Chapter 58

The crowd erupted in whispers the moment the accusation was made.

Evelyn clutched the canvas tighter, her knuckles turning white as she glared at Cassandra. The woman was nothing but a gold-digger, obsessed with wealth and social standing.

But Evelyn stood her ground. "This has nothing to do with me, Cassandra. I painted this for Grandmother. You'll have to explain to the authorities how my work ended up here."

At the mention of police, Cassandra's face drained of color. She froze like a deer caught in headlights.

A smooth male voice suddenly cut through the tension. "Once we're in international waters, no government has jurisdiction over transactions aboard this vessel."

All heads turned toward the speaker - a distinguished man in his mid-thirties wearing a crisp white suit and gold-rimmed glasses. His entire demeanor exuded sophistication.

Evelyn felt an inexplicable chill when their eyes met. Her pulse quickened for reasons she couldn't comprehend.

Why did this complete stranger unsettle her so much?

Instinctively, she took a step back.

Cassandra, however, brightened immediately. "Dr. Whitmore! Did you come with Victoria?"

The doctor - Julian Whitmore - shook Cassandra's hand politely. "Indeed. She's currently browsing the jewelry collection."

As Cassandra glanced toward the jewelry display, Julian began approaching Evelyn.

Evelyn's breath hitched as he drew nearer. Those piercing eyes behind the glasses made her throat constrict with unease.

"We meet again, Evelyn," he said in a tone one might use with a cherished child.

"Do I know you?" Evelyn gasped.

Julian gave her a patient smile. "I'm your ex-boyfriend, Julian. Are you really going to pretend not to recognize me?"

Ex-boyfriend? Julian Whitmore? Evelyn was too stunned to respond.

She'd heard about her colorful dating history, but running into an ex like this?

Cassandra seized the opportunity. "Dr. Whitmore, you dated Evelyn before?"

Julian kept his gaze locked on Evelyn as he nodded with that same gentle smile.

Cassandra smirked. "How delightfully awkward - you're Liam's friend, Evelyn's ex, and Victoria's uncle!"

Evelyn's blood ran cold. "I'm married now," she blurted out.

Julian adjusted his glasses. "I'm aware. To my good friend Liam." His smile turned wry. "I suppose this is your way of getting back at me."

Evelyn shook her head vehemently. "No, I've lost my memories. I don't remember you."

"That's a rather convenient excuse," Julian replied skeptically.

Cassandra grew impatient with their reunion. She waited for Evelyn to be distracted before making a grab for the painting.

Their proximity made it easy. But Evelyn sensed the movement and swiftly moved the artwork behind her back, shooting Cassandra a warning look.

"Give it to me, Evelyn," Cassandra demanded through gritted teeth. "You'll only ruin it."

"It's not for sale," Evelyn stated firmly.

Cassandra looked ready to strangle her.

Then - BANG!

Chaos erupted as a gunshot rang out. Guests screamed, some running blindly while others dropped to the floor in protective crouches.

Julian immediately shielded Evelyn, pulling her down beside him. Cassandra yelped and followed suit.

Peering through the panic, Evelyn spotted masked figures storming in - pirates wearing animal masks and carrying state-of-the-art rifles. Their presence was terrifying.

One barked an order in Valtorian that most passengers couldn't understand: "Stay down with hands on heads if you value your lives."

A trembling woman stood up abruptly. "Please, I-" she began.