard Sterling continues, his voice cracking with emotion. "She's always wanted a mother figure. She says I don't give her enough attention, that I'm too focused on my work." He pauses, his gaze pleading. "Maybe she's right. Maybe I haven't been the best father."Richard Sterling's shoulders slump, his carefully constructed facade of a powerful, in-control billionaire crumbling before her eyes. "She's always wanted me to remarry," Richard Sterling says, his voice thick with emotion. "She's always said she wanted a mother figure, someone to…to give her the attention I couldn't. She thinks I don't care, but that's not true." He looks up at Emily, his eyes filled with a raw vulnerability that takes her by surprise. "I just…I don't know how to connect with her anymore."
A wave of sympathy washes over Emily. Despite her initial distrust, she can see the pain and desperation in Richard Sterling's eyes. "I'm sorry," Emily says softly, reaching out to gently touch his arm. "This must be incredibly difficult for you."
Emily sighs, withdrawing her hand. "Mr. Sterling," Emily says, her voice gentle but firm. "I appreciate you sharing this with me, but I'm not a therapist. I don't know anything about family counseling. I'm just a…a former cleaning lady." She pauses, her gaze unwavering. "I don't think I'm the right person to help you with this. You need to talk to someone who's qualified."
Richard Sterling's eyes light up with a renewed sense of hope. "Please, Emily," Richard Sterling pleads, his voice filled with desperation. "You're wrong about that. My daughter is a good person, a sweet girl. She just needs someone to talk to, someone she can trust. And for some reason, I think she'll listen to you." He pauses, his gaze intense. "Name your price, Emily. Anything. Just please, help me find her and bring her home."