They Replaced Me... Until the Government Wanted Me

Chapter 17

In the overwhelming tide of fear, despair, and confusion, Ethan Parker clawed back a shred of rationality.

His instinctive rebuttal was immediate: "No, she didn’t contact me."

That was right—they had been siblings for over twenty years. Even if they had grown distant now, even if she harbored resentment, surely she would have said something before leaving for a decade of confidential medical research.

So she couldn’t have gone.

But Professor Knox was adamant. "That’s impossible."

"When I got up from the private room, I saw it with my own eyes—she dialed your number."

"It was... last Saturday at noon."

Ethan was about to deny it again.

Then, in a flash, he remembered something.

Last Saturday, at noon.

That would have been around 5 AM in Norway.

That morning, he had just taken Lily Thompson to see the Northern Lights. She had insisted on taking countless photos, giddy with excitement, and stayed out until nearly dawn before returning to the hotel.

On the way back, Lily had taken his phone, saying she wanted to look through the pictures.

Distracted, she had lagged behind him.

Ethan had turned around to see her holding the phone to her ear.

He assumed she was listening to a video they had recorded.

"Put the phone away and come here," he had snapped impatiently.

Now, a terrible suspicion surged over him like a tidal wave, choking him.

Had Lily really been looking at photos and videos that morning?

The call had ended at some point without him realizing it.

Then, the bedroom door—which he had shut—was suddenly flung open.

Ethan’s head jerked up, and for the first time, he felt a desperate, irrational hope.

That it was Paige Anderson coming home.

Like so many times before, returning late from school.

He wouldn’t care if she ignored him, if she was cold, if she had caused trouble.

He could forgive her for trying to send Lily away.

He could even forgive her for pushing Lily down the stairs.

In that moment, none of it mattered.

As long as she came back.

Just come back.

But it wasn’t her.

Instead, Lucas Parker stormed in, his eyes bloodshot, his hair and coat dusted with snow. He must have rushed back from somewhere—after landing in Northridge, he had taken a taxi and disappeared without returning home with Ethan and Lily.

Ethan had no idea where he had gone.

The usually composed and steady man now looked dark and furious, not even bothering with greetings as he strode past.

He checked the walk-in closet, the bathroom, then moved to the other bedrooms and the study.

Ethan knew what he was searching for.

He sat on the bed, unable to muster the strength to stand.

Lucas finished scouring the house and returned, his face ashen.

When he spoke, his voice trembled.

"Paige is gone. She’s gone."