Ryan was caught off guard during his father’s funeral when his dog, Bella, ran into the church and began barking at the casket. Feeling uneasy, he decided to open it, only to discover his father’s body was missing.

He stood outside the church, apprehensive about saying goodbye to his dad. His worried thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Bella’s urgent barks from the car.
Ryan tried to calm Bella, signaling her to lay down. But her distress was clear, and as he patted her, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Inside the church, Arnold’s casket was sealed, as safety measures were taken due to the infectious nature of his father’s death.

As the service ended, Bella’s frantic barks reverberated once again, and she even jumped onto the casket, startling everyone. That’s when Ryan knew he had to see if something was truly wrong.
Shocked gasps echoed as he opened the casket. Like a terrible dream come to life, it was empty.
In the chaos that ensued, Ryan’s mother fainted in disbelief. He rushed her to the hospital immediately.

Concerned and confused, Ryan phoned the police. Detective Bradshaw began investigating, and asked if there were any shady dealings his father might have been involved in.
Determined not to wait idly, Ryan decided to pursue his own investigation into the mysterious turn of events.

He headed to the morgue, where he found out that the coroner had resigned and there was currently no one to fill the role. He couldn’t access his father’s file, confirming that someone didn’t want him finding something out.
Frustrated but determined, an unexpected call from his father’s lawyer redirected his efforts. Mr. Stevens called Ryan to his father’s office, suggesting there were urgent matters to discuss regarding the business.

Amidst situations unraveling at work, Ryan realized that two office figurines were missing, not at his parents’ home as Mr. Stevens claimed. This only deepened the mystery, especially when financial difficulties and signs of an affair involving his father’s secretary, Miss Pearson, came to light.

No stranger to challenges, Ryan tackled the debt issues and mended relationships with vital investors. Yet, Miss Pearson seemed like a key to the puzzle, and Ryan decided to find her.
Following her revealed a life insurance policy naming her the beneficiary, raising suspicions sky-high.

Detective Bradshaw took the document seriously, leading to efforts to apprehend Miss Pearson before she could leave the country. But the woman they found was not her, and just like that, Ryan was back to a frustrating square one.
Undeterred, Ryan suspected his father might be hiding. He checked with a collector about missing figurines, convinced that Arnold himself could be seeking the last piece of the set.

Negotiating the sale of his shares, Ryan acquired enough money to buy the final figurine.
Back home, Ryan heard Bella’s excited barks and felt a renewed sense of determination. He prepared to set a trap using the auction of the figurine as bait.

In an auction room packed with interested buyers, Ryan watched carefully. As the auctioneer called out bids, his heart wished for success, hoping his father would finally emerge from hiding.

Through the crowd, he heard a familiar voice shout the winning bid—his father’s voice.
Ryan’s heart raced with mixed emotions as Arnold stood up, unimpressed by the elaborate ruse.

Confronted, Arnold confessed his intention to begin a fresh life with Miss Pearson, regretting his deceit to achieve it.
Feeling saddened but resolute, Ryan ensured justice would follow its course, knowing well that decisions should align with moral integrity rather than selfish desires.

The story reflects lessons in integrity and the consequences of running from responsibilities, offering a thoughtful take on familial bonds and personal choices. It inspires us to hold true to our principles even in times of turmoil.