Chapter 380
William, too, emitted a disdainful snort, standing behind Milly akin to a cockerel ruffled by injustice. “Some folk fail to discern their own flaws and relish sermonising.”
He harboured no fear of confrontation, unlike his superior. Even confronting a woman, he would fling insults without a moment’s hesitation. Having made his stance clear, he strode off with Milly, bearing himself as triumphantly as a peacock.
“You!!!” Hannah observed William staunchly defending Milly, her countenance flushing with ire. Traitor! She had treated him so well, yet he remained blind to it, aligning himself against her with an outsider!
Hmph, just you wait. Once I join the Tates, the first act I’ll undertake is to show William the door!
Dakota, who had been lurking in the shadows with her head ducked, found
herself at a loss. She earnestly desired to depart this place, especially with the tide audibly advancing-a prospect that unsettled her.
Yet, she pondered her standing. Only by aligning herself with Hannah could she garner notice and ride the crest of popularity, given Hannah’s preeminence.
After hesitating momentarily, she stood resolutely in her place, unmoving.
As twilight draped over the coastal edge, the breeze cooled, prompting Matthew to swiftly divest himself of his coat and drape it over her exposed skin. “Stephanie, guard against the chill.”
Stephanie felt a surge of gratitude. “Thank you, bro.”
Then, with a sigh heavy with resignation, she murmured, “Ah, Milly can be so headstrong. Our ensemble is meant to stand as one, and her solitary actions might spell adversity for the crew. The production team will be displeased.”
Matthew’s heart went out to her, witnessing her concern for others softening his resolve even further. “Stephanie, your compassion knows no bounds. But persisting thus, she may still exploit your generosity.”
The inclusion of “still” in his utterance bore a poignant weight.
True to expectations, the online realm erupted in a tempest of conjecture:
‘Still? Could it be that Milly was once her tormentor?’
‘It’s possible. Just observe her imperious demeanour just now. Clearly not a virtuous soul.’
‘I shall abstain from comment on unconfirmed matters! Alright? You all misconstrue Milly-why pass such harsh judgment?’
‘Heh, there exist fans of the bully in this world. May they perish!’
‘Yes, indeed. Fans of Milly are more feeble- minded. Are these followers bought? How much per head? Let us profit together!’
‘You…’
The tumultuous debates in the virtual realm reached a crescendo, a maelstrom of discord and hidden glee for the overseeing team of creators.
Stephanie’s foreseen penchant for chaos almost inspired them to wish for each participant to pursue solitary paths-seven unfolding tales instead of a solitary narrative.
When Stephanie had earlier proposed unity, the air thickened with apprehension.
There lingered a collective fear that Milly might consent, yet she did not disappoint. Stephanie’s cautionary words about
displeasing the producers were met with unanimous head-shaking: “Not us, pay her no heed!”
Meanwhile, Milly labored forward with her suitcase, navigating by the recollections etched in her mind, until a sudden lightness in her hands surprised her.
Glancing back, she saw Charlie’s calm, unflappable countenance as he wordlessly relieved her of the burden. “I’ll carry this for you. Lead on.”
Gallantry unfurled in its entirety!
Though unassuming in appearance, that singular act lent Charlie an air of gallantry that struck Milly’s heart!
Just as Milly prepared to offer her gratitude, her suitcase was whisked away once more, accompanied by a mocking voice, “Humph, don’t entrust a fox with your baggage!”
It was William, grappling with her belongings, one in each grasp, scowling, “Boss, allow me to bear these burdens. No need for other stray fellows!”
The pointed emphasis on ‘stray fellows’ was deliberate, as he cast a pointed glance at Charlie beside him.
Milly smirked. “Are you truly up to the task?”
He appeared genuinely fatigued, as though collapse loomed imminent.
Drawing a deep breath, whether to embolden himself or reassure Milly, William declared, “A man does not admit defeat!”
Milly arched an eyebrow. “Very well then, thank you.”
William’s cases were already laden heavily, packed with vacuum-sealed items in his bid for extra provisions. Coupled with his lack of regular exercise, he labored to maintain his stride.
Yet, he observed their leader’s nimble steps ahead, while the companion beside him, managing a suitcase of his own, moved with grace, occasionally cautioning their leader on the path ahead.
Alas…
Why do I increasingly resemble the forsaken child the longer I ponder upon this?
After a quarter of an hour’s passage, they emerged from the copse of trees, unveiling a sprawling, level expanse of earth beneath their gaze.
Milly halted finally at a selected locale, surveying her surroundings before pronouncing, “Very well, this spot will suffice. Let us establish our encampment here.”
Truly, the site she had chosen was ideal- fronting the ocean with ample distance from the water’s edge, safeguarding against any perils posed by the advancing tide. Above, a dense ceiling of coconut palms served as a natural shelter against the elements, while to their rear stood a dense thicket, a bulwark against the island’s nocturnal gusts and the enigmatic creatures that roamed there.
“The daylight wanes swiftly; it is too late to erect a proper refuge. Tonight, we must make do. I’ll venture forth to procure sustenance.”
Charlie nodded serenely, evincing no dissent towards her plan. “Very well.”
Just then, a breathless William arrived, hauling two suitcases in tow. Collapsing onto the ground, he gasped for breath. “Phew… utterly spent…
Milly chuckled softly, procuring a banana leaf to waft air upon him. “Then rest here a while. Upon my return, I’ll gather provisions and prepare a repast for you.’
Wiping his brow, William countered, “Nah… no need. I have brought food!” Milly’s brow furrowed in puzzlement.
Thereupon, she observed as William eagerly unpacked his belongings, revealing a cascade of groceries-ranging from hefty vegetables like aubergines and capsicums to an array of spices, pots, and even an electric stove!
Milly pondered silently, No wonder he appears so fatigued, bearing such a weight! Yet…