CHAPTER 77

Chapter 77 Playing With Fire

Samuel arched an eyebrow.

Emelle had always been a woman who knew how to keep things proper.

vibes that could be misinterpreted.

Even when they went out for meals or coffee, she never gave off any s

Not this was the first time she had grabbed his hand like that, almost as if she were clutching onto the only thing keeping her afloat in rough

Sammel’s gaze softened as he noticed a subtle hint of redness in her eyes.

He couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Lowering his head, he spoke softly, “Ms. Hoven, is everything alright? Have you run into some

Emelie

back of her head.

elle felt the sea breeze bushing against her face, but at the same time, a dull ache pulsed at the b

Her question emerged somewhat disjointed, “Mr. Swanson, did you bring soineone along?”

“No,” came his straight forward reply.

“Did your older brother bring one?”

“He did,” Sammel confirmed

“Is it his girlfriend?” Emelie pressed further.

Samuel chose his words carefully, “I’m not entirely sure.”

”

Emelie was convinced it wasn’t his brother’s girlimend

She reasoned that if it were someone significant, like a girlfriend, Samuel’s response wouldn’t be so vague. After all, there was no way he could not recognize his own sister–in–law.

Samuel’s vague response hinted that the person was likely brought along by his older brother for a specific reason…

Well, considering they were already on the cruise, it was only natural to expect everyone to be aware of the game rules.

After all, unlike her, they weren’t lured here.

Emelie gently dabbed her dry lips before fixing a serious gaze on Samuel Her appearance was impeccable, with flawless features and deep, Luminous eyes.

Abruptly, she said, “It appears that both Cloudex Corporation and Swanson Corporation are competing for the same project.

“Even though I haven’t been involved much in company business lately, I understand how crucial this project is for both companies.”

Interrupting her, Samuel asserted, “Ms. Hoven, you know I don’t meddle in company affairs”

“I know, I’m just hoping, as a friend, Mr. Swanson, that you could pass along a message to your older brother.

“If he could trade me from William, ensu

ensure my safety, and let me leave unharmed, I could offer him some help.”

Samuel felt like he was watching her walk a tightrope. His brows furrowed.

“You… you’re willing to betray Cloudex Corporation? Have you thought about the consequences?”

Emelie paused for a moment and murmured, “I’m just trying to save myself.”

Since she couldn’t defy the rules of the game, then she had to figure out how to keep herself safe within It

Samuel was the

the only person she knew on this ship who could help her out.

Samuel’s piercing gaze behind his glasses conveyed a serious warning. “Ms. Hoven, playing with fire will only end in disaster.”

By betraying Cloudex Corporation, she was essentially burning bridges. There was no way William would forgive her actions.

Emelie took a moment to compose herself and said, “But it’s better than just watching the flames engulf me.”

For William to use her as a bargaining chip, he must first see some significant benefit.

Though she and Samuel were friends, they were just that–friends.

She couldn’t expect him to sacrifice his own interests for her, let alone ask his brother for unconditional help.

So, she had to propose terms that satisfied Samuel’s brother first, who would then negotiate with William.

That was the only way she could get out of this situation.

It was impressive how Emelle managed to keep her thoughts clear even in her dizzy state.

She asked, “Mr. Swanson, would you be willing to assist me with this?”

“You’ve asked, so of course, I’ll do what I can.” Samuel adjusted his glasses. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to meet my brother, Bryan.”

Bryan found Emelie’s proposed deal intriguing, and they spent the whole afternoon talking it over.

After reaching a consensus, Bryan instructed someone to go and fetch William..

As William made his way up the stairs, he noticed the woman in front of him stumble slightly and instinctively reached out to help her steady

herself

The woman looked up. Her face was strikingly beautiful. “Thank you, sir.”

William’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he nodded politely and continued on his way to the coffee shop.

At the open–air coffee shop on the deck, Bryan sat alone at the only table.

“Mr. Swanson,” William greeted as he approached..

Bryan stood up and shook his hand. “Mr. Middleton, I’m glad you could make it.”

“Thanks for the invite, Mr. Swanson,” William replied.

As soon as they took their seats, Bryan got straight to the point. “I’m willing to step back from the project on Maple Avenue.”

William’s expression shifted for a moment, but his tone remained unchanged.

“No good deed goes unnoticed. Since you’re offering such a substantial concession, how should I repay the favor?”

As the conversation came to a close, the sound of high heels clacking approached.

William raised his eyes with indifference.

He watched as the alluring woman he had assisted on the stairs earlier sauntered over. Her steps were graceful, and her smile was flirtatious.

She came up behind Bryan and placed her hand on the back of his chair.

Bryan lifted his coffee cup. “You know, Patricia has always admired you, Mr. Middleton, and she’s keen to meet you….

“Oh, and I bumped into Ms. Hoven today, and we really hit it off How about we all become friends?”

Decent people had a way of being subtle in their conversations. But the message remained the same.

It was about exchanging companions.

Ernelle hid inside the coffee shop, carefully eavesdropping on the conversation unfolding outside.

She couldn’t help but wait anxiously for William’s reply.

If he agreed, it would confirm that he was indeed willing to use her as a bargaining chip for his own gain.

Chapter 7 Flan