Chapter 386
Upon donning her fresh attire, Milly saw the pair still hunkered down, their gazes fixed vacantly upon the ground.
“What’s the matter? What captures your attention so much?” she inquired.
William, upon sighting her, gestured towards the nearly lifeless bluefin tuna on the ground. “Boss, why did you procure this fish? Your attire betrays a soaking. Say, did you leap into the sea to snare it?”
Charlie remained silent, yet his eyes spoke volumes as they remained steadfastly trained upon Milly, showing a clear desire for elucidation.
Milly had foreseen the scrutiny and suspicion that would accompany her return with these acquisitions; thus, she had already crafted her explanation on the homeward path.
“Ah, regarding this matter,” she began, “it is a curious happenstance. Initially, I intended to gather mussels and clams from the shore, but by chance stumbled upon an abandoned fishing net, likely discarded by mariners.
“I deemed it maritime detritus and resolved to aid in its removal. Yet within, to my surprise, hung this bluefin tuna. Fortune indeed smiled upon me.”
As William absorbed her account, a disquiet stirred within him, though he could not pinpoint its cause.
Furrowing his brow, he indicated the basket of goose barnacles. “And these? Were they too ensnared within the net?”
Milly shook her head. “No, they were not. Whilst scouring the shoreline, I discovered a craggy outcrop adorned with these barnacles, appearing remarkably fresh. Hence, I collected them.”
Seeking to bolster her explanation, she added, “Did not the director previously assert that this island remains unspoiled and untrodden? It is not improbable to discover such fresh seafood here.”
Her rationale was cogent, and William found himself swayed. His earlier misgivings dissipated, supplanted by eager anticipation as he regarded her with hopeful eyes. “Boss, I yearn for charcoal-grilled barnacles and bluefin tuna sashimi!”
Observing his cessation of inquiries and newfound enthusiasm, Milly promptly acceded. “Very well, I’ll prepare them immediately.”
In this realm, culinary proficiency was her sole domain.
With contentment at her response, William hummed a tune and strolled away.
Yet, as Milly turned to gather provisions, she lifted her gaze to meet Charlie’s unwavering stare. Though motionless, his countenance bore its usual impassivity, tinged now with an array of emotions-discontent, scepticism, resignation, and… anger.
Milly paused momentarily. Though she prided herself on fortitude, his gaze sent a chill down her spine.
No, that cannot be right.
Curious indeed, why did she find herself gripped by this inexplicable disquiet?
“You… “
She was on the verge of speaking when his voice interjected, “Next time you venture forth in search of sustenance, I will accompany you.”
Having uttered these words, he departed.
Milly was confused.
Is that all?
Is that truly the extent of it?
Did he summon such intensity in his gaze merely to convey that to her?
Men are enigmatic creatures, akin to needles in the abyssal depths!
Yet, it matters not. Though she managed to dupe them this time with an overtly flawed and clumsy pretext, fortune may not favour her next endeavour. Should he join her, she will at least be spared the arduous task of explanation.
Furthermore, perhaps in the next venture, she will have no chance upon that bumbling little albino shark again…
Perhaps the poor creature has since found better fortune…
Isn’t that so?
William and Charlie toiled with haste, completing the sanctuary in a mere day’s span.
The structure stood upon a foundation of timber frames, encircled by resilient bamboo strips to ward off gusts, and shrouded beneath a vast waterproof canopy, safeguarding its inhabitants from the elements. Within, they fashioned three robust bamboo beds.
Charlie, mindful of modesty, positioned Milly’s berth deepest within, veiling it with the fabric they brought to delineate their domains. The outer space was designated for him and William, affording Milly an expanse of personal solitude.
Though it bore an air of emptiness, it exuded the essence of home, nonetheless.
As for tables, chairs, and benches, their presence could be delayed without consequence. With ample time ahead, now that the abode was complete, they could settle into a rhythm.
‘I deem this fellowship capable of enduring here for the foreseeable future, devoid of impediment.’
‘Indeed, they have secured the essentials of sustenance, dwelling, and more; their lead over the other party is vast!’
‘Heh, the director’s preferential treatment does bolster their survival. Ms. Hannah, she’s all about honesty, disdainful of artifice. Hence her hardships. She upholds true virtue, unlike those who feign.’
‘Is it not absurd to label prosperity as deceitful? Observe Hannah’s troupe, clad as if for a red-carpet stroll. Erecting shelters pales beside their labour, a mere step here becomes a task!’
‘Quite so! That other faction, glimpsed ever chewing bread or nibbling biscuits, devoid of vigour entirely.’
‘A mere observer I am, yet one must concede, Milly’s band at least displays sincerity. They toil earnestly, unlike the rest.’
‘Certainly, I now count myself among Milly’s admirers!’
At this juncture, whether the overseers had caught wind of their disputations amid the bombardment of commentaries or merely relished the spectacle, the lenses swung anew to Hannah’s company.
As foretold by preceding remarks, they were clustered, quietly chewing upon bread.
Once bedecked in haute couture gowns,
Hannah was now wrapped in layers of jackets, Stephanie and Dakota likewise attired.
The relentless night breezes had surely stripped them of dignity.
Stephanie swallowed the arid bread, throat parched and raw. Were it not for resolute will and lingering hunger, she might have dashed it to the ground!
Her initial motive for partaking in this endeavour had been to besmirch Milly’s
repute. What other reason could justify such tribulation?
She reckoned her words of the prior day had already cast Milly in a light as selfish and egocentric. Beyond doubt, the external audience now eyed her with suspicion, especially with Hannah as an ally. With Hannah’s legion of devotees, Milly was doubtless under siege.