Chapter 141

Suddenly the atmosphere in the banquet hall shifted as the crowd's murmurs grew louder. Heads turned, phones raised, and whispers rippled through the air like electricity.

"He's here..."

A figure entered, flanked by his entourage—tall, broad-shouldered, with a sharp, charismatic presence that demanded attention. Alexander "Alex" Rivers, the son of Victor Rivers, the most powerful man in Ravenmoor's entertainment industry-and also the owner of this cruise ship. His every step seemed deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey.

The crowd buzzed like a hive disturbed. Phones clicked rapidly, the flashes almost blinding.

“Oh my God, is that Alex Rivers? The real Alex Rivers?” a woman gasped, her voice trembling with excitement.

"He's so gorgeous." Another woman sighed dreamily, clutching her heart.

"And that's his girlfriend, Miss Hannah Blackwood, right? She just made her debut and became a huge sensation in the entertainment industry, just a few weeks ago!" The admiration was almost palpable.

Fate's eyes lit up at the sight. “Oh my God, isn't that Hannah Blackwood?" She leaned in, her voice eager with admiration. “She's everywhere now! She's the hottest new star in Ravenmoor!"

But Jaden, ever the observer, watched closely. He furrowed his brow, a sudden realization dawning on him. His gaze sharpened as he recognized the woman standing beside Alex.

"Wait... isn't that Julie's teacher?" he murmured under his breath.

Was she a part of this game too?

He stood up without a word, his movements deliberate.

"Excuse me." His voice was low, yet final.

Fate blinked, surprised at the sudden change in his demeanor. “Eh, Jaden...” she called out, but he was already heading toward the door.

"I'm leaving." Jaden's words were a mere whisper in the din of the crowd, but his determination was evident.

Danny, standing beside Fate, couldn't help but chuckle. His smirk was laced with mockery. "Heh, still has some self-awareness left, huh?"

Fate glanced at him, torn between annoyance and confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Danny's eyes gleamed with ulterior motives. “Fate, let me take you to Miss Blackwood's place. I know her very well. An autograph from her, maybe a photo? It'll be a good experience." He offered his arm with a practiced smile, his intentions clear.

Fate hesitated. Her mind was still on Jaden's sudden departure, but the lure of meeting someone so famous was hard to resist. “This... okay." She agreed, albeit reluctantly.

Meanwhile, at the center of the banquet hall, all eyes were now on the two couples. Alex and Hannah, the epitome of glamour, effortlessly became the center of attention. The whispers around them became louder.

Alex leaned against the bar,

cigarette smoke curling around his fingers. He exuded an aura of danger mixed with charm. His eyes scanned the crowd, finally landing,

an Danny who was trying to make t his way over with all the urgency of someone desperate for validation.

"Master Rivers..." Danny stammered, puffing out his chest like he was trying to appear important. "It's me, Danny. From the entertainment department of music. We've met a few times."

Alex looked up slowly, his gaze colder than the ocean outside the ship. He exhaled a cloud of smoke directly in Danny's face, his lips curling into a faint smile—one that didn't reach his eyes.

"Hmm... You look familiar. What do you want?" Alex's voice was smooth, but there was a sharp edge to it, like a blade hidden behind silk.

Danny coughed, swiping his hand in front of his face as the smoke clung to him. He cleared his throat

nervously, trying to salvage the et

moment. "Well, there's a woman who's a huge fan of yours, and shë would really like to meet you." Danny gestured to Fate, who stood frozen, her expression blank. This wasn't what she had asked for-this wasn't her plan at all.

Alex's eyes flicked over to Fate, sizing her up. His smile spread, slow and sinister.

"Oh? A beautiful lady from the first

class?" He leaned in slightly, his voice laced with something far darker than the charm he presented. "I see I'll be happy to meet her." His smite deepened, his intentions becoming clearer with each passing second.

Fate's stomach twisted. She felt an instinctive sense of unease wash over her, but

she couldn't pull away now.