When my jet ski hit the beach of Stonewater Isle, I found several armed men already waiting. Recognizing them, my eyes widened. It was Deputy Commander Ethan Reed of our Island Guard. Hadn’t he gone out to sea with Miles? Why was he here? I couldn’t dwell on it. I stumbled towards him, just as I was about to inform him about the raiders‘ attack. He suddenly grabbed my arm, yanking
me from the jet ski, his gaze filled with utter disgust.
“Olivia Vance, how can there be a woman as repulsive as you in this world?!”
I stared at him, bewildered, unable to comprehend his meaning.
“The Captain specifically ordered me to wait for you here. He said that to stir up jealousy, you’d conspire with Lily to spread rumors on other islands about a raider attack on our village, all to sabotage Sienna’s birthday celebration.” Listening to Ethan, I began to
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on other islands about a raider attack on our village, all to sabotage Sienna’s birthday celebration.” Listening to Ethan, I began to
tremble with rage.
Miles‘ heart was utterly ruthless! To prevent me from reaching him, he had sent men to block the very path I would take to get rein-
forcements!
I urgently told Ethan that the marauders had already begun their assault on Havenport. I wasn’t here to spread rumors; I was here for help! If reinforcements weren’t found within the hour to repel the raiders, everyone would be lost!
Perhaps seeing my unyielding expression, a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes. After all, his wife, child, and mother were all still
on the island.
Just as Ethan was about to contact Miles on his comms, a team member leaned in and whispered, “If there really was a raider
attack, how could the Captain not know?” His face held a nearly devout trust in Miles.
Miles had served in the military, possessing an exceptional tactical instinct and organizational skills. He had led the islanders in
repelling dozens of raider assaults.
After less than a second of silence, Ethan burst into loud laughter. “Olivia, you truly are an actress. You almost had me believing you.” “I know the Captain better than anyone. He’s so responsible, the leader of the Island Guard. How could he possibly lack this level of vigilance?”
His mockery twisted my heart into a bitter knot, tears stinging my eyes. Every wasted moment meant more danger for the women.
Ignoring everything, I tried to rush back towards the island. But in the next second, Ethan moved faster, pressing me down. He then
produced rope and bound me tightly. “As long as I’m here, you’re not going anywhere today.” Ethan’s face was grim. After ensuring I
was securely tied, he tossed me directly into a speedboat. As the boat sliced through the waves, I watched Stonewater Isle, so
close yet growing smaller with every passing moment, and I closed my eyes in despair.
