chapter1217

Reed's brow was pulled tight, and the more he thought about it, the colder he felt inside. Lydia noticed his expression and spoke gently. From everything I know, your daughter is well-mannered, gentle, and smart. She's always been your pride, and Mrs. Brown's too. Everyone in Maple Town has nothing but good things to say about her."

Reed's mind flashed to how his daughter had changed lately. He'd chalked it up to her just hitting that rebellious age. Maybe they'd spoiled her a little too much, he thought, but he never imagined there could be something else going on.

"And your wife," Lydia continued, her voice steady, "your marriage is good, isn't it?

Reed hesitated, unsure how to respond. Things were good, mostly. But there was one thing he hadn't told anyone. For the past couple of months, his wife always seemed tired, always had some excuse to avoid being close with him. He'd been busy with work, not home all that much, so he didn't think much of it. But now, after hearing Lydia, he was starting to doubt himself.

Before he could gather his thoughts, Lydia unlocked her phone and set it on the table in front of him. "Take a look at these."

One glance at the photos and Reed felt the world tilt. There were dozens of pictures of his wife, Deanna, wrapped up with some young guy. There were hotel records too, dates and times. All within the last two months, always when he was away for work.

"This can't be real, he muttered, barely able to breathe. His mind was spinning, heart sinking fast.

Lydia studied his face and said quietly, "You don't need to worry. That's not your wife. She's a clone."

It took a second for Reed to process what she'd said. He stared at her, suddenly serious. Where are my real wife and daughter? Do you know where they are?

Lydia's expression turned thoughtful. "We're still investigating, but we'll find them."

"How did you even figure out they were clones? Reed asked. He hadn't heard a single rumor about anything like this. He'd lived with them every day and never noticed a thing The thought sent a chilf through him What if they'd wanted to hurt him? He couldn't even guess what might have happened.

"We have someone in custody. The names came from a list we got from them. Of course, we investigated before coming to you, and there are some big differences in how your wife and daughter have been acting lately." s?novels

Reed took a deep breath. He was the mayor, after all. He had to keep it together. "So what now? What's the plan? Tell me what you need me to do.

Meanwhile, at the Brown family villa, Mona was sitting close to Mikey at the dining table, her whole face glowing like a girl in love. "Mikey, I hope you like the food. Please, have some more."

She reached over to serve him, her enthusiasm impossible to miss. Mikey hadn't seen Reed at lunch, and Lydia still hadn't updated him, so he just played along, waiting for news. Lydia had said she'd talk to Mayer Brown first. If things went well, the mayor would come back to see him.

Mona noticed Mikey wasn't eating much and her face fell. "What's wrong? You don't

like the food?"

Mikey hurried to reassure her. No, it's really good. Thank you."

Mona's smile came back in an instant.

Across from them, Mrs. Brown spoke up, her voice calm and measured. "Mikey,

Mona really likes you. If you feel the same way about her, maybe it's time you two set a date for your engagement."