Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 54 』

"I truly hope that this is going to be the last time you endanger yourself like this," Gillian finally said, her voice filled with concern. "You've been lucky so far, but you can't keep tempting fate forever."

Yuri smiled at that and put her hand on her shoulder. "Just remember this one thing. If things go wrong, do not try to save me. Run for your own life and do not look back. Promise me that, Gillian Lee."

Gillian's eyes widened in surprise, and the way she looks right now, it's evident that she doesn't want to make that promise.

"I do not easily die, and you know that. But if something happens to you because of me, I am back to square one again, where I would avenge the loss of someone I care about. Do you really want me to keep doing this?"

Knowing that Gillian had always been a soft-hearted person, which is ironic given the line of work she does, Yuri could see the tears pooling around her friend's eyes, but she still nodded in understanding.

For safety purposes, Gillian and Yuri booked individual rooms, and since they are both using fake identities, they talked about how the scenario would unfold so the people around them would not suspect anything.

"Oh my god, is that you, Mary?" Gillian yelled a few meters away from her. As she rehearsed, she looked back at her in surprise and opened her arms for a hug.

"I did not expect to see you here, Irene! What are you doing here? How are the kids?"

They made sure that their voices were loud enough not just for the people standing in line with them but also for the security personnel around them to notice them.

"Well, I left them at my mom's because I found out that my bastard husband is cheating, so I am here now to get some time for myself and clear my head. I needed a break from all the drama at home."

"Oh, I am sorry about that. I hope I won't disturb you, but if you need someone to talk to, then I will just be here. I have a suite if you want to hang out."

"I see that we could be staying in the same area as I also have a suite. Well, let's go and have a fun time together, shall we?"

So far, it looks like their plan is working because the people around them look apologetic after hearing Gillian's story, but they were also laughing at her bubbly personality as she dotes on the ship's personnel to take care of her luggage.

Once it was their turn, the security guard checked their bags, which were filled with designer clothes and accessories. When they were asked for documents, they gave them without hesitation, although both of them were hoping that the person in front of them wouldn't notice that something was amiss.

Of course, forging an identity for them is child's play, as they have been doing that even in their missions before, but still, they couldn't help but feel a slight pang of nervousness. But they knew they had to stay composed and confident to pull off their plan.

"Everything is good to go. Welcome aboard," the person said with a smile. Relieved, they exchanged glances, silently acknowledging that their acting skills had once again saved the day.

The cruise ship is as lavish as the photos show. The sparkling chandeliers, elegant ballrooms, and panoramic view of the water surpassed their expectations.

"That bastard is devilishly rich too, obviously," Gillian whispered as they continued to explore the ship until they had arrived in their suites. For now, they have decided to stay in their own rooms to also take care of their luggage and freshen up themselves. Making herself look similar to Rose Davis wasn't really that difficult, especially since they have the same color of hair and body type.

She spread the clothes on the bed and carefully chose which one to wear when she went out later. While she is here, she intends to stay in character as Mary just in case she comes across Torricelli, who could also be on the ship by now.

She thought that it was a good thing that her mother is now staying with Giancarlo, where she is safe. She had been worried about leaving her behind, but knowing that she was in good hands brought her some peace of mind.

Not wanting to look suspicious, Yuri decided to take a tour of the ship to blend in with the other passengers while Gillian was preparing her weapons. She joined a group of tourists who were being led by a cheerful guide who was showing them the various amenities and attractions on board. As they strolled through the ship's elegant corridors, Yuri listened attentively to the guide's explanations, trying her best to appear interested and engaged in the tour.

This is the first time that she has boarded such a luxurious cruise ship, and she couldn't help but take in the grandeur and glamour surrounding her, even though the ship is owned by the man she desperately wanted to kill. According to the documents that George showed her, the Torricelli family is engaged in the cruise ship business on top of the illegal ones they already have.

When the tour was over, she discreetly slipped away from the group and made her way to the railings to relax her thoughts by looking at the vast ocean. The people around her are chatting excitedly, talking about the good places in Italy they want to visit, which reminds her of Giancarlo.

She still feels guilty about leaving without saying a word, but she knew that it was the best decision for the sake of everyone. She had already dragged him deep enough in her pursuit of justice, and she didn't want to put him and his family in danger any further.

"Do you want a glass of champagne, madam?" a waiter asked, interrupting her thoughts. Suddenly feeling thirsty, she smiles and accepts the offer. She drained the glass in one gulp, the bubbles tickling her nose.

"When I was told that an angel was here with us, I did not expect to find her in the form of a fierce and determined woman," a man said, and she looked back at the direction where the voice came from.

Yuri's blood ran cold as she locked eyes with the man who had just spoken. Standing in front of her was none other than Luigi Torricelli himself.

For a moment, she was tempted to hit his face with the glass she was still holding, but realizing that he was being accompanied by his men and she couldn't afford to act rashly, she quickly gathered herself and put on a smile for him.

"You should have your eyes checked, then," she said with a shrug, and she faced the ocean again to hide her surprise and anger.

She heard footsteps from behind, and they stopped beside her. It looks like Torricelli is keen to have a conversation as he mimics her gesture and also faces the ocean.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he started. The crashing waves and vibrant sunset painted a picturesque scene before them.

"It sure is," she replied shortly, still trying to conceal her emotions.

There was only silence after that as they both took in the breathtaking view. They stayed like that for a few minutes until Torricelli finally broke the silence.

"Does Giancarlo even know that you are here?"

Her eyes widened at that. She was about to retort back when she suddenly felt dizzy; her vision was practically swirling before her, and her legs felt weak.

She silently cursed herself upon realizing that it was the champagne. It had been spiked with something stronger than what her body could usually tolerate. It's obviously a potent drug.

She held onto the railing, and when she looked up at Torricelli, he was looking down at her with a dangerous smile. She knew she had to find a way out of this situation before things took a turn for the worse, but she could feel herself close to blacking out.

"Since you came here to die, I'll make sure it's a memorable experience."