Chapter 1165

Skylar thought, "Out of service?" She wondered if Joe's phone was simply off or in airplane mode. Perhaps they'd had a late flight and were due to arrive the next day. With each passing moment, her anxiety escalated.

"What on earth is happening?" she murmured, gazing at the city's nocturnal glow. Three days had passed in unnerving silence, without a word from him. During those three days, every call yielded the same frustrating response: the phone was out of service. She'd even contacted Jacky and Howard, hoping for some insight.

Jacky urged her to wait, promising to inquire at the Martin Group. After contacting the overseas company manager, he learned Joe and Paul had completed their work four days earlier. According to the schedule, they should have returned to Jipsburg three days ago. This news struck Skylar like a thunderbolt.

"Mrs. Martin, we can't reach Mr. Martin or Paul. There's a strong possibility something has gone wrong. We need to go to Murida immediately and contact the local police to trace their whereabouts. Your legal status will be invaluable, and we'll accompany you."

Jacky's swift response left Skylar speechless, her face pale. She understood the implication: Joe and Paul were missing, and the situation was grave. Howard's face mirrored her own pallor. "We're going to Murida?"

"Yes," Jacky confirmed. Going to Murida meant navigating numerous complexities; dealing with the local police wouldn't be easy. Even if Joe were simply missing, locating him would require considerable resources. But what if…

Furthermore, they could no longer conceal Joe's disappearance. Martin Group shareholders were already unable to contact him; news of his predicament in Murida was bound to leak. The consequences for the Martin family… This burden now fell upon Skylar, as well as Gloria.

As Jacky contemplated this, his phone buzzed with several WhatsApp notifications. A news link from his office assistant, concerning Joe, darkened his expression. Someone had already begun inquiring.

The ringing of her phone jolted Skylar back to reality. The name "Steven" on the screen anchored her to the present; Jacky's news was real, not a nightmare.

"Steven," she answered.

"I saw the news. Did something happen to Joe? I just left work to find you. Don't be scared. I'll be there for you. I've already contacted Mom and the others. We need to get to Murida. Just wait for me, I'm on my way," Steven said urgently.

Tears welled in Skylar's eyes, but her voice remained steady. "Okay."

After disconnecting, she addressed Jacky and Howard. "Steven's coming, and he'll join us in going to Murida."

"Okay, I'll book the flights immediately," Howard responded.

While Howard booked the tickets, Jacky turned to Skylar. "Before we leave, we need to check on Mrs. Martin Senior at Pearlhall Residence. News of Joe's disappearance will attract significant attention, and the Martin family might exploit this. Be prepared."

The mention of Gloria pierced Skylar with pain. She worried about Gloria's health. She needed to see her immediately.

"I'll go to Pearlhall Residence now. Please wait here for my brother, Mr. Lourdes. Contact me immediately if anything arises," Skylar said, her voice resolute despite her pale face.

Jacky studied Skylar. Her composure in this crisis was remarkable. No wonder Joe cherished her so deeply.