Chapter 571

Hannah's mind reeled, scarcely able to process the words she just heard. For a fleeting instant, she questioned if Brixton genuinely wanted her to amuse him with jokes of all things. Her back stiffened as she answered in clipped tones, "I don't know any jokes."

An uncomfortable silence fell, thick and immediate,like a veil draped over the room.

It was then that Aanya, who had been quietly tucked away to the side, broke through the silence with hesitant courage. "Mr. Ward, I know some jokes.Would you like to hear one?"

Brixton shifted his attention toward her, his eyes narrowing with the faintest glimmer of interest,a subtle nod granting permission.

Without delay, Aanya offered a joke. It wasn't sharp or particularly witty, yet the way she delivered it brimmed with energy and girlish charm. Hannah let out a burst of laughter, partly to soften the tension in the air, and partly because Aanya's earnest attempt genuinely struck her as amusing.

Brixton's gaze lingered upon Hannah's profile,studying her laughter with an unreadable calm. His lips curved faintly as he remarked, "You seem to have attracted a rather entertaining follower."

Hannah inclined her head in acknowledgment,gently taking Aanya's hand. "Aanya is delightful. We'll be heading down now."

At Brixton's comment, a flush of red spread across Aanya's cheeks. She glanced back at him, her eyes filled with fascination, even as Hannah tugged her along.

Once outside Brixton's cabin, Aanya could barely contain her excitement. She whispered with trembling glee, "Hannah, did you see? Mr. Ward's smile-it's so handsome!"

Hannah thought back to Brixton's expression,answering with honesty, "Is that so? To me, he only

stirs unease. Whenever I look at him, fear follows."

But Aanya, dreamy-eyed, cupped her cheeks with both hands and breathed out as though lost in a fantasy, "No... He's so handsome. I love watching handsome men!"

Then, almost as if struck by inspiration, she added quickly, "And pretty women too. You're the prettiest,Hannah! Could I join you tomorrow to bring Mr.Ward his meals?"

"Of course," Hannah agreed warmly, though she couldn't help but notice that Aanya's enthusiasm for Brixton bordered on obsession. Still, she reasoned it wasn't strange. A young girl could easily be captivated by a man as commanding and striking as Brixton. She chose not to dwell on it.

From that day onward, Aanya gradually became the one engaging with Brixton during each meal delivery.She always had some lively tale to share, some trivial yet entertaining detail from life on the ship, coaxing faint smiles from Brixton more often than not.

Meanwhile,Hannah found unexpected peace in retreating to the background, speaking only when Brixton addressed her.

Watching Aanya's joy bloom brighter with each exchange, Hannah's unsettled feelings were momentarily quieted. She even thought the situation worked to her advantage. Perhaps if Brixton's interest shifted, her chances of slipping away might improve.

That evening, Aanya approached Hannah, claiming there was a leak in the bathroom and urging her to come inspect it.

Hannah, trusting Aanya without hesitation, followed her inside.

The instant they crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut behind them.

Before Hannah could react, several women surged forward from either side, their hands gripping her arms with merciless force. They dragged her down,forcing her knees against the cold tiles. Pain shot through Hannah's legs, and she winced,struggling to lift her head-only to see Luna standing there, arms folded, eyes brimming with disdain.

"Pathetic," Luna sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "Did you really believe anyone here truly cared for you? It was nothing but an act."

Aanya slowly emerged from behind Luna, stepping in front of Hannah. Gone was her innocent demeanor;in its place rested a cruel mask. Her head tilted slightly, a sweet smile playing on her lips while her tone rang icy. "Hello, Hannah."

The truth struck Hannah like a blow. Everything fell into place. But instead of breaking, she summoned her composure, choosing not to fight with skills honed from her martial training. Her gaze hardened on Aanya as she said evenly, "So, you're with them."

"Exactly!" Aanya's laughter was bright with cruelty."Every kindness I showed you was nothing but a show. I just wanted to get close to you. My dear friends had performed their roles wonderfully to echo my acting." "You're after Brixton?" Hannah pressed, her voice slicing straight to the heart of it.

Aanya didn't bother to deny it. "Yes! I went to great lengths and gave up so much just to step onto this yacht for him! But before I could reach him, you appeared, taking the place that should have been mine!" Bitterness edged her tone, though smugness soon followed. "Still, I ought to thank you. You were so trusting, so foolishly kind. You drew me closer to Brixton-let me tell him jokes and chat with him."

She leaned closer, her voice dripping with malice."And it made me see clearly. He doesn't truly value you,does he? He enjoys my company more, doesn't he? Perhaps soon, he won't want you around anymore. Just having me is enough for him. Don't you think?"

Hannah studied Aanya's arrogant face and then said,"Come closer."

Believing Hannah had finally yielded-or that she might reveal a desperate secret-Aanya leaned down, smug triumph glinting in her eyes, her earnearing Hannah's lips.

But in the next heartbeat, Hannah summoned every ounce of strength and spat straight onto Aanya's face.