I saw Stella standing behind Liora. Instinctively, I took a step back and controlled my expression as I looked at her. "Okay, thanks for the reminder."Anyone who didn't know the inside story would have thought that they had interrupted something in time.Liora was a little confused and didn't know what my words meant. Then she looked at me coldly. "Don't blame me for not reminding you. You're on your own."I looked at Liora with gratitude. "Okay, don't say anything else. I know. Thank you, Liora. I will be careful."Then I said to Stella, "Ms. Stella.”Liora was startled and turned her head sharply to look at Stella, a little surprised. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me in the restaurant? Have you finished eating?"I saw that Stella's eyes were fixed on Liora, full of suspicion. She asked coldly, "What were you talking about?"Liora was a little flustered and looked at me. "No... ...what can I say to her?"After that, she turned around and took Stella's arm. "Let's go."I smi
Just as the words left my lips, a sudden cry was heard. "Chloe, be careful!"I jolted, barely turning around before Atlas yanked me to the other side. Simultaneously, I noticed a shadow lunging toward him, a short blade gleaming in their hand. I cried out in shock, "Atlas! Knife..."Atlas dodged the attack, engaging in a fierce struggle with the assailant. I screamed, unable to believe the sudden turn of events. The guards from the restaurant were now rushing over.However, at that moment, the assailant seemed to lose control. He ruthlessly lunged at Atlas once more. Atlas evaded. But to my horror, the assailant swiftly turned toward me, the speed leaving me defenseless. All that remained were my cries of alarm.In an instant, a figure yanked me away, the momentum causing her body to lurch forward.Then, in the next heartbeat, her form seemed to freeze. In the brief moment before the guards reached him, he vaulted, disappearing into the ocean's depths.Gunshots echoed in my e
Everyone finally heard the dull thud of the helicopter's rotors in the distance, growing louder as it approached. It touched down on the helipad at the bow of the ship, and the others carefully placed Trinity on a stretcher. Jared arrived at the last moment, and they both boarded the helicopter.Inside, Atlas arranged for a doctor and explained that there were signs of poisoning. They were already prepared for emergency treatment.I watched as Trinity's complexion grew worse. "Trinity, wake up, don't sleep. Stay awake. When you wake up, we'll be friends, the best kind! I was wrong. My perception of you was truly wrong! Wake up!"At that moment, I was petrified. I was afraid something might happen to Trinity. She sacrificed herself for me, didn't she? Was the blade poisoned? Why were they treating me like this? Why were they so determined to see me dead?Jared's expression wasn't much better. He held Trinity's hand tightly, offering only a simple, "Hang in there!"The helicopte
Atlas gave a brief report to Arthur about the situation. Then, everyone headed to the ICU.Sure enough, it didn't take long before Trinity was wheeled into the ICU.Members of the Huffman family also arrived, led by a lean older man. I speculated he might be Trinity's father.His face was grim as he questioned Jared, "How did it end up like this? Huh? Who did this? You tell me who laid hands on her!"This older man exuded a formidable presence despite being in his twilight years. He must have been a warrior who led from the front lines when he was younger.Even at his age, his eyes were sharp and cunning. That gaze demanded respect."Preliminary assessment shows the involvement of an organization from the Jitador, a case of mistaken identity," Jared reported, but he only gave an overview.I wanted to speak up, but Atlas put his arm around my shoulder, signaling me to stay silent. I had no choice but to hold my tongue, but I could not get rid of the ache in my chest.The older m
As we drove, he repeatedly reminded me to stay safe these days and not to overthink.I felt a pang of guilt and said to Atlas, "This morning, I saw Stella and Liora. I intentionally tried to start shit between them. Could it be...?"Atlas's expression turned serious as he shook his head. "Don't overthink it. Now that he's on the ship, he'll seize the opportunity. It's just a matter of timing."You did nothing wrong. Keeping them together is not a good sign. Creating a rift between them and making them suspicious of each other—that's the opening we need. It leaves room for us to act. You played that strategy well."He looked at me with a touch of tenderness. "Tonight, get some rest.""Atlas, are you confident about finding the antidote? After all, she got hurt because of me..."Atlas took my hand in his, looking at me meaningfully. "You can trust me. I won't stand idly by, whether it's for you or anyone on that ship. And Jitador is my territory. I'm confident in finding the anti
Even when Ivanna said it, it sounded ridiculous. No one would believe it. "It's not just you. Even I find it hard to believe. I've thought about it many times before but always dismissed it. But this time, I'm certain."I looked at her. "You probably remember me telling you I can't recall my childhood and adolescence, right? There's a gap in my memories, and it wasn't until my sophomore year that I started remembering. I suspect that the missing memories are related to Atlas." "My gosh, wouldn't that be too miraculous? No, no, no... This isn't miraculous—it's eerie!"When Ivanna said this, her expression was comical, but I couldn't bring myself to laugh."Don't laugh. It's true. Do you believe that there are people who can shapeshift in our real lives?" I asked her."Shapeshift?" Ivanna let out a small scream. "I know makeup can be powerful, but shapeshift? I've heard of it, but I've never seen it. Is that all just a legend? Why do you encounter such bizarre things?"Ivanna wa
I looked at Ivanna, expressing my helplessness. "So, not only do I have this inexplicable connection with Stella, but there's also a reason for them to want to kill me.""Chlo, that..." Ivanna seemed at a loss for words."So, this wasn't a random incident but a premeditated one. Now, I just want to know their reason for doing so." I looked up at Ivanna, my eyes reflecting a sense of bewilderment. "But it's a bit dramatic. I never expected that the person who saved my life would turn out to be Trinity."Moreover, I seem to have an inexplicable connection with the Huffman family. Just like that, I'm now involved with them. Even though I'm repulsed by the Huffman family, I don't have a reason to sever ties with them. After all, I owe Trinity my life.""That's not necessarily a bad thing. Everyone has their own values, and the Huffman family is no exception. You don't need to look at the Huffman family with a different view. They might have a different way of doing things, but from a c
"She told me that Trinity took a stab for you. At that moment... I was truly...” Ivanna's voice trembled, her eyes reddening. "And then Arthur ordered an early return. This time, he's feeling quite guilty too. After all, the people on the ship are either rich or noble."Ivanna involuntarily hugged me again.I could imagine the state she was in at that moment. After all, we had been through life and death situations together. When she was in danger, I felt the same way.I pulled her away gently. "Alright, let's go inside and eat together.”"What do you think? Of course, I'll eat here." She made a face like a rascal, and I couldn't help but laugh.She grinned, "Ah, it would be great when Lauren comes back. I'll have a place to freeload again, hopping from one place to another. I won't have to cook. It’s nice to have my best friend back after all.”I snorted, "How do you take care of yourself? It's really worrying. You're a grown person."We chatted at the doorway for a long time b