Chapter 238
Theodore’s easygoing expression vanished in an instant. “What happened to my wife?”
“Rumor has it she fell overboard–probably just fooling around. Mr. Jean rushed over the second he heard. I’ve never seen a leader more approachable,” Randy said.
He waited for Theodore to shower him with gratitude, but Theodore jolted to his feet, his face freezing over. “Why didn’t you tell me my wife was in danger?”
Intimidated by Theodore’s 6–foot–plus stature, Randy faltered, “W–we didn’t want to mess with your business meeting.”
Theodore laughed in fury, yanking his napkin off the table and slamming it down–making his feelings crystal clear. ‘Screw the deal!” he thought.
“Where the hell is my wife?” he asked.
“I–I have no clue.” Randy shook his head like a bobblehead.
Theodore jabbed his chest, each poke harder than the last. “Then call Mr. Jean and find out.”
Wincing from the blows, Randy seethed. ‘Even if Theodore is a hotshot, I’m an official anyway,‘ he thought.
He said, “Theodore, Mr. Jean has bent over backward for you. Your job is closing big deals to boost city revenue.”
“Did I stutter? Pick up the phone.” Theodore’s eyes narrowed. “Want me to put my grandfather on the line?”
Randy regretted every word. How could he forget Daniel was a veteran, and his old army buddies could destroy him with a single call?
When Theodore burst onto the cabin deck, Franco stood waiting outside, hands clasped behind his back. “Theodore, come here. Let’s talk…”
But Theodore shouldered past him, desperate to reach Eliana.
Franco cleared his throat. “Ellie’s asleep now. The shock took a toll. Rest is the best thing for her.”
Theodore halted, voice frosty. “To you, am I just a money–making machine?”
“Hold on, just hear me out.” Franco hadn’t anticipated Theodore’s explosive reaction, even with his personal intervention. He thought, ‘I should’ve spilled the beans from the start. “Ellie just told me someone shoved her into the water.”
“What?!” Theodore’s voice turned to steel.
“Let’s talk on the move.” Noticing Theodore’s reluctance, Franco added, “Her friend’s inside keeping an eye on her. She’s in good hands.”
“Where exactly are we going?” Theodore demanded, stiffening.
“To confront a ‘person of interest“.”
When Marcus swung open the door and saw Franco and Theodore, his eyes widened in shock before lighting up. “Mr. Jean, Theodore, what a pleasant surprise! Come on in.”
“We heard you and Delilah are bunking here tonight,” Theodore said, his tone flat.
“Couldn’t have timed it better. I’ve been itching to catch up.” Marcus pulled out chairs with a cheerful flourish. “Take a load off.”
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Chapter 238
Theodore ignored the offer, his gaze fixed on Delilah, who was face–down on the bed, shoulders shaking with sobs. “What’s her deal?”
“Poor Della’s been beating herself up over that loss. She’s been bawling her eyes out since she got here.” Marcus let out a strained laugh and approached Delilah. “Hey, enough moping. Look who stopped by.”
Delilah lifted her tear–streaked face, instantly perking up. “Theodore, did you come to make me feel better?”
Theodore crouched down, his cold stare pinning her in place. “Answer me, where were you 30 minutes ago?”
Delilah sniffled, her voice thick. “Right here with Marcus. Why?”
“Better not be lying,” Theodore said.
“Can’t a girl cry in peace after getting humiliated? Theodore, you’re so cruel.” With that, she buried her face back in the pillow, shoulders heaving.
Marcus‘ smile faded. “Theodore, care to explain what this is about?”
“Ellie was pushed overboard from behind, and I suspect Delilah did it.” Theodore spoke to Marcus, but his eyes never left Delilah.
Delilah’s shoulders tensed involuntarily, then she jerked to her feet. “Theodore, you’re accusing me of pushing Eliana into the water? Why on earth would I do that?”
Marcus jumped in. “Theodore, Della hasn’t stepped out of this room. There’s no way she pushed Mrs. Russell overboard.”
When Theodore’s icy gaze swiveled to him, Marcus added, “Theodore, everyone knows Della can be bratty, but you know me, right?”
Theodore studied him intently before replying, “Marcus, exactly because you’re trustworthy, I need you to vouch for Delilah. Are you absolutely sure she had nothing to do with this?”
Marcus‘ eyes flickered. “Yeah, Della really didn’t do it.”
“Good.” Theodore nodded, then stood to face Franco. “Mr. Jean, would you have the ship’s PA system gather all the waitstaff? If we question them one by one, we’ll flush out whoever orchestrated this.”
“Brilliant plan,” Franco agreed.
As Theodore made for the door, Marcus immediately followed to escort him.
The second the door shut, Delilah whispered urgently, “Marc, do you think we’ll pull this off?”
“Shh.” Marcus motioned for quiet, then snapped, “I already cleaned up your mess. Just keep your nerve, and we’ll sail through.”
Delilah swiped away her fake tears and gave a casual “Oh.”
Meanwhile, Ashton glared at the woman in front of him, his face turning livid. “Harper, what the hell did you say to Cathy?”
Harper didn’t bat an eye at his arrival. “Honey, I told her we’re in love and asked her to back off after graduation. What’s the problem?”
Cathy beside them spoke up sadly. “Mr. Ford, is that true?”
As the nightclub owner, Ashton usually had worden wrapped around his finger. But caught between these two, he felt a pounding headache.
‘Maybe Theodore was right. Trying to have both the red rose and the white rose might just stab me in the end,’ he thought.
Now he had to choose.
Thinking this, he instinctively looked at his ideal “wife” candidate. “Cathy, listen. She’s just a decoy I set up for you. The truth is, we’re just playing a part
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Chapter 238
using each other for mutual benefit”
Even though she’d expected it, Harper’s eyes still flickered with a flash of hurt when chto sad tidy
Cathy mumbled, “Mutual benefit?”
Ashton nodded. “Exactly. I pay her, and she pretends to be with me–all to keep my family off your tack
