Chapter 138

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ship...

James stumbled down the polished corridor, one hand pressed against his swollen face, the sting from Hope's boot still fresh. His jaw throbbed, his pride burned hotter.

“That b*tch....... kicking me like that........” he hissed under his breath, eyes blazing with humiliation. His knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists. “I'll make you regret ever meeting me."

Lost in his fury, James wasn't watching where he walked—and collided shoulder- first into a broad chest.

"Watch it—" James snapped, then froze.

His gaze traveled upward, and recognition settled in.

It was him.

The same face he'd seen earlier beside that cold, deadly woman.

Jaden.

A flicker of realization danced in James' mind. So, he's on this ship too... Tch, no wonder she rejected me. Must be some rich boy from an old-money family...

James' expression twisted into a scheming grin. That woman thinks she's smart, but she doesn't know I can play the long game. Watch how I'll flip this situation...

"You are?" Jaden asked flatly, his eyes cold, voice devoid of interest.

James quickly masked his frustration behind a polished smirk. "Haha, call me James. Seems like you're a little lost on this massive ship, friend."

Jaden said nothing, unreadable as ever.

James seized the opening, plastering on his fake hospitality. "Come, let me help you out. There are seven floors on this cruise, and five different banquet halls—you'll never find the right one alone."

Jaden's gaze remained calm, indifferent. "Lead the way," he replied simply.

James bristled internally at the lack of fear, but forced a chuckle. Still acting tough? Keep it up. Later, you'll be crying at my feet, he thought, the venom simmering just beneath his smile.

The two walked through the corridor, gliding past glittering chandeliers and velvet curtains, until they reached the entrance to one of the grand banquet halls.

Two sharp-eyed guards stood at attention, dressed in black suits, earpieces glinting beneath the soft lights. Their stance was rigid, hands poised by their sides-clearly not here for show.

As Jaden and James approached, one guard immediately stepped forward, blocking their path.

"Invitation," the guard stated firmly.

Jaden reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small card and flashing it briefly.

The guard's eyes narrowed. "This is a ship pass. You need an official banquet invitation from the reception desk to enter this area."

Jaden's brow furrowed slightly. "Receptionist invite?" he echoed, expression cool but curious.

Before the conversation could go further, James seized the opportunity.

He shoved himself between Jaden and the guard, puffing up his chest. "Oi! Do you fools even know who this man is?" James barked theatrically, loud enough to draw attention from nearby guests. His voice practically dripped with false indignation. "Tell: the master of this ship to come out and greet him personally!"

The guards exchanged sharp looks, one of them stepping aside to speak into his earpiece.

“Damn troublemakers.....” the remaining guard muttered. “You—keep an eye on them. I'll go get someone from inside." With that, he slipped past, vanishing into the depths of the hall.

James

turned ba

back to Jaden, his smirk widening like a wolf circling wounded prey. "You've really done it now," he taunted, voice low, oozing false concern. "You have any idea who's inside that banquet? The wealthiest, most powerful people, from across the country. You mess around here, they'll tear you apart without lifting a finger."

Jaden didn't flinch. His eyes remained distant, a storm lurking beneath their calm surface.

James leaned in, voice dropping to a

conspiratorial whisper, laced with mockery. "But hey... it's your lucky day. He gestured with exaggerated benevolence. "Kneef down. Beg me nicely, and maybe-just maybe I'lII puffa few strings. Keep your pretty little head intact."

A faint, almost amused expression flickered across Jaden's face. His head tilted,

eyes boring into James with unsettling stillness.

"Do we..." Jaden began, voice quiet as a blade being unsheathed, “have a grudge?”

James froze mid-smirk, his confidence faltering for a brief, telling second.