Chapter 788
Chapter 788:
Her sudden arrival shattered the fragile atmosphere between Yelena and Austin.
Austin’s expression darkened, his irritation unmistakable. His gaze turned steely, cutting through Bella like a blade.
Bella’s heart skipped a beat, her instincts screaming at her to retreat. She stumbled back a few steps, her haste nearly causing her to lose her balance.
“I’m… I’m sorry to interrupt,” Bella stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Without waiting for a response, she turned and fled, her retreat as swift as her intrusion.
Silence reclaimed the deck, heavy and profound, as if the night itself held its breath.
Austin turned to Yelena just as she glanced his way. Their eyes met, locking in a gaze that seemed to defy the very flow of time. For that fleeting moment, it was as if an unseen spark ignited between them, illuminating the stillness with an unspoken intensity.
The air felt different—thick with an unnamable energy, almost as though the night itself held its breath, savoring the charged connection between them.
Yelena’s gaze faltered first. She cleared her throat softly and said, “It’s getting late. I should head back and rest p>
The cruise ship glided steadily through the sea, its gentle rocking blending with the quiet rhythm of the waves. By dawn, it would reach its next destination—a pristine island that was the centerpiece of the Harris Group’s newest tourist venture. The unveiling, eagerly anticipated, would take place the following day, with everyone aboard remaining on the ship overnight.
Before Austin could respond, Yelena had already turned on her heel and slipped away.
Austin watched her retreating figure, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His eyes gleamed with quiet amusement.
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“Was I really that terrifying?” he mused to himself, watching her silhouette fade into the night.
“See you tomorrow,” Austin murmured softly, already looking forward to the next day.
Bella retraced her steps, convinced that Monica had orchestrated a plot against her and was hiding nearby to witness the fallout. Yet, despite her efforts, Monica was nowhere in sight.
A faint frown appeared on Bella’s forehead as she briefly wondered if she had been mistaken. Still, she quickly reaffirmed her suspicion. She was certain Monica had slyly set a trap for her.
Pulling out her phone, Bella angrily typed a message: “You bitch, you set me up p>
To her surprise, Monica responded almost instantly. First came a questioning emoji, followed by an innocent reply: “I warned you not to go, but you insisted. I couldn’t stop you with my injured leg. What could I have done p>
“Damn! She’s so infuriating!” Bella muttered through clenched teeth, her frustration boiling over.
As Bella reflected on her miserable day, the events replayed in her mind. It had started poorly, with Yelena effortlessly stealing the spotlight. Bella had narrowly avoided a mishap earlier and, hoping to escape the chaos, stepped onto the deck for some air—only to walk straight into more trouble.
The next morning, as the cruise ship docked at an island recently developed by the Harris Group, passengers eagerly began to disembark. Guests were free to choose their activities, with the option to stay aboard and enjoy meals or entertainment if they preferred.