Chapter 2

2

I returned to the cruise ship in a heavy disguise, just in time to hear the commotion on the deck.

Xander was on his knees, wailing like his world had ended.

"Aria！ My sweet Aria！ This is all your fault！ Your safety measures were a joke, and now she's gone！"

Chloe stood beside him, sobbing as if she'd lost her best friend.

"Aria was such a beautiful soul... How could this happen？ You people are incompetent！ You can't even find her body！"

The cruise staff looked troubled, their faces pale as they tried to handle the situation.

"Mr. Sterling, the area where Mrs. Sterling fell was a blind spot for the cameras, but you were right there with her. Are you absolutely sure..."

Before the staff member could finish, panic flashed in Xander's eyes, and he exploded in rage.

"What are you implying？ That I pushed her？ Do you have proof？ How dare you accuse me while I'm grieving！"

"If you don't compensate me for this agony right now, I'll sue this entire cruise line into bankruptcy！"

The scene was chaotic. Passengers were filming with their phones, and the story was already trending on social media.

The internet mob started attacking the cruise line for their negligence.

Under immense pressure, the staff eventually agreed to pay Xander a one-million-dollar settlement on the spot just to quiet him down.

I watched from the shadows, feeling nothing but disgust. They looked like cheap actors in a bad play.

For five years, Xander played the role of the devoted boyfriend.

During that time, he constantly tried to dig into my financial background.

I had hidden my true identity because I didn't want him to feel inferior or overwhelmed by my wealth.

I never imagined that once he decided I was just an ordinary girl, he'd bring back his mistress and plan my murder.

I won't let this trash get away with it in this life.

As soon as Xander got the money, he stood up and signaled to Chloe.

"Forget it. I know you guys are just doing your jobs," he said, faking a sigh.

"If Aria could see me now, she wouldn't want me to be difficult. I'll let it go... for her sake."

With that, he and Chloe walked back to their cabin, looking perfectly satisfied.