Chapter 6 - The Last Breakfast
On the morning of the yacht trip, Ryan prepared breakfast.
He placed fruit, toast, and tea on the terrace overlooking the city.
Olivia watched him move around the table, wondering how a person could appear so ordinary while planning something unforgivable.
“Are you nervous?” he asked.
“About the yacht?”
“About everything.”
He glanced at her stomach.
“The baby. Becoming a mother. Taking over the company permanently.”
Olivia stirred her tea.
“Sometimes.”
“You know you can depend on me.”
She looked at him.
For a moment, she remembered the man she believed she had married.
Perhaps that man had never existed.
Perhaps Ryan had studied her loneliness after her father’s death and shaped himself into exactly what she needed.
“Do you love me?” she asked.
He smiled immediately.
“Of course.”
“No hesitation.”
“Why would there be?”
Olivia nodded.
“I’m glad.”
Ryan reached across the table.
“After this trip, everything will be different.”
On that point, he was telling the truth.
They arrived at the harbor shortly before sunset.
The Celestia waited beneath a golden sky, its white exterior reflecting the light.
Ryan appeared surprised when Vanessa stepped from a black car near the dock.
“What are you doing here?” he asked loudly.
Vanessa lifted a garment bag.
“Your office told me the investors’ dinner was moved to the yacht.”
Olivia almost admired the performance.
Ryan apologized repeatedly.
Vanessa claimed she could leave.
Olivia insisted that she stay.
“It’s already late,” Olivia said. “We have plenty of room.”
Ryan touched Olivia’s back.
“You’re sure?”
“Completely.”
As they boarded, Captain Reed welcomed them.
Nathan was disguised as a crew supervisor. He gave Olivia the smallest nod.
Everything was ready.
At dinner, Vanessa wore the silver dress from the rooftop restaurant. Ryan complimented it when he believed Olivia was not looking.
They drank champagne.
Olivia drank sparkling water.
Ryan encouraged her to walk onto the upper deck for fresh air.
The ocean wind had grown stronger.
Vanessa followed with two glasses.
“I thought this was supposed to be romantic,” Olivia said.
Ryan laughed.
“Vanessa is practically family.”
Vanessa raised her glass.
“To family.”
Olivia walked toward the railing.
Her necklace transmitter rested against her throat.
Captain Reed’s voice sounded through the tiny receiver hidden in her earring.
“Security in position.”
Olivia placed one hand over her stomach.
She was not afraid for herself.
She was afraid that Ryan might recognize the trap before revealing his intentions.
Behind her, Vanessa whispered, “Are you sure about this?”
Ryan replied, “In five minutes, everything changes.”
Olivia closed her eyes briefly.
Then she turned around.
May you like
“Changes how?”
Neither of them answered.
