The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 137

Inside the Cruise Ship

The atmosphere aboard the cruise ship buzzed with luxury. Guests in designer suits and glittering gowns clinked champagne glasses as waiters weaved through the crowd, trays of exotic delicacies balanced effortlessly in hand. Soft music drifted from a string quartet tucked beside a grand staircase, and the salty breeze from the sea mixed with the subtle scent of roasted meats and wine.

At one corner of the grand hall, a man devoured his food like he hadn’t seen civilization in days.

“Hmm… this chicken is insane… tastes better than victory,” Drax muttered with his mouth full, tearing into a drumstick as grease ran down his fingers.

A passing waitress slowed, eyeing him with mild disgust. “Sir, please… eat slowly before you choke. You act like you’ve been stranded on a deserted island.”

She leaned toward a colleague and whispered with a smirk, “Is he… slow? Maybe he’s one of those guys, you know…” she snickered, making the universal ‘cuckoo’ gesture.

Across the room, Hope stood, arms folded, watching the chaos unfold with clear irritation. Her eyes narrowed as she shook her head. “This idiot only knows how to eat… forgot the boss gave him a job to do,” she muttered to herself.

Reaching into her pocket, she slipped on a sleek pair of black-rimmed glasses. But these weren’t ordinary—small blue holographic grids flickered across the lenses as advanced scanning systems powered up.

“I’m an expert in this kind of work,” Hope whispered confidently, adjusting the glasses. The tech projected data across her view, scanning the ship, flagging faces, identifying threats.

She was locked in, focused—until an unwelcome interruption approached.

“Hey there, beautiful,” a cocky voice cut in.

James.

He slid beside her with a practiced smile, sizing her up. “Where’s your boyfriend? You shouldn’t be standing all alone on a ship like this,” he said, oozing misplaced confidence.

Hope didn’t even spare him a glance. “Move. I’m working.”

James chuckled. “Come on, pretty lady, your boyfriend’s clearly not here… wouldn’t want you getting lonely. Why not ditch him and come with me?”

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