Chapter 1078
Zada replied. “I just asked the captain–he said I can get on first and pay for my ticket once I’m aboard!”
What? She could just pay later?
So that was what Zada had run over for–she had talked to the captain herself.
Zada said quickly, “There’s no time. I have to go now! Thank you for everything. I don’t know when we’ll see each other again, so take care, okay?”
With that, she turned and started running toward the boat.
Sierra couldn’t believe this. She couldn’t let Zada leave! If Zada got away, she would lose her scapegoat, and that was something she absolutely couldn’t afford.
“Wait!” Sierra shouted after Zada, grabbing her arm.
Zada stopped short. “What’s wrong?”
Sierra hesitated, forcing out her words. “What if that captain’s lying to you? What if this is some kind of trap? I know you really wanna get out of here, but you have to think about your safety, too!”
Zada smiled faintly. “You’re overthinking it. The captain’s a good man. I saw the boat’s registration number just now, and it’s officially listed. So don’t worry. It’s safe! I’m going now. Bye!”
She turned to leave again.
But Sierra caught her wrist once more. “No, you can’t go!”
This time, Zada froze and narrowed her eyes, studying Sierra from head to toe. “What are you doing? Why are you stopping me over and over? Don’t you want me to leave and go somewhere safe?”
“Of course I do!” Sierra said quickly.
“Then let go of me.” Zada’s suspicion deepened. “If you don’t, I’m really going to start thinking something’s off. You’ve been acting strange all night.”
With Zada calling her out like that, Sierra had no excuse left.
“Fine,” she said with a forced smile. “Go ahead. Just text me when you get there so I know you’re safe, okay?”
vill,” Zada promised, smiling again. “Don’t worry. I’ll be in touch. Goodbye.”
e turned and headed for the boat.
Sierra stood there, watching her walk away. Zada was almost at the deck now.
Sierra glanced back toward the road.
Still no sign of Shaun. How long was he going to take?
She couldn’t keep waiting. If Zada really got away, everything would spiral out of control.
She realized she would have to handle this herself.
Sierra’s jaw tightened. She grabbed a wooden pole lying nearby, crept forward silently, and stopped right behind Zada. Then, she raised it high and swung for Zada’s head.
Knocking Zada out was the only way to stop her.
But just as the pole was about to hit, Zada suddenly turned around. Her hand shot up, catching the pole midair.
Sierra froze. She hadn’t expected Zada to turn back.
As their eyes locked, Sierra’s face drained of color. “Z–Zada…”
Zada stared right at her. “What are you doing? Were you actually trying to knock me out?”
“I–It’s not what it looks like!” Sierra stammered. “Please, let me explain-”
Zada cut her off sharply. “Explain what? You think I didn’t see? The shadow on the ground showed everything! I saw you creeping up on me with that pole–you were going to hit me!”

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

 
	
 
		 
		 
		 
		 
		