The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 231

The night was as black as ink. Out on the Pacific Ocean, the luxury cruise liner floated like a glowing maritime palace.

Music and laughter surged through the air, punctuated by the occasional scream—it was hard to tell if it was from excitement or agony.

As soon as they stepped off the helicopter, a waiter approached them with utmost respect.

"Good evening, the three of you. Which deck would you like to visit?"

Belle Evans and Leo both looked up in unison, staring at the massive, multi-story behemoth before them.

Chloe Reed replied calmly, "Which deck is hosting tonight's event?"

The waiter looked at her. "Which event are you referring to?"

Chloe met his gaze. "What do you think?"

"Oh!" The waiter bowed slightly. "My apologies. I understand now. Right this way, please."

Her face expressionless, Chloe stepped forward.

Belle and Leo exchanged a quick glance before hurrying after her.

Leo whispered, "Belle, who exactly is your friend?"

Belle didn't quite know how to explain. "She's incredible, that's all you need to know. Stop talking and walk faster!"

The group stepped into the transparent glass elevator, slowly ascending.

The lower decks were a cacophony of noisy poker tables and flying chips, while the middle decks featured a frenzied dance floor, dripping with extravagance and debauchery. The scenes flashed past the glass as they rose.

Suddenly, the elevator stopped.

The waiter turned to Belle and Leo. "You two, please step out."

Chloe frowned slightly. "They are with me."

"I am sorry, but it is the rules." The waiter remained bowed, but his tone was unyielding. "Alternatively, you are welcome to step out on this floor with them."

Chloe wasn't familiar with the rules of this place, and she wasn't about to take reckless risks.

She was the first to step out of the elevator.

Belle and Leo shadowed her closely.

"Chloe, this place is huge. For safety's sake, we should stick together. Let's find the person you're looking for first."

"I see," Chloe said with a knowing look, her gaze drifting over the girl. "Someone as charming as you will get promoted up there eventually, too."

The server's heart skipped a beat under her gaze, her cheeks growing warm.

"Thank you, miss..."

Before she could finish, Chloe was already walking away. "Thanks for the hospitality. The drinks are great."

The server's heart tightened with a sudden pang of reluctance. "Are you leaving already, miss? But you haven't touched your drink yet. I could keep you company..."

Chloe smiled. "It's yours."

The server stood rooted to the spot for a long time, staring absentmindedly at her retreating figure.

Not far away, Belle and Leo had just finished striking up a conversation with someone else. Seeing Chloe move, they quickly caught up.

"How did it go? Any leads?"

Chloe said, "Wait for me here. I'm going up to the fifth deck first. I'll come back for you guys later."

"Okay, Chloe, please be careful!" Belle leaned in, keeping her voice low. "This ship is bad news. The higher you go, the darker it gets. The people and the deals up there are downright dirty."