Chapter 221:

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They fell into reminiscing about their college days.

Before long, the warmth of his presence and her exhaustion lulled her into a peaceful sleep.

Daxton gently pulled a blanket over her, his gaze lingering on her serene face. Leaning in, he pressed a feather-light kiss to her forehead and whispered softly, “Carrie, I’m back.”

Carrie endured a night tormented by haunting dreams. She found herself flailing in the depths of the ocean, the choking tightness so vivid she could almost swear she was submerged once more. Through her haze, she glimpsed Kristopher on the distant shore, his gaze icy as he watched her struggle. Beside him stood Lise, her grin wide and triumphant.

“Knock, knock, knock.” The sharp rapping at the door snapped her from her nightmare. “Carrie, are you awake?” Daxton’s voice called out, filled with concern.

Startled, Carrie’s eyes flew open. She massaged her forehead and propped herself up, her gaze drifting towards the window. The storm had relented, and now the setting sun draped the sea in a blanket of golden hues. For a fleeting second, the boundary between reality and her dream blurred.

“I’m awake,” she called back, her voice steadier than she felt.

Daxton’s voice took on a gentle edge as he spoke. “We’ve arrived at the dock. Feel free to freshen up whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay,” Carrie responded, her movements brisk as she tossed aside the covers and swung her legs out of bed. The tempest from the previous evening had disabled the yacht’s communications. She had been cut off, unable to reach out. She knew Asher and Ruby were probably worried sick.

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Carrie emerged from the room, stepping onto the yacht’s deck, which now seemed hauntingly deserted. Except for Daxton and a handful of attendants, the vessel was empty, as everyone else had disembarked. She leaned against the railing, her eyes scanning the dock where a crowd had assembled. There, a distinct figure dressed in black sharply contrasted with the others. It was Kristopher, unmistakable at the center, encircled by police officers.

Despite the situation, his aura of authority was as potent as ever. He was there for her—whether out of obligation or summoned by the authorities, she wasn’t sure. And honestly, it mattered little to her. Had Daxton not crossed her path just in time, she would have met a grim fate, swallowed by the vast sea. And where had Kristopher been when she was battling for survival?

Carrie’s gaze shifted away from him, sweeping across the crowd. There, somewhat removed from the center, stood Camille and Ruby, with Albin unexpectedly beside them, not with Kristopher. Carrie pondered this briefly but chose not to linger on the thought. She followed Daxton off the yacht.

“The air’s chilly today,” Daxton noted softly, placing his coat over her shoulders with a protective gesture. “I activated the yacht’s emergency signal the moment I realized what had happened. I can’t be certain, but falling overboard wasn’t by chance. Since everyone else had already left the boat, the gathering down there must certainly be for you.”

Carrie offered him a look brimming with gratitude. Daxton’s careful attention had safeguarded her in every aspect.

At that moment, Camille caught sight of her amidst the crowd. “Carrie!” she called out, her voice slicing through the noise as she darted over and clutched Carrie’s arm. Camille scrutinized her carefully, searching for any signs of harm. Although the bruises from the ropes were concealed under her clothing, and the scratch on the corner of her mouth was healing nicely thanks to Daxton’s care from the previous night, her concern was palpable.

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