Chapter 559

Kayce's brow tightened into a severe scowl, shadow darkening his features, though his tone stayed even."What's with the alarm? Just file the report the usual way. It isn't rare for supply logs to be off during long voyages. A tally might have been wrong, or certain perishables could've spoiled and been tossed out without anyone notingit."

He paused briefly, turning the matter over in his head. "I'll inform Mr. Ward later and request permission to dock nearby or arrange for a skiff to fetch what we need."

His eyes shifted to the young assistant cook at his side."As usual, Alfredo will come with me."

Hannah lifted her gaze slightly. Alfredo Clarke was Kayce's young kitchen aide. She had to find a way to prevent Alfredo from going.

Masking her thoughts, Hannah acted quickly while Kayce drafted the provisions list, setting to work on Brixton's meal.

Once she had wrapped up Brixton's meal, she deliberately did some cleaning, waiting until Kayce moved upstairs with the paper in hand. Then, she followed with the tray of food.

She timed it perfectly. As she reached the third deck, Kayce's voice drifted from the slightly ajar door of Brixton's cabin. "Mr. Ward, the vegetables and meat are used up faster than expected. Stocks are running thin-we'll need a resupply soon."

Brixton's tone edged with skepticism. "Already? We restocked not long ago."

Kayce answered exactly as Hannah had hoped, "Some vegetables may have spoiled from poor storage. And with all the extra tourists lately, usage has climbed higher than expected."

Uninterested in getting bogged down by such trivial details, Brixton brushed the matter off with a wave."Fine, see to it as you always do. Take a speedboat with a sailor and bring along a kitchen boy. Just be sure the list is complete."

"Understood," Kayce replied crisply.

"Dismissed."

Hannah stepped through the doorway at that moment, meal in hand, feigning perfect coincidonce.

She lowered her head, placed the tray gently on the table, and began to withdraw.

"Wait," Brixton commanded, his gaze locking on her, "Sit. Eat with me."

Hannah kept her eyes lowered. "My portion is in the kitchen."

"I said eat with me," Brixton repeated, this time with firm authority

"Alright." Hannah reluctantly sank into a chair.

Brixton hardly touched his plate, stopping after a few bites. His eyes drifted over her wrist, a faint crease forming on his brow. Then, with a trace of awkwardness, he muttered, "About last night... I'm sorry."

The words startled Hannah, leaving her almost doubting her ears. He actually offered an apology?

Before she could gather a response, Brixton pulled a small tube of ointment from his drawer and placed it in front of her, still stiff in his manner. "Use this."

Without another word, he stood and left the cabin.

Hannah stared at the ointment, confusion swirling, though her mind quickly slipped back to strategy. Her concern wasn't the ointment. Her concern was ensuring Alfredo never stepped off the ship with Kayce.

Then, an idea struck. Alfredo was still a boy-around fourteen, perhaps fifteen-with a weakness for treats.And it appeared that he was allergic to seafood.

A while later, in the kitchen on the lower deck, Hannah carefully baked a batch of seafood pastries. She casually placed them on the counter.

As expected, Alfredo soon wandered in, nose leading him. "Hannah, what's this? Smells incredible!" His mouth watered as he spoke.

Hannah smiled sweetly, sliding the plate toward him. "Freshly made. You can have one. The rest are reserved."

She had measured the portion carefully, enough to spark a mild allergic reaction, nothing life-threatening.

Alfredo beamed, snatched a piece, and devoured it eagerly, mumbling through his mouthful, "So good!"

But his delight faded fast. Moments later, itching consumed him, rashes spreading across his face and neck.He clawed at his skin, squirming.

"Alfredo! What's happening?" Hannah gasped in feigned alarm.

The ruckus drew Kayce at once. His expression turned grim when he saw the rash. His eyes flicked from the pastries to Hannah. "You gave him that?"

Hannah's voice carried innocent regret. "He can't eat seafood? I didn't know, Kayce..."

Kayce's brow furrowed deeply. "He's allegic to seafood! Alfredo, how many times must I tell you not to just eat anything?"

The rebuke ended with a glare at Alfredo.

Then, Kayce barked an order to a crewman nearby. "Keep him under close watch-don't let him scratch himself raw. I'll go for supplies immediately and pick up some allergy medicine for him!"

Hannah stepped forward quickly. "Kayce, Alfredo's condition is my fault. Let me take his place and go with you."

Kayce's eyes narrowed, incredulous. "Are you out of your mind? Do you think this is a game? Mr. Ward will never authorize you to leave. Since Alfredo can't go, I'll do it alone."

Hannah steeled herself. Even though she wasn't confident, she insisted, "Alfredo's reaction is my responsibility. I can't sit back and do nothing. I'll go request permission from Mr. Ward. Wait for me."

Before Kayce could respond, she spun and hurried upstairs, heart hammering, urgency drowning every other thought. She flung open Brixton's door. But what she saw inside chilled her blood to the marrow.