Sophia Sullivan pushed open the front door.
Isabella Robinson rushed toward her with red-rimmed eyes.
"Ning!" Her voice trembled with emotion. "You're finally back!"
Isabella wrapped her in a tight embrace, the anxiety of the long night finally easing.
"I called you so many times, but you didn't answer. We searched the entire cruise ship—no sign of you. I was about to call the police—" She suddenly stopped, her gaze dropping to Sophia's collar.
Between the folds of her shirt, faint red marks peeked through.
"You slept with someone?" Isabella's eyes widened.
Sophia patted her back gently. "I did spend the night with someone."
"No wonder you ignored my calls!" Isabella exhaled in relief, then smirked teasingly. "Tell me, who's the lucky man?"
She reached out to tickle Sophia, who dodged with a laugh.
"Stop it." Sophia adjusted her collar. "It was... complicated."
She gave a brief account of the events on the cruise.
"He had a great body and knew what he was doing. But he carried a gun." She pressed her lips together. "Too bad I didn't get a good look at his face before leaving in the morning."
Isabella clicked her tongue in amusement. "Sounds like you enjoyed it. How does he compare to the male models I find for you?"
They exchanged knowing smiles.
Once the teasing subsided, Isabella grew serious. "I'll handle the surveillance footage. You won't be dragged into any trouble."
Sophia nodded, rubbing her sore lower back. "Since I missed the banquet, did the CEO of Breeze Perfumes show up?"
"No." Isabella shook her head. "Only familiar faces attended. He probably didn't want to reveal himself."
Her eyes suddenly sparkled. "But I have good news—the Fourth International Perfumery Competition is about to begin."
Sophia arched a brow.
"Radiant Beauty Group is sponsoring it this time. The top three winners will receive brand endorsements." Isabella leaned closer. "Most importantly, the CEO of Breeze Perfumes is competing too."
Sophia's pulse quickened.
"He has to show his face for the finals." Isabella waved the registration form triumphantly. "So? Don't I deserve some gratitude?"
Sophia took the form. "Is this information reliable?"
"You doubt me after I got you the registration?" Isabella ruffled her hair. "Ungrateful little brat!"
Sophia rested her head on Isabella's shoulder. "Since you've arranged everything, I suppose I can reluctantly participate."
"Such arrogance!" Isabella laughed.
As Sophia stood to shower, she suddenly mimicked Chloe Evans' sugary tone. "You won't dislike me for this, will you, Isabella?"
Isabella hurled a pillow at her. "Disgusting! Go wash up!"
Steam filled the bathroom.
Under the hot water, Sophia looked down at the marks on her skin. The man had been insatiable, leaving traces everywhere like a wild beast.
Her thoughts drifted to those fathomless dark eyes.
The scalding water snapped her back to reality.
There was still one thing left to do.