I instinctively screamed as I fell. It felt like a scene from a recurring nightmare, where darkness consumed me.With a loud splash, I instantly felt suffocated. I was swallowed whole by icy seawater, with no way out.I didn't know how to swim. I thrashed desperately, but my body continued its descent.Then, a powerful arm wrapped tightly around me, pushing me upward.Amid the prolonged darkness and silence, I thought someone was calling my name. "Chloe...""Chlo!"When I woke up, I was in Atlas's arms, and his face was filled with worry. Seeing me move, he asked urgently, "Chlo, how do you feel? Is anything hurting?""Cold..."My lips trembled. I clung tightly to him, shivering from the seawater's coldness.Atlas tightened the coat around me, lifting me gently. He then instructed someone nearby, "Get a doctor to the room!"He carried me past the crowd up to our room.Once inside, he quickly undressed me and rinsed me with warm water. He settled me on the bed, wrapping me
Atlas's handsome face was as cold as ice, and his lips pressed tightly together. His sharp eyes gleamed with intensity. He stared icily at the steward. Every word he uttered seemed laced with frost, sending a shiver through the room.Seeing me come out, he settled me on the sofa. I turned to the steward. "Who told you to deliver the message?""It was a woman, Ms. Chloe. I didn't get a clear look at her. She told me to inform you to go to the fourth-floor lounge. She also said that you should go alone." The steward's face was deathly pale, trembling as if he had seen a ghost. It was clear he was terrified.One of Atlas's aides entered, holding an evidence bag. "Sir, these are the clothes salvaged from the sea!"I quickly looked over. It was a dark gray tracksuit. I was confident. "Yes, this is the right color. A dark figure in a hooded tracksuit attacked me. That's why I couldn't see the face."I closed my eyes, trying to recall the moment. A dark figure rushed toward me, causing
Carina seemed a bit agitated, scanning the room. "What exactly are you trying to do? I haven't done anything! I've been locked in my room the whole time.""Can anyone vouch for you?" Dylan inquired.Her face twisted angrily. "No one. They've got me cornered, and who would vouch for me? A bunch of backstabbers! They were the ones who told me to do it, and now that things have gone south, they're all hiding. They don't even stay in my room anymore. No one will testify."She was genuinely stubborn, displaying a fearless, almost reckless demeanor. She reminded me of Harmony in that regard—headstrong and fierce.I kept my gaze fixed on Carina. Her expression, her attitude, everything felt off. Her personality wouldn't allow her to remain so composed if she were indeed behind this.Before long, the attendant returned, shaking his head at Dylan.Dylan handed her the surveillance footage. "Is this you?"Carina's eyes were fixed on the screen, staring for a long time. She seemed unable t
I fell silent for a moment. "I can't help but notice that whenever Stella comes up, you evade it. Are you reluctant to deal with her, or do you have other plans?"I knew saying this might irritate him, but I couldn't help it. I just didn't understand why. Amidst the kidnapping, the incident with Harmony's fans, and the orchestrated chaos, all signs pointed to Stella. Yet Atlas always seemed to brush it off.He seemed to downplay the severity of the situation. His explanations left me dissatisfied.She returned to Nocturnia immediately after her last scheme failed. This time, although Atlas's attitude towards her had grown colder, there seemed to be a hint of protection.He struggled to provide an explanation, creating a palpable tension between us.Atlas gently patted me and chuckled softly, which only fueled my frustration. However, I held back from letting it escalate too far.I looked at Atlas and said, "I feel she wanted to tell me something. When we boarded the ship, her wor
This was the first time I've heard Atlas tell me about this matter so explicitly."At that time, she was only thirteen or fourteen years old, and she was so ruthless?" I found it hard to believe that Stella, who looked delicate and beautiful, could be so frightening.I couldn't help but think of the decisiveness, calmness, and speed when she pushed me tonight.And the firmness, accuracy, and ruthlessness when she took action.She was truly terrifying."So, we have to use a stratagem against her to make her relax. I need to find concrete evidence of her collusion with Jitador’s organization. This is the one point where we have not obtained strong evidence and are confused.“That's why we've been tolerating her." Atlas looked at me, "Are you satisfied with this answer?""Very satisfied." I sat up, smiling. The more I looked at Atlas, the more I loved him."So, as I said, I have to gradually let you understand." Atlas said cunningly, "Although we know that Celine is connected to t
The outcome was getting closer to my assumptions.Atlas looked at my face and pinched it, "Because you are somewhat between Annalise and Stella."I was a bit confused, pondered for a moment, and asked him, "Are you talking about the real Stella? What exactly is my connection with her?"Atlas glanced at me suddenly. After some contemplation, he nodded, "That's right, my clever girl.""Well..." I wanted to ask more, but Atlas interrupted."Alright, let's not ask too many questions. I've said that you need to gradually understand the reasons. Too much at once, and you’ll get confused.”He seemed like a controller, and whether to stop or go was all up to him."I've said that the most important thing between us is trust. As long as you trust me, all the questions will be solved. Remember... trust."Seeing him speak seriously and earnestly, I giggled. I snuggled into his arms, and then looked at him, asking, "Are you not going out tonight?"He looked at me, bit my lips, and shameles
When we arrived at the restaurant, there weren't many people there, as the festivities from last night lasted until very late. I assumed those people were catching up on sleep.For most businessmen, the essential negotiations were already concluded. Today's tasks were minimal; it was just a matter of waking up and getting off the ship. Everything was coming to an end.Looking around, the few people up early in the restaurant were relatively older. There weren't many young people, indicating that those young folks must have partied until late last night.As Atlas and I entered the restaurant, some people immediately started whispering. After all, many people were aware of the incident.A few particularly familiar faces came over to greet us and offered some comforting words.Everyone seemed relaxed and laid-back, not as eager as when they first boarded the ship. They had a leisurely mindset, just waiting for the time to return.While we enjoyed our meal and chatted comfortably, I
Just as I stepped out of the restroom, I saw Stella entering the dining room, walking toward Atlas.It wasn't surprising; after all, on the surface, Stella was Atlas's cousin.I hesitated for a moment, then confidently returned to my seat, not avoiding her in the slightest."Ms. Stella, you’re up early." This time, I initiated the conversation, smiling contentedly.She glanced at me and returned the smile, "Yes, getting off the ship is quite exciting. It's been a long time and I’m feeling a bit fed up."Hearing her words, my heart suddenly skipped a beat. I looked at her and asked, "You had enough fun?"She seemed to sense the hidden meaning in my words. Then she cast a glance at Atlas, who was engrossed in his meal and paid her no attention.On the other side, Jared remained indifferent.Stella didn't respond to my implication and just smiled.After finishing his meal, Atlas looked at me, "Do you want anything else to eat?""No, I'm full." I looked at him, "Let's go back to