Chapter 549

Hannah slipped away from the dining room doorway without a sound and rushed back to her cabin.

Behind the closed door, she tried to process everything she'd just overheard. It turned out that the communication devices weren't broken after all. They could contact Vincent whenever they wanted. Instead, they were stalling on purpose, letting Vincent drown in anxiety and despair to gain leverage in whatever negotiations or deals lay ahead.

It seemed that Brixton's desire extended far beyond mere money. But what else could he possibly want from Vincent?More troubling still was their plan to switch ships in just a few days. What had sparked this sudden change? Come to think of it,why hadn't they docked anywhere yet?

Each question felt like another stone dropping into her chest,weighing her heart down. Her situation couldn't be more passive. Brixton held complete control over her fate.

The only bright spot, if it could even be called that, was Brixton's growing satisfaction with her cooking. Perhaps this tiny crack in his armor was her only chance at finding a way out.

Taking a steadying breath, Hannah forced her fraying nerves to calm. A larger cruise ship would definitely come equipped with lifeboats. Maybe she could steal one for her escape.

Yet, she quickly abandoned the notion. Out on the endless,unpredictable sea, piloting a small boat alone without proper supplies would be nothing short of suicide. Her best hope lay in exploiting Brixton's increasing trust in her.

She had to find a way to access the communication equipment.

She had to find a way to access the communication equipment.Vincent's phone number was burned into her memory. Even a few seconds of contact might be enough to turn everything around.

A few days later, Brixton indeed ordered a change of ship.

Slowly, a magnificent white cruise ship approached them across the water, far larger and more luxurious than their current vessel.

Standing on deck, Brixton watched the approaching ship with barely contained excitement dancing across his features.

Hannah swallowed her rising panic and made her way to the ship's railing. Gripping the metal with trembling hands, she let her face go pale and retched dryly several times, playing up her supposed seasickness. Furrowing her brow, she managed a weak complaint. "Can't we just make port somewhere? All this constant rocking is making me miserable. I may be your hostage,but shouldn't you treat me a bit more nicely?"

Brixton glanced over at her, amusement and mockery glinting in his eyes. "Dock somewhere? What makes you think we'd need to do that? That beautiful ship is going to serve as our home and new base for a long while. How do you like it?"

A new base? Cold horror shot through her veins as the implications hit home. They might not make port for a long time,perhaps forever, completely isolating themselves from the world. Without Brixton actively reaching out,Vincent would have no way of tracking her down.

Watching her expression crumble, Brixton's amusement only grew. He stepped closer, his voice deliberately taunting."What's wrong? You look unhappy."

Hannah lowered her gaze, masking the shock in her eyes while keeping up her act. "If you were seasick for so many days in a row, you wouldn't be happy either.

Brixton's laughter boomed across the deck as he gave her shoulder a patronizing pat. "Relax! That cruise ship is rock solid,a hundred times more comfortable than this floating junkyard we're leaving behind. Besides, there's all sorts of entertainment waiting for you on board. Trust me, you're going to love it!"

Hannah's blood ran cold at his enthusiasm. Whatever Brixton considered entertaining was bound to be anything but pleasant.

Soon, everyone began to board the luxurious cruise ship.

The vessel truly was spectacular, featuring three sprawling decks decorated with opulent detail.

Yet, the moment Hannah set foot on the first deck, she froze in disbelief at what greeted her.

This wasn't some elegant lounge. Thick smoke choked the air of a bustling casino. Crowds pressed around gaming tables of every variety. Victory cheers mixed with bitter curses as fortunes rose and fell, creating an atmosphere of manic desperation.

Surveying his domain with obvious pride, Brixton called out loudly, "Everyone, enjoy yourselves to the fullest! Food and drinks are on the house! Our casino never closes!"

Hannah trailed silently behind him, watching the gamblers cycle between wild euphoria and crushing despair, her stomach turning with revulsion.

Just as she thought the first deck was shocking enough, what awaited her on the second deck made her blood turn to ice.