Married a Secret Billionaire novel Chapter 1144

Zuko and Toph had been holed up in the study for five days, tirelessly searching for any records of planes, trains, and ships entering or exiting Centrolis. They checked immigration records and reviewed highway surveillance cameras leading to other provinces, hoping to find a clue about Melvin's possible mode of transportation. However, their efforts often ended in disappointment.

As the days passed, both of them grew visibly thinner, with disheveled hair and dark circles under their eyes. The constant search took a toll on their mental state, and they dreaded the thought of losing their loved ones.

After another failed attempt, Toph's frustration boiled over, and he slammed the table in despair. Zuko, though expressionless, stared at the computer screen with bloodshot eyes, his restless fingers betraying his inner anxiety.

Toph turned to him, about to say something, but his voice choked, and he couldn't utter a word. Zuko remained blank-faced.

The service staff visited several times, updating them on the Thompsons' tireless search for the girls and the Hamertons' unsuccessful efforts in finding any trace of them in Centrolis.

"I don't believe they're gone like this, Zuko," Toph said, expressing his disbelief.

"I don't believe it either," Zuko quickly interrupted, not wanting Toph to voice his doubts aloud and secretly harboring his own disbelief.

He and Lina had made a promise never to let go of each other's hands, no matter the circumstances. They vowed to always stay connected, no matter where they were. And now...

Zuko rubbed his temples and weakly leaned against the chair's backrest. Exhaustion washed over him, and he closed his eyes, envisioning a starry sky. At that moment, he recalled a conversation about reaching the stars and fulfilling wishes.

Suddenly, Zuko jolted awake, his realization hitting him like a bolt of lightning.

"Toph, something's wrong," he said, his voice filled with urgency.

Confused, Toph furrowed his brow and asked, "What's wrong, Zuko?"

"Lina will give me a signal," Zuko replied, determination and confidence returning to his face.

Toph, still puzzled, watched as Zuko brought up a location system interface on the computer. Though it was currently blank, Zuko firmly believed that Lina would send him a message.

"Lina will definitely give me a message," he declared, his words deliberate and resolute. "Definitely!"

...

Meanwhile, Lina and Renee returned to their cabin after another day of work on the ship. Despite the ship's calm and peaceful atmosphere, they couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. They had been assigned tasks such as cabin cleaning, laundry, and kitchen assistance.

Renee whispered, reminding Lina, "But the most crucial thing now is to send a signal."

Restlessness crept over Lina. Although Krystal had returned their phones, the vastness of the sea left them without any signal.

Lina glanced at the ship's internal structure diagram she had drawn, focusing on a circled area—the communication room.

"The communication room," Lina said, pointing it out to Renee.

"The communication room?" Renee echoed, puzzled.

Lina nodded. "It's the only place on the ship that can establish contact with the outside world. But three groups of guards are stationed there, making it challenging for us to access."

She continued, furrowing her brow. "And even if we manage to get in, we wouldn't know how to operate the equipment."

Lina's gaze shifted to a five-minute gap she noticed during the shift handover of the guards. That would be their opportunity to make a move.