As they drove towards Palmetan, Lydia enthusiastically shared her ns for the ind with Hannah.
After outlining her vision, she grabbed Hannah’s arm and gave it an excited shake.
“Do you think I have a good shot at winning the auction?”
Hannah believed that if it were merely about outbidding some affluent heir, Lydia would Likely seed.
However, she had a nagging feeling that this auction might not be so straightforward.
“Hannah, what’s wrong?” Lydia finally noticed her friend’s preupation.
“You’ve seemed distracted ever since we got in the car.
Don’t you want toe?”
“No, it’s not that,” Hannah quickly reassured her.
“If I didn’t want toe, I would have told you outright.
”
“That’s true.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.
” Lydia blinked, puzzled.
“Then why do you seem so out of sorts?”
Hannah harbored a vague sense of unease, worried about what might await them on the ind.
Yet, considering the gathering of affluent guests, she hoped any potential threats would tread carefully.
Her expression softened.
“I just woke up too early and I’m still feeling a bit sleepy.
My reactions are a bit slow today.
”
Taking the cue, Lydia suggested, “Why don’t you rest a bit in the car? I’ll wake you when we get there.
”
“Okay”.
Hannah closed her eyes to rest, but sleep eluded her.
As the car came to a stop, Hannah’s eyes snapped open before Lydia could even speak.
They had arrived at the dock leading to Palmetan’s ind, with the vast sea stretching before them.
As they got out, a staff member weed them and guided them towards the ferry.
“Since this is a private ind, the port only operates two ferries daily and isn’t open to the public.
Before we board, I should remind you that the ind is only partially developed, so cell service might be unreliable.
But don’t worry.
The ind has plenty of entertainment facilities and our staff will assist you upon arrival.
”
Walking beside the staff, Hannah listened intently.
Then she inquired, “We’re here for the ind auction.
Will there be a ferry avable to take us back once it’s over?”
The staff member turned to her with an apologetic smile.
“As I mentioned earlier, Miss, there are only two ferries per day.
If the auction runste, you might have to stay overnight.
But don’t worry.
Our amodations and dining are first-rate.
”
Meanwhile, Lydia was already lost in thoughts of the ind.
“Look, Hannah! You can just make out the ind over there!”
Following Lydia’s excited gaze, Hannah looked up.
The breeze Lifted her hair as she caught the faint scent of the sea.
The ind, lush with green vegetation, was just a small speck in the distance.
The staff continued, “Though only half of the ind is developed, our boss has invested significantly in it.
We have skilled staff and emergency medical personnel on site to ensure everyone’s safety.
”
Despite the staff’s reassuring wo
rds, Hannah remained cautious.
Her tension eased only slightly as they boarded the ferry.
But then, her eyesnded on an unexpected figure.
Bryson? What was he doing here?
The ferry was spacious, offering two seats per passenger, a luxurypared to previous cruise ships they had traveled on.
Despite its function as a simple transport to the ind, the ferry boasted luxurious appointments.
The upper deck was designed for seating and sightseeing, while the lower deck was busy with staff preparing desserts and drinks.
Before Hannah could explore the ferry further, her gaze met with a pair of dark eyes.
Bryson was sitting by the window, the seat opposite him vacant.
Soon after she noticed him, everyone else did too.
“Your man is staring at you.
Shouldn’t you go over and talk to him?”
Lydia nudged Hannah’s arm lightly.
“I have a feeling he wants to speak with you.
”
Maloney, standing next to Hannah, seemed unsurprised by Bryson’s presence.
“Looks like I guessed right after all.
”
Hannah cast a brief nce at Maloney before making her way toward Bryson.
Even as she sat down opposite him, his intense gaze remained fixed on her.
After she settled into her seat, Bryson broke the silence first.