Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224

Hi everyone.

I apologize for the late chapter uploads; I haven’t been feeling to well.

I’m better now, and I hope to conclude the book in a few days time. Thank you for staying with me.

Author’s POV

35 vouchers

David stood with his arms crossed, back pressed against the polished wood paneling of the private meeting room.

The space was small and tucked away on one of the upper decks, far from the lounges and restaurants where passengers were enjoying their day.

A single round table sat in the center, and the large window offered a clear view of the endless blue sea stretching out under the morning sun.

The gentle motion of the ship was the only sound for a long moment.

Lance, one of their younger cousins, had just finished speaking. His face was serious, voice low as he delivered the news he had overheard from two corrupt security guards in the crew corridor.

“They’re planning to plant a device,” Lance said. “They didn’t give exact details, but the ball night came up more than once. Eric and Lauren have paid them off. It’s not just talk anymore.”

Aaron stood at the head of the table, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

His jaw was clenched so hard David could see the muscle ticking.

They’ve taken it too far. This isn’t just about targeting me and Jessica. They’re willing to put hundreds of innocent people at risk-families, children, everyone on this ship. It’s unacceptable.”

David stayed silent, but the words landed heavily. He had expected threats against their family. He had not expected this

evel of recklessness.

Aaron turned to Lance. “How many passengers are on board right now?”

‘About twelve hundred and forty-seven, including crew. Not quite sure.” Lance answered without hesitation.

Aaron nodded. “Get an exact headcount from the purser. Then, go to the captain. He is to announce a maintenance emergency-something believable but non-threatening. Tell him we are docking at the nearest shore to offload as many people as possible under the guise of an engine malfunction.”

David pushed off the wall, stepping forward.

That will damage the family name. People will talk. Our cruises are supposed to be the safest and most luxurious on the water. If we start sending passengers off mid-voyage, it will look bad.”

Aaron looked at him directly, his eyes hard.

‘Which would you rather have, David? A few bad reviews and some refunded tickets that we can easily fix by sponsoring future trips, or dead bodies because we were too worried about reputation? We can recover from the first one. We can’t recover from the second.”

David went quiet, the weight of the logic settling in his chest.

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Chapter 224

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He nodded slowly, conceding the point. Aaron was right; a PR nightmare was a pittance compared to the alternative.

“We’ll offer them vouchers, luxury stays, full reimbursements-whatever it takes to keep make up for the inconvenience,” Aaron continued. “But I want them off this ship before that ball begins.”

Lance stepped forward, his expression resolute.

“I’ll coordinate with the captain immediately. We can arrange rescue boats and backup ships quietly. The captain can call for assistance without causing panic. Not everyone will want to leave, but if we frame it as routine maintenance and offer strong incentives, most will go. Besides, one of the etiquette of a captain is never to instill fear in passengers. We keep it calm and professional.”

Aaron gave a short nod of approval.

“Good. Start making those arrangements immediately. The ball is in five days. We need rescue boats, helicopters if necessary, and a clear evacuation plan by then. Go.”

Lance stood, gave them both a quick nod, and left the room without another word.

The door clicked shut, leaving just David and Aaron. The silence stretched between them for several long seconds.

David could hear the faint hum of the ship’s engines through the walls, a constant reminder that time was moving whether they were ready or not.

Aaron leaned back against the window, his eyes searching David’s face.

“Do you think you can play her, David?” Aaron asked, lowering his voice a little.

“Can you manipulate Julie into telling you the precise plan? The timing, the location of the device? She’s obsessed with you. Use that.”

David shook his head immediately.

“It won’t work, Aaron. Julie is smart. Her obsession doesn’t make her blind; if anything, it makes her more observant. She wants everyone out of the way. She wants you and Jessica gone because she blames you for Fiona’s death. And she wants Daphne gone because she wants to be the only thing left in my world.”

David began pacing the small area, his movements calculated and tense.

“If I push her for details, she’ll know I’m onto her. The moment she senses a trap, she’ll retreat or, worse, accelerate the timeline. The only way forward is to play her game. I have to pretend I’m still the same oblivious David she thinks she can win over. I’ll watch for the slip-ups. I’ll look for the cracks in her story over the next five days.”

Aaron studied him for a moment, then gave a slow nod.

“You’re right. I guess that’s our best play for now.”

David exhaled and straightened his shoulders.

“I should go.” David said, checking his watch. “I need to check that Lance is on track. And I have to talk to my mother, Aunt Tabitha, and the others. I need them to start packing their essentials. I’ll tell them we’re moving them to a private villa on the coast for the remainder of the trip for ‘security reasons.”

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