Elle’s POV
X–39
I turned to see Lester Harrison approaching with that unmistakable Alpha confidence. Even in casual cruise wear, he carried himself with an authority that made the other passengers automatically step aside.
“Lester Harrison, he introduced himself to the first mate with a polite smile. “I’m a shareholder in the cruise company, and Mira is my guest. There seems to have been some confusion about our meeting arrangements.”
The first mate’s entire demeanor shifted to one of respectful deference. “Of course, Mr. Harrison. My apologies. He gave a slight bow before turning to efficiently disperse the gathered crowd. ‘Everyone, please return to your activities and give our guests some privacy.”
I felt my heart sink. Of course Lester would appear to rescue Mira. Of course he’d have enough corporate influence to make this whole mess disappear.
The first mate approached again, looking uncomfortable with the ongoing drama. “If there are no further disturbances, I need to ask everyone to keep the
volume down. Other passengers are trying to enjoy their evening.”
“Of course,” Lester nodded, still maintaining that protective stance over Mira. “We’ll be more considerate going forward.”
Then he looked directly at me, his smile cold and challenging. “We’ll see how this all plays out, Elle. Should be very interesting.”
With that pointed threat, he guided Mira away from the deck area.
I stood there for a moment, watching them disappear into the ship’s interior, feeling that familiar exhaustion settle over my shoulders.
“Unbelievable,” Abigail muttered beside me. “That manipulative bitch just played him like a fucking violin.”
“Come on,” I said quietly, suddenly wanting nothing more than to get away from all the curious stares. “Let’s go back to the room.”
Back in my cabin, I collapsed onto the small couch while Abigail shut the door behind us. The blessed silence felt like a gift after all that public drama.
‘I can’t believe that just happened,” I said, rubbing my temples. “Mira’s absolutely insane.”
“She’s not insane,” Abigail said, settling beside me with a thoughtful expression. “She’s desperate and calculating.
I looked at her. “Do you really think she has no idea where Brad is?”
‘Don’t know, but I think she’s furious that Brad left Moon Lake City without explanation, and since she can’t take it out on him, you’re the perfect target,` Abigail said quietly,
The analysis hit uncomfortably close to home. “But I don’t even know where Brad is.”
“That doesn’t matter to them,” Abigail continued. “In their minds, you’re the catalyst for everything that’s gone wrong. Brad’s been distant, he’s been making choices they don’t understand, and now he’s completely unreachable. They need someone to blame, and you’re convenient.”
Before I could respond, the cabin door suddenly burst open. Sophia stumbled in, breathing hard, her hair completely disheveled and her stockings torn. She was carrying her heels in one hand and looked absolutely livid.
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Chapter 198
If I see that bastard again, I swear I’m going to rip his throat out, she snarled,
Both Abigail and I stared at her in shock. Sophia! What the hell happened to you?
“That fucking asshole locked me in a supply closet,‘ she said, dropping her shoes with unnecessary force. Binding me to a storage rack. It took me twenty
minutes to work myself free.”
“Lester did what?” I asked, horrified.
‘That son of a bitch actually restrained me–physically tied me up–all so his precious Mira could manipulate everyone without opposition.” Sophia said
bitterly.
She looked between us, her anger mixed with something that looked like heartbreak. “He doesn’t give a damn about me anymore, does he? It’s all about
helping that bitch get what she wants.”
I felt a surge of protective anger on Sophia’s behalf.
I could see scratches on her wrists where she’d obviously struggled against whatever restraints Lester had used. “You’re hurt. Let me get some medical
supplies.”
I hurried down the corridor to find the ship’s medical station, my mind reeling. Lester’s behavior was escalating dangerously. First the public confrontation, now physically restraining Sophia? This whole situation was spiraling completely out of control.
When I returned with the first aid kit, I stopped in the doorway, genuinely shocked by what I saw. Sophia and Abigail were sitting together on the couch, not
smiling? just coexisting but actually having what appeared to be a real conversation. They were even…
“Okay,” I said slowly, setting down the medical supplies. “Did I miss an alien invasion or something? Because this is like watching a meteor hit Earth.
Both of them looked up with genuine amusement, which was honestly more shocking than finding Sophia tied up in a closet.
“We were just comparing notes,” Abigail said with a slight smirk, “on how spectacularly blind Alphas can be when a manipulative female starts crying.”
“This is…” I struggled for words. “Unprecedented.”
Sophia’s blush deepened. “I should probably head back to my room. Get properly cleaned up.”
“Absolutely not,‘ I said, kneeling down with the antiseptic. “Let me take care of these scratches, first. They need to be properly cleaned.”
‘Elle, you really don’t need to-”
‘Yes, I do.” I began gently cleaning the marks on her wrists. “Just hold still.”
As I worked, Sophia asked quietly, “How are you so good at this medical stuff?”
The question caught me off guard. I paused in my cleaning, considering how mucly to reveal. “When I was little, I got hurt a lot,” I said finally, keeping my tone matter–of–fact. “My family couldn’t afford doctor visits for every scrape and Bruise, so I learned to take care of myself. I also had to patch up my mom when she got injured.”
The room went very quiet. I could feel both Sophia and Abigail watching me as I continued working, but neither said anything. I recognized that expression -the same look people got when they suddenly understood just how different our backgrounds really were.
2/3
ue, Dec 23
Chapter 198
“There, I said, finishing with the bandages. though they might heal within an hour. But this makes me feel better.”
“Thank you,” Sophia said softly, and I could hear genuine emotion in her voice.
39
I stood up, suddenly feeling emotionally drained by everything that had happened. I think I need to rest for a while. Today has been absolutely exhausting.”
“Of course, Abigail said understandingly. “We should all get some sleep.”
As they headed toward the door, I called out, “Hey. Thank you both for backing me up out there. It means more than you know.”
Sophia turned back with a genuine smile. “Always.*
Comments
Melissa Lewis
I hope the captain is Brad and not Raymond. I do not like Raymond
7 days ago
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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.
