Chapter 371

Laughter and chatter spilled from the dressing room.

As Evelyn passed by, she glimpsed Linda through the half-open door. The bride sat before the vanity in a fiery red dress, applying lipstick while her bridesmaids giggled around her, adjusting the hem of her gown.

Five cabins lined the hallway. Four stood open.

Only the one at the far end remained tightly shut.

Evelyn paused briefly.

She walked straight to the cabin opposite the dressing room and locked the door behind her.

The space was compact but well-appointed.

A mini fridge stocked with assorted drinks sat beside a small sofa. Since she didn’t drink, Evelyn moved to the window seat instead.

Seagulls circled the ship’s wake, their wings skimming the azure waves.

The noise outside grew louder.

"Linda, your necklace is crooked!"

"Oh my god, these heels are impossible to walk in..."

Footsteps faded down the hall.

Her phone vibrated in her palm.

[Gregory: The reception’s starting. Where are you?]

She typed back: [Resting in my cabin. Not going.]

[Not feeling well?]

[Just need quiet.]

[Want me to come over?]

[No.]

The typing indicator appeared.

[I think I just saw Annabelle.]

Evelyn immediately called him.

"She introduced herself as the groom’s lawyer," Evelyn said, watching the horizon. "Does Linda know Paul was divorced?"

A soft chuckle came through the line. "Westerners are more relaxed about marriage. Second or third weddings are common here."

"That’s good."

"You’ve grown wary of men lately."

The corner of Evelyn’s mouth twitched.

Alexander. Peter Harrison. Simon Stapleton.

Even Vincent Wilson was a notorious playboy.

"Older generations had more stable marriages," Gregory said. "My parents never argued in thirty years."

"Different times."

"Some of our peers are reliable."

"Such as?"

"Me."

Silence filled the line.

Gregory cleared his throat. "Don’t be so pessimistic. You’re still young."

Evelyn suddenly remembered something. "Last time you mentioned knowing Annabelle—was it because of this divorce case?"

A pause.

"Yes."

"Can you tell me about it?"

"Paul’s ex-wife cheated. The child wasn’t his. Annabelle won him a favorable settlement with substantial assets."

"And the child—"