A Direct Provocation Aftering out of the private room, we all went to the restaurant together, feeling very happy.


    I was happy because I finally got what I wanted, and if all went as nned, I could also acquire the Phase Two of Avalon Hills, which was already within Liora''s grasp.


    During dinner, I had Dn notify Ryan to join us in our private room.


    I formally introduced Noah to Ryan, making this cruise party a true sess for me.


    We had a joyful dinner.


    | After dinner, we went back to the main hall. I strolled on the deck with Joyce.


    The sea was calm and vast, the deep


    expanse of the sea and the sky merging into one. It was the first time I had seen such a seascape. It was like the entire firmament was within arm''s reach.


    Joyce asked me, "Chloe, how do you manage to make Ryan always love you?"  Her question was too direct, making me a bit awkward. This was likely due to our different upbringing environments, shaping different outlooks on life.


    "Well, there''s no need to deliberately do anything. Just be yourself. Once he notices you, you''ll have a chance to stand out." I looked at Joyce. "He''s already paying attention to you, isn''t he?"  "I''m not sure," she said, looking at the


    deep sea. "We''ve known each other for a long time, and he doesn''t seem to notice me, So, 1 use my work to attract him, to draw him to my side  "You''re very smart." I praised her generously. "Believe in yourself, do what you''re doing, and you''ll definitely win him over."  Joyce smiled brightly. "That''s what I think too. I want to use my perseverance to move him. But I''m also puzzled. He wants to win you over with his perseverance, but why are you indifferent to his efforts?"  "It''s not that I''m indifferent. I also have moments of being moved, but unfortunately, his timing is never right. In your case, it''s different. He has no other distractions around him, so you have a good chance." |


    encouraged Joyce  At that moment, Ivanna came to find me again.


    "I''ve been looking for you everywhere  I didn''t expect to find you here," Ivanna said, looking somewhat displeased.


    "We just finished dinner and we''re taking a stroll since it''s too noisy inside," I said to Ivanna. "Not in the mood?"  Ivanna smiled lightly, gazing at the dark sky.


    To be honest, I didn''t quite like the seascape at this hour. It looked like a dark vortex, giving me a sudden sense of oppression.


    Joyce was someone who enjoyed lively environments, Seeing the two of us


    having a conversation, she excused herself and went back to the main hall "Speak up." I looked at Ivanna, guessing part of what was going on.


    But before she could speak, I saw two figures approaching from the distant deck—Jared and Trinity.


    After spotting us, Trinity tightened her hand on Jared''s arm and gave us a challenging look.


    Ivanna should have noticed theming, but she kept gazing at the sea.


    My eyes, however, remained fixed on Trinity''s hand, feeling a touch of irony.


    In a way, my gaze mirrored Trinity''s, carrying a sense of provocation.


    Yet, my provocation was aimed at Jared.


    However, | still admired Jared''sposure. He continued hiszy pace, following Trinity''s lead, showing no intention to hide or change his demeanor as they approached us.


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    I smirked, keeping my gaze fixed on the two, smiling without saying a word.


    After a while, I looked at Jared and said, "Mr. Jared, you seem to be in good spirits."  Ivanna had been facing away from them, but only I understood her current state.


    "I''ve got nothing to be happy about.


    The space on this ship is limited, no matter how vast it may seem.” His


    words carried an implicit meaning  "Ms. Chloe, what exactly are you trying to convey?" Trinity didn''t back down, clearlyprehending my intent.


    "It depends on your interpretation," I didn''t evade, directly provoking her back.


    "''Are you provoking me?" Trinity got to the point.


    Then, she nced at Ivanna, who still hadn''t turned around. "You shouldn''t be the one speaking."  "That can only mean you have no friends." I didn''t back down. Even in verbal sparring, I didn''t want to lose. I wanted to see how Jared would bnce this.


    This statement was a clear reminder to Trinity. I had emphasized before that


    Ivanna was my friend.


    Suddenly, Ivanna turned around and looked at the two.