Chapter 1171
Skylar gasped, "Joe, you're still alive!" The exclamation jolted her awake. She opened her eyes, the soft room light a gentle reminder that it had all been a dream. It was the first time in over three years since Joe's incident that she'd dreamt of him. Her heart pounded. This dream felt significant; a sign. Joe must still be alive. A profound certainty washed over her. Deep down, she knew she would find him.
She checked her phone: 3:00 a.m. Unable to sleep, she opened WhatsApp. Aiken had messaged four hours earlier, asking if she was free to meet in the next few days. She replied, stating she'd likely be available in a week. After meeting Natalie tomorrow, she planned to attend to Ruell family matters the following day and then visit the Hughes Residence. This would be the perfect opportunity to strategize about uncovering the person behind everything.
Her mind raced. Sleep was impossible. She went downstairs for water. Sitting on the couch, sipping water, she gazed at the villa. Before she knew it, dawn broke. Just as she was about to put down her phone and start breakfast, a news headline caught her eye.
A newly emerging tech company's founder was visiting Jipsburg City soon, attracting collaboration offers from many leading tech firms. She remembered reading about this company, based in Murida, occasionally while browsing social media. Its CEO was notoriously mysterious. Established only two years ago, the company had quickly become a major player. The founder, reportedly Clusian and very young, was enigmatic; few outside the company had ever seen him. He had a fiancรฉe, however, and the two were reportedly very affectionate. His aversion to visitors and photographs meant few online photos existed.
Sleep deprivation likely fueled her wandering thoughts, connecting this simple news story to previously encountered information.
After breakfast, Natalie arrived at Galaxy Villa. It was her first visit, and she was awestruck. "This place is huge! Aren't you scared living here alone? Want to stay at my place for a while?"
Skylar shook her head. "Not for now, I'm used to it."
"Makes sense. You lived here before going abroad," Natalie replied, understandingly. She sensed Skylar's situation. Skylar remained at Galaxy Villa because of Joe. Even after three years, it seemed she hadn't moved on. Everyone knew Joe was likely dead, yet Skylar alone believed otherwise.
"Why don't you relax? Something to drink? I have coffee, smoothies, juice, yogurt," Skylar offered, heading to the kitchen. Edgar had fully stocked it.
Natalie settled in. "A smoothie. Gained seven or eight pounds lately. After a month of dieting, I finally lost some. I'm starving! Today's my cheat day."
"Alright, I'll make sure you're satisfied. What for lunch?" Skylar asked, smiling.
They had many smoothie flavors; Skylar prepared Natalie's favorite. Without hesitation, Natalie requested, "Fondue."
"Sure."
As Skylar agreed, Natalie's phone rang.
"...borrow the venue for filming? Not the first time. Just negotiate the price... They really need to talk to me in person? Half a month?!"
After Skylar approached, Natalie hung up. "Skye, how about trying the coffee from my cafรฉ?"
Chapter 1172