Chapter 377
Furthermore, even if someone were to manage to pack sustenance for three weeks within a single suitcase, the provisions would likely not endure.
“Time’s up! Stop now, everyone. We shall now fetch our luggage and embark upon the ship bound for the nearby island where the show shall unfold!” Director Cameron declared.
“Wait a moment, mine’s not prepared yet,” came Hannah’s anxious voice from the side.
She had crammed so much into the suitcase that it refused to close; despite her efforts, she found herself sprawled over it, yet it remained stubbornly open.
Director Cameron’s brow furrowed. “Ms. Hannah, you’ve overpacked. Can you remove some items?”
Hannah hesitated. “But everything in here is necessary for my survival on the island. Removing anything would jeopardize my chances.”
Director Cameron’s tone sharpened. “The suitcase won’t close like this. The ship is nearly here, and time is of the essence.”
“You!!!”
Normally, Hannah would have erupted in anger, but she glanced at the nearby camera; swallowing her frustration, she reluctantly agreed, “Fine.”
With a resigned sigh, she opened the suitcase and withdrew two incredibly opulent designer outfits. After their removal, she barely managed to shut the overstuffed case.
In that moment, Milly glimpsed inside and looked utterly astonished.
This lady truly embodied elegance. Was she truly embarking on a journey? Her luggage contained only cosmetics and garments, nothing more…
Heh, does she think we’re going to stay in a five-star hotel?
Once everyone was prepared, the director led them from the room. Indeed, a yacht awaited them not far from the shoreline. After fitting each with bespoke microphones, the crew ushered them aboard. The cameras and the remainder of the production team, who had trailed behind, stood steadfast, bidding them farewell.
Director Cameron intoned, “Godspeed, people. I’ll be waiting right here. Come back safe and victorious”
Meanwhile…
Joy sat in the rear of the returning carriage, eyes lowered, half her face still slightly swollen.
Bonnie regarded her with concern. “I’m sorry, Joy. I didn’t intend to involve you… “
Joy gently shook her head. “It’s alright, Bonnie. This isn’t your doing.”
“But…”
“It’s not your or Milly’s fault. Even were you both absent, she would slap me just the same.”
Joy spoke calmly, her gaze subdued, a stark departure from her usual buoyant demeanor, hinting at concealed depths.
Bonnie sensed Joy’s reluctance to continue the conversation. “Very well, I shall fetch some medicine from the pharmacy. Wait for me in the car.”
She directed the driver to halt and hastened across the road to the pharmacy.
Joy’s phone chimed suddenly.
Upon seeing an unfamiliar number on the screen, Joy hesitated briefly, torn by inner conflict, before finally answering.
“Hello.”
The voice on the other end sounded pleasantly surprised. “Hey, Joy, it’s me, Hansel.”
His tone was animated yet disjointed, but Joy’s voice remained frigid, devoid of sentiment, creating a stark contrast with his enthusiasm. “What’s the matter? If there’s nothing else, I’ll end the call.”
“No no no…” There was a momentary pause. “Joy, why haven’t you spent the money I sent you? Is it inconvenient to withdraw? If using a bank card is problematic, I can send a cheque in the future?”
Joy pressed her lips together, her voice strained. “There’s no need. I’m employed now. I can earn my own income.”
“Employed? It must be exhausting. How about joining our company? I could make you a director? No, directors have responsibilities. How about a general manager…
Joy seemed to reach her limit with his suggestions, closing her eyes briefly. “Mr. Lloyd, if there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up.”
Hansel fell silent immediately, and after a lengthy pause, he spoke again. “Joy, I apologize. It was remiss of me in the past to send you away. I know it was harsh for you, but I had no choice. If you cannot forgive me now, I won’t press further. Just keep me informed of your well-being, so I may find some peace.”
Joy’s voice remained icy. “Mr. Lloyd, I’ve said this many times. I hold no grudge against you. There’s no need for these frequent calls. Frankly, were it not for these calls, I might have forgotten your existence altogether.”
“After all, this call was only taken so I could tell you this: make sure your sister never tries anything with Milly again. If you can do that alone, I’d appreciate it, really.”
Amidst the convolutions of their affairs, Joy’s solitary contemplation unfolded as she held her phone listlessly, witnessing its gradual dimming until the screen sank into the darkness of slumber. Tears, unbidden, traced a silent path down her visage, revealing depths of sorrow within her eyes…
Bonnie returned with the remedies and was startled by the sight. “What’s wrong, Joy? You were fine a little while ago. Why are you crying? Is your wound troubling you? This calls for a hospital trip!”
She promptly directed the driver to the nearest medical haven.
Roused from her reverie by Bonnie’s urgent tones, Joy swiftly dabbed at the tears that had stealthily moistened her face, summoning a strained smile. “It’s okay, Bonnie. My face is fine. It is simply… the thought of parting ways with Milly that saddens me.”
Her explanation carried a tinge of contrivance, leaving Bonnie somewhat sceptical. “Are you sure?”
Joy nodded hurriedly. “Yes. I’d never joke about my face. We need to be at the airport now; any further delay may cause us to miss our flight back!”
Bonnie regarded her with a half-convinced gaze. “Very well. Tell me if you have anything on your mind. I haven’t known you for long, but I am still some years older. I can be your sister.”
Joy nodded, her smile earnest. “Of course. Thank you, Bonnie.”
The voyage to the island by sea spanned a considerable distance. Whether it was trepidation over the unfamiliar terrain or uncertainty about their own capabilities, all aboard the yacht sat in silence, ensnared by their ruminations.
Save for William, who, upon boarding, exuded the vigour of a liberated stallion…