The Mysterious Midnight Magnate

48: Confronting Vincent

As Eric wandered the beach in search of Emily, his mind raced with worry and uncertainty. With each passing moment, his concern grew, fueled by the nagging feeling that something was dreadfully wrong.

He tried calling her repeatedly, his heart sinking with each unanswered ring.

But as the minutes turned into hours, Eric's hopes began to wane.

Where could Emily have gone? And why would she leave her phone behind?

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Emily's phone ringing, its familiar tone cutting through the silence of the beach like a beacon in the night.

With a sense of urgency, Eric followed the sound until he stumbled upon Emily's abandoned beach mat, her phone lying on top it just like that.

Confusion clouded Eric's mind as he picked up the phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he examined it.

Why would Emily leave her phone behind?

And where could she have gone without it?

As he pondered these questions, a sense of fear settled over him like a dark cloud.

Someth