CHAPTER SIXTY–THREE–An Enemy in Plain Sight
“Jessie!” she called out as she entered. “You won’t believe what happened today!”
Jessie Page poked her head out of the kitchen, a smear of flour on her cheek. “What’s up, roomie? You look like you’ve either won the lottery or seen a phout “–
onal
Laura laughed, dropping her bag and kicking off her shoes. “Not quite But close. I’m going on a business trip. On a luxury yacht!”
Jessie’s eyes widened “No way! With who? When? Details, woman!”
“It’s for work.” Laura explained, following Jessie into the kitchen. “We’re meeting with a potential investor. And get this – Ryan’s going to be there.”
“Ryan?” Jessie raised an eyebrow. “As in, billionaire ex–boyfriend Ryan?”
Laura nodded, feeling a flatter in her stomach. “The very same.”
“Oh, this is too good,” Jessie grinned. “We need to get you packed ASAP. When do you leave?
“Friday.” Laura replied. “And I got this email with a suggested packing list. It’s a lot.”
Jessie clapped her hands together, sending a small cloud of flour into the air. “Perfect! Impromptu fashion show time. Let’s raid your closet!”
n, we need to find you the perfect outfits. You need
Before Laura could protest, Jessie was dragging her towards her bedroom. “Come on, we to knock their socks off – especially Ryan’s.”
“Jessie,” Laura laughed, allowing herself to be pulled along, “It’s a business trip, not a date.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous,” Jessie retorted, flinging open Laura’s closet doors. “Now, let’s see what we’ve got to work
with ”
For the next hour, Laura’s bedroom turned into a whirlwind of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Jessie insisted on Laura trying on every possible combination, offering running commentary as she did.
“Ooh, that blue dress is perfect for the gala dinner,” Jessie exclaimed as Laura twirled in a sapphire cocktail dress. “Ryan won’t know
what hit him”
Laura rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help smiling. “What about this for the presentations?” she asked, holding up a crisp white blouse and charcoal pencil skirt.
“Professional, yet stylish,” Jessie approved. “Now, what about swimwear?
Laura groaned “Do I really need to bring a swimsuit?
“Absolutely!” Jessie insisted, rummaging through Laura’s drawers. “You’re going to be on a yacht, for crying out loud. Ah–ha!” She triumphantly held up a black one–piece. “This is perfect. Classy, but still sexy.”
As Laura changed back into her regular clothes, Jessie began organizing the chosen outfits into piles. “You’re going to knock ‘em dead, Laura,” she said, her voice softer now. “You’ve got this.”
Laura hugged her friend. “Thanks, Jess. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Jessie grinned. “Probably show up in sweatpants and a t–shirt. Now, let’s celebrate your upcoming adventure with some wine and the cookies I was baking before you got home.”
The taxi pulled up to the marina, its tires crunching on the gravel. Laura McKenna took a deep breath, her hand on the door handle.. This was it. The start of what could be a career–defining trip.
“Here we are, miss,” the driver said, turning to face her. “Need any help with your luggage?”
Laura shook her head, managing a smile. “No, thank you. I’ve got it.”
e stepped out into the crisp morning air, the salty breeze immediately toushing her carefully styled hair. Pulling her suitcase from the trunk, the surveyed the marina Rows of gleaming yachts bobbel gently in the water, but one stood out from the rest. It was massive, a floating palace of white and chrome that dwarfed its neighbors.
As she made her way down the dock, her heels clicking on the wooden planks, she spotted a familiar figure. Alden O’Connor was already there, pacing back and forth, his knuckles white as he clutched a bulging briefcase.
“Morning, Aiden,” Laura called out, forcing cheerfulness into her voice. “Ready for our big adventure?”
CHAPTERSON THREE AND HA
(Sight
Aiden’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. “Laura! Thank God. I’ve been here for an hour. I couldn’t sleep, so I just… came early.”
Laura patted his arm reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine. We’ve prepared for this.”
Before Aiden could respond, the purr of a high–end sports car caught their attention. A sleek black Aston Martin pulled up, and out stepped Ryan Callis, looking every bit the billionaire CEO In a tailored suit that probably cost more than Laura’s monthly rent. He circled the car to open the passenger door, and Julia Florent emerged, a vision in a flowing designer sundress and oversized Gucci sunglasses.
“Laura, Aiden!” Ryan called out, flashing his megawatt smile. “Glad to see you’re both here bright and carly.”
Julia linked her arm through Ryan’s, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she looked at Laura. “Yes, punctuality is so important, isn’t it? I do hope you’ve both packed appropriately.”
Laura resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Good morning, Ryan, Julia. Yes, we’re all set.”
As they approached the yacht, a man in a crisp white uniform hurried down the gangplank to greet them. “Welcome aboard the ‘Aurora “,” he said with a slight bow. “I’m Charles, Mr. Rothschild’s personal assistant. He’s asked me to give you a tour before we set sail.”
They followed Charles up the gangplank, Laura trying not to gape at the sheer opulence surrounding them. The deck was a sprawling expanse of polished teak, dotted with plush lounge chairs and intimate seating areas.
“This is the main deck,” Charles explained, gesturing around them. “Perfect for sunbathing or enjoying an afternoon cocktail. Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your staterooms.”
They descended a curved staircase to a lower deck, the walls lined with what looked like original artwork. Charles stopped at a door and turned to Laura. “Ms. McKenna, this will be your cabin.”
He opened the door, revealing a room that was larger than Laura’s entire apartment. A king–sized bed dominated one wall, while floor- to–ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the marina.
“Wow,” Laura breathed, unable to hide her awe.
“Indeed,” Charles smiled. “Mr. O’Connor, your cabin is right next door. Identical layout.”
Aiden nodded, looking a bit green around the gills: “Great. Thanks.”
Charles led them further down the hallway, stopping at an ornate double door. “And this,” he said, pushing it open, “is the owner’s suite.”
If Laura thought her cabin was impressive, it paled in comparison to this. The suite was massive, with a separate living area, a private balcony, and what looked like a personal hot tub.
“Ryan, darling, it’s perfect,” Julia cooed, immediately making herself at home on a plush sofa.
Ryan turned to Charles. “This is great, but we should probably get down to business. Is there a conference room where we can meet?” Charles nodded. “Of course, sir. If you’ll follow me to the upper deck.”
As they climbed back up, Charles pointed out various amenities – a fully equipped gym, a spa, even a small movie theater. Laura’s head was spinning by the time they reached the conference room.
“I’ll leave you to your meeting,” Charles said. “If you need anything, just press the call button on any intercom. Lunch will be served
on the aft deck at 1PM.”
As the door closed behind Charles, Ryan clapped his hands together. “Alright, team. Let’s get down to business.”
