Mina smiled, and the tears she had hidden in her eyes finally fell.
*
The night on the sea was exceptionally calm, and the moon over the water was exceedingly gentle.
Sophia gazed at the moonlight dusting the windowsill, savoring this moment of freedom.
The girl sharing her cabin came out of the shower and hesitated for a moment before striking up a conversation. "Are you missing home?"
Sophia paused, turning to look at the girl.
The girl was very friendly. She took a few jars of pickles from her luggage. "My mom made these for me. She said if I miss home, I should have some. Do you want any? They smell amazing."
Sophia shook her head. "No, thank you."
The girl didn't push it. She neatly arranged the jars of pickles and placed them on the nightstand.
Sophia turned her attention to the backpack at the head of her bed, her mind stirring.
The backpack was large and stuffed to the brim with clothes, shoes, toiletries, and even a lot of premium snacks.
Sophia couldn't help but smile, organizing everything neatly. When she reached the very bottom, there was a small box, about the size of her palm.
What could it be?
Curious, Sophia opened the small box to find a letter and a bank card inside.
-[Sophia:
Are you happy now? Is the ocean breeze free?
There's something I don't think I should hide from you. Maybe you've already guessed it, but I still want to tell you myself. Your letter was mailed by Vivienne. She really is amazing. But! This wasn't all her doing. I was part of it too! I gave her ten million dollars! She really is a stingy, vicious harpy who hoards money.
You must be wondering how I have so much money, right? Hahaha, because I raided my grandfather's vault. The vault password is my birthday. When I was a kid, my grandpa held me in his study while he worked, and I accidentally saw it. Back then I thought, if they ever dared to yell at me or treat me badly, I'd take my little vault and run away from home.
Hahahaha!
Come back and have my back!]
After reading the letter, Sophia's hands wouldn't stop trembling, shaking so violently she could barely hold the thin piece of paper.
Tears soaked the stationery, the bank card, and the metal tin.
If Mina had told her the truth beforehand, she absolutely wouldn't have left. She would have stayed to accompany her through the most difficult times.
She clearly said she was terrified, yet she gave all her stolen leverage to her. Ten million to buy her freedom, and the other ten million was right here in her hands.
"Sob..."
Sophia was already sobbing uncontrollably, letting out mournful cries of agony like a helpless little beast.
Seeing this, the girl sharing the cabin carefully placed a box of tissues down and quietly backed out of the room.
...

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