Chapter 1

Hansel wasn't born yesterday. He sensed something was amiss the moment Miranda had her accident, so he immediately demanded to see the security footage. However, the conclusion was that the shark and the oxygen tank were a freak coincidence.

Sam frowned. "Listen to me—"

Hansel shoved Sam's hand away, his tone frosty. "I'm warning you. Stay away from Miranda, or you'll regret it!"

Sam arched an eyebrow as he watched Hansel walk away. Hansel didn't mention Ingrid at all. Was he overlooking her, or deliberately hiding something?

Ingrid remained where she was, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. When she saw Hansel approaching with a stern look, she quickly forced a smile and linked her arm with his. "Dear, I've been waiting for you. How about we grab some breakfast? I'm starving."

She puffed out her cheeks, looking both sulky and endearing.

Hansel hummed softly in reply. He didn't withdraw his hand this time. When he saw that Miranda had already left, he shoved his hands into his pockets in frustration.

He knew Sam too well. The guy was always up to something. Whenever Sam initiated a conversation, there was always an ulterior motive.

Miranda had been on the island for a few days. She found it stunningly beautiful and also noted how open-minded everyone was. Tourists from around the globe gathered there, bringing diverse skin tones and languages, yet they interacted effortlessly.

Chapter 2 (Assuming the 212 is a page break indicator)

As Miranda stepped out of the restaurant early that morning, she bumped into a stunning woman with bronzed skin. Her fiery dreadlocks and neon green bikini made her stand out; she had a bold, wild look. The woman caught Miranda's gaze and blew her a kiss.

Miranda was struck by the woman's stunning beauty and seductive air. Her face turned bright red, and she nearly choked.

Winter turned to her. "Are you alright? Did you catch a cold?"

"No, I was just wondering why so many people are in bikinis today." Bikinis and shorts were a common sight on the island, but it was rare to see so many at once.

"Are you telling me you didn't know?" Winter exclaimed.

Miranda looked at her blankly. "Didn't know about what?"

"I can't believe you. You showed up in Marvedis without doing any research, huh? Today's the island's famous 'Bikini Day.' The women wear bikinis, and the men each carry a single rose. It's a day of surfing, drinking, dancing—pretty much a big social event. Everyone returns to the beach at sunset. Then, the men offer roses to the women they find most captivating. The woman with the most roses is declared the queen of the night and receives an exclusive gift from the hotel. So…"

Winter winked at Miranda and added with a hint of intrigue, "I'm all set to make sure you steal the spotlight!"

Miranda was baffled. "What?"

Five minutes later, Winter urged, "Are you done changing yet?"

Miranda peeked out from behind the door, looking unsure. "I'm wondering if this might be too much."

Winter arched an eyebrow as she noticed Miranda was practically hiding. Without hesitation, she pulled Miranda out of the room and pushed her toward the (presumably a mirror or other reflective surface - OE is unclear).

"Wow, look at yourself!" she exclaimed. "There's no 'too much' here. You look stunning, got it?"

Winter nodded in approval. She clicked her tongue and added, "I've got a good eye, don't I? Check out that waist, those legs, and that cleavage—"

"Hey!" Miranda interrupted quickly. "Stop it."

Those few words were enough to make her cheeks flush. She took a deep breath and finally glanced at her reflection. She was wearing a bold red two-piece bikini with shorts, and her skin was remarkably fair.