Chapter 2

2

"Believe you? Believe a crazy waitress?"

Whitney walked over in her high heels, her eyes full of disgust.

"I think you're just jealous that I'm in the VIP section while you're serving."

"You're just mad that Chet loves me now, so you're trying to ruin our night."

I gasped from the pain in my wrist.

"I don't have time for your drama! If we don't get to the cockpit, we're all dead!"

"CASH!"

Chet wanted to impress his girlfriend, so he intentionally knocked over a bottle of Romanee-Conti.

The dark red wine soaked me from head to toe.

The cold, sticky liquid ruined my cheap uniform.

The smell of expensive wine mixed with my sweat, making everything feel like a cruel joke.

He pretended to be surprised, then pointed his finger at me.

"Look at this, Nora! You tried to steal the wine and destroyed it!"

"Are you trying to start a riot so you can escape?"

The other passengers started nodding and whispering.

"Oh, so she's a thief! No wonder she's acting insane."

"Poor people always have sticky fingers. She looks honest, but she's a criminal."

"Throw her off the boat! She's ruining the atmosphere!"

I was shaking with rage. I pointed at Chet.

"Chet, you liar! You did that on purpose!"

"I'm a liar?" Chet looked offended, acting like the victim.

He turned to the security chief, Garrick, who had just arrived.

"Chief, you have to help us! I bought this wine for Whitney's proposal!"

"This woman ruined everything! She's a thief and she's cursing the whole ship!"

Garrick looked at me, dripping in wine, and then at the polished, wealthy couple.

He didn't hesitate for a second.

He frowned with disgust and barked, "Grab her!"

Two large guards grabbed my arms like I was a toy.

"Let go of me! I'm telling the truth!" I fought back.

Suddenly, a calm female voice spoke up.

"Stop!"

It was Dr. Serena, a well-known oceanographer.

She walked over and adjusted her glasses.

"Chief, something is weird. I actually felt the pressure change too."

"As a scientist, I think we should check the cockpit. Safety comes first."

My eyes lit up. Finally, someone with a brain!

Chet immediately stepped in front of Dr. Serena with a fake smile.

"Dr. Serena, you're too kind. You don't understand how people like her work."

"People from the bottom will do anything for money. She's just trying to scam us."

"Don't let her trick you. She just wants a payout."

Whitney joined in with her annoying, high-pitched voice.

"Yeah, Serena, look at how trashy she is. Stay away or you'll smell like that wine!"

"But..." Dr. Serena hesitated. She looked at the crowd and backed away.

My heart sank into my stomach.

Garrick waved his hand impatiently.

"Enough! Take her to the brig at the back of the sub!"

"We'll hand her over to the cops once we surface!"

The guards dragged me toward the dark hallway.

As I passed Chet and Whitney, I heard them laughing.

"Stupid bitch. You think you can win against me?"

"She deserves it. I hope she never shows her face again."