Chapter 369

It was work time at the office.

Sebastian, who's usually all about that company culture and image, was sprawled out on the sofa, his shirt collar a bit undone. One hand was on his forehead, and even with his eyes shut, he looked super tense, not his usual chill self.

Isabella walked in. Sebastian didn't even bother to open his eyes, still in that same pose. "Get ready, the meeting's still on in half an hour."

Isabella put down the coffee and squatted next to the sofa.

Seb's face was right there. Seeing how rough he looked, Isabella felt a pang of worry. She couldn't help but reach out, and just as her fingers brushed his cheek, Seb's eyes popped open.

His eyes were bloodshot and tired, looking pretty awful.

"Bella?" Sebastian grabbed her hand, his voice raspy. "When did you get here?"

Isabella gave a small smile. "Just now."

Sebastian tried to sit up, but she pushed him back down. "You stay put; I'll give you a massage."

Sebastian nodded. "Alright."

Isabella sat down beside him, and Sebastian rested his head on her lap. She started massaging his temples gently.

After a bit, Seb's breathing evened out and got quieter.

Isabella looked down and saw he'd fallen asleep.

The office was super quiet. With Sebastian right there, Isabella felt really at peace. She leaned back on the sofa and dozed off too.

When she woke up, she was in the lounge. Isabella sat up and checked the clock on the wall. She was surprised to see she'd been out for over two hours!

Isabella went to the bathroom to splash some water on her face, feeling way more awake.

Her phone, sitting on the bedside table, had been buzzing non-stop.

When she checked, there were five missed calls-all from Kelsey.

Just as she was about to call back, Kelsey's call came in again.

Isabella answered casually, "Hey, Kelsey."

"Isabella, is Nina with you?" Kelsey's voice was full of panic.

Isabella shook her head, feeling a bit tense. "No. What's up?"

Kelsey said, "Nina's missing!"

Isabella was shocked, "What?"

Sebastian was in a meeting, so Isabella didn't want to bother him. She drove over to the Jose family's place.

Margaret was holding Sweetie. Kelsey was pacing around, trying to call Nina, but all she got was that annoying "The number you have dialed is unavailable" message.

Seeing Isabella, Kelsey rushed over. "Any news about Nina?"

Isabella shook her head. "I just went to the jewelry company. They said Nina left in the afternoon and hasn't been back since."

Kelsey was freaking out. "Could it be the Black Family?"

Isabella didn't say anything, her face serious. The only guess was that it had something to do with the Black Family. But could they really move that fast?

Margaret stood up. "Bella, can you get in touch with Richard? Steven's on a business trip, and Zaire's not in Lakina right now. The house is full of women, and that's not good. Only Richard can handle this mess. If we can reach him, we won't be running around like headless chickens."

Isabella shook her head. "I don't have Richard's number, but maybe Sebastian does."

She called Sebastian.

A few minutes later, Sebastian called back, saying he couldn't reach Richard either.

Kelsey chimed in, "I remember Nina saying that whenever Richard goes off the grid, you can't contact him. He only shows up when he wants to."

Margaret was getting more anxious. "I've heard Steven mention that the Black Family has a lot of power in Silvercrest; Bruno Black is no saint. If Nina's been taken by them, I'm really scared."

Isabella said, "Margaret, don't worry. I'll go find the Black Family."

Margaret, tears in her eyes, nodded repeatedly. "Please, Bella."

Isabella then rushed to the hospital.

Kelsey was pacing back and forth in the living room. "Mom, I'm going out too!"

"Where are you going?" Margaret was super agitated.

Kelsey didn't want to worry her mom, so she said, "I'm going to find Michael. He might be able to contact Richard."

Margaret snapped out of it. "Right, Michael might know something. But the casino's a rough place, Kelsey. I don't feel safe with you going alone. How about asking Jack to go with you?"

"Mom, don't worry. I've already messaged him. If he sees it, he'll definitely come with me." Kelsey shook her phone, grabbed the car keys, and walked out. "Mom, don't worry. I'll call you as soon as I know anything."

Margaret walked Kelsey to the door and watched her drive away, her heart still heavy with worry.

After thinking it over, Margaret decided to call Zaire.

At that moment, Zaire's plane had just landed in Blossom City.

When he got Margaret's call, he paused. "Mom, don't worry. I'll fly back right away."

After hanging up, Zaire told his assistant, "Get us a ticket back. The soonest one!"

The assistant was a bit confused. "But Mr. Jose, we just landed."

Zaire frowned. "Just do it. Are you questioning my orders?"

The assistant, not daring to ask more, went to buy the ticket.

When he came back with the ticket, Zaire was sitting in the waiting room, head down, typing on his phone. His tall and slender figure looked out of place in the simple waiting room.

The assistant walked over. "Mr. Jose, it's all set. There's a flight in half an hour. We'll fly to Emerald Isle City first and then transfer to Lakina."

"Okay." Zaire didn't look up, still typing on his phone.

The assistant glanced over and saw he was messaging someone.

Just then, a flower-selling girl pushed a cart over and timidly asked, "Sir, would you like to buy some flowers?"

Blossom City was known for its flowers.

This place was full of them. You'd see flower sellers everywhere as soon as you got off the plane.