bChapter /bb481 /b

    Summer smiled and asked, “So who’s the Ace bof /bHearts?”

    Sean’s expression turned icy.

    Megan hesitated, then pressed her lips together and slowly revealed her card.

    bThe /broom grew even quieter.

    bSean /bstared at her with a cold, steely gaze.

    Everyone could feel his anger. No one dared say a word.

    Suddenly, Charlotte gave a dryugh.

    She turned to Summer, her eyes icy. “Miss York, you’ve got a real talent for picking your targets.”

    Summer made a yful face and met Charlotte’s gaze with a grin. Total coincidence, I swear.”

    Megan looked embarrassed. She turned toward Charlotte, clearly distressed. “Lottie, I’m so sorry. My friend didn’t know you and Sean had gotten back together. I apologize on her behalf.”

    Charlotte didn’t bother hiding the chill in her voice, “I don’t think Miss York looks the least bit sorryb./bb” /b

    Summer scoffed. “Megan, why are you apologizing to her? We didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just a game. Everyone else is fine with it. Why can’t she handle it?”

    Megan’s expression darkened. At that moment, she felt humiliated.

    “That’s enough, Summer. Just stop talking,” she said sharply, her voice tense.

    Seeing Megan this upset, Summer finally dropped the fake smile and her face grew cold.

    “What’s that supposed to mean, Megan? I’m doing this for you! Everyone knows you’ve had a thing for Sean for years. This is the perfect chance. Why wouldn’t you take it?”

    Megan snapped. “I don’t need your help! Can you please stop causing trouble?”

    “Causing trouble?” Summerughed in disbelief. “You’re seriously telling me you didn’t want this?”

    Megan’s eyes red with anger. Being called out like that in front of everyone made her feel even worse.

    Because it was true.

    She did want it.

    But she couldn’t say it out loud. She wouldn’t.

    She knew Sean would never agree.

    And she didn’t want Charlotte to resent her because of

    “I’m sorry for ruining the mood. You guys go ahead and keep ying,” Megan said, forcing a smile as she turned to the bgroup/b. Then she grabbed Summer’s arm and pulled her toward the door.

    “Let go of me!” Summer snapped, yanking her arm back. “Megan, I’m sick of this fake sweet–girl act bof /byours. Being ball /bbudu, buddy with your love rival? Do you even realize how pathetic that looks?

    “I was trying to help you, and now you’re saying I’m just causing drama? Seriously?”

    The two of them argued all the way to the door, Summer still shouting as they went.

    “Oh please. You act like you’re above it all, but if you didn’t still like Sean, why’d you invite his girlfriend?”

    bMegan /bsuddenly stopped walking.

    She turned and stared at Summer with a bcold/b, sharp gazeb. /b“You’re wrong, Summer. bI’m /bnot hiding some dark blittle /bbsecret/b. bYes/bb, /bbI /blike bSean/b. But bI /bwould never throw myself at a taken man. I only asked Charlotte to bring him here because I wanted to put the past to rest.”

    Her voice was calm but firm. Every word came from the heart.

    “Starting today, bI/bb, /bMegan Stone, no longer have feelings for Sean bJasper/bb. /bI’m done.”

    With that, she pulled the door open and walked out.

    Summer scoffed and followed behind, her face full of disdain.

    Once the two of them had left, the lounge fell quiet again.

    Ian was the first to break the silence. “It’s dinner time. Let’s go eat”

    Mia chimed in, “Yes, please! My stomach’s been growling for ages Let’s go!”

    ”

    Lena gently squeezed Charlotte’s hand and offered aforting smile. “Don’t take it to heart, Lottieb. /bThat girl was clearly trying to stir up trouble. Sean only has eyes for you. He’d never go along with something like that.”

    Mia added, “Exactly. Don’t let someone irrelevant ruin your

    mood

    Charlotte smiled faintly. “I’m fine.”

    Sean looked at her seriously. “If you’re not having fun, we’ll get off the cruise ship. I’ll have someonee pick us up.”

    Charlotte shook her head. “I know you’d never agree to y along with her. Really, I’m okay.”

    Sean pulled her into his arms and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “I would

    do anything that might cost me you.b” /b

    Mia subtly nudged Ian and Lena with her elbowb, /bsignaling it was time to give the couple some space.