Chapter 416

Debra stirred, the scent of saltwater tickling her nose. She thought she was still adrift in dreams, but the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink was undeniably real. She was on a cruise ship; the sea stretched out in all directions, the sun dipping below the horizon.

“Are we there already?” she murmured.

Except for Marion and herself, the ship was deserted. She found Marion in the kitchen, wiping down a knife. The aroma of cooked meat filled the air.

“We’ve been here a while,” he said. “I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.”

Debra then noticed she was lying on a large bed. She got up, and Marion draped a blanket over her shoulders. “The sea breeze is a bit chilly this season, but it looks… great.”

The ship’s heating was on, so she didn’t feel cold. The sunset outside bathed her in warmth.

“Did you bring me here for my birthday?” she asked.

Marion took a step back and gave a small bow. “Ms. Frazier, would you do me the honor of dining with me this evening?”

She smiled, placing her hand in his. “I’d be rude to refuse.”

He led her to a long table set with steaming steak, fresh bread, appetizers, and mushroom soup. White candles flickered in antique holders, casting a warm glow over the scene.

“Candlelight dinner?” Debra raised an eyebrow.

This was a side of Marion she’d never seen. He poured the wine and arranged the plates with meticulous care. Then he retrieved a violin from the corner and began to play a soft, haunting melody. The sea sparkled under the moonlight, the breeze carrying a salty tang.

When the music ended, Marion placed an intricately wrapped wooden box before her. “A gift for you.”

“You prepared me a gift?”

Debra should have seen it coming. The cruise, the dinner, and the music all pointed to something grand.

“Open it.”

She lifted the lid, revealing a stack of deeds, bank cards, and financial certificates. Nestled beneath was a sapphire ring. Familiar with fine jewelry, she immediately recognized the ring’s exceptional value. It was reputed to be a piece crafted by the royal family a century ago, worn by a queen; rumor had it that the ring was sold by a private seller. She didn’t expect it to end up in Marion’s hands.

“What are these?”

“Everything I have. I’m giving them all to you. No strings attached.”

Her heart pounded. She pushed the box back towards him.

“You’re out of your mind. I can’t accept this, Marion. It’s too much.”

“Too late. I’ve already signed the papers.”