A Film Queen

Chapter 386

Upon donning her fresh attire, Milly saw the pair still hunkered down, their gazes fixed vacantly upon the ground.

“What’s the matter? What captures your attention so much?” she inquired.

William, upon sighting her, gestured towards the nearly lifeless bluefin tuna on the ground. “Boss, why did you procure this fish? Your attire betrays a soaking. Say, did you leap into the sea to snare it?”

Charlie remained silent, yet his eyes spoke volumes as they remained steadfastly trained upon Milly, showing a clear desire for elucidation.

Milly had foreseen the scrutiny and suspicion that would accompany her return with these acquisitions; thus, she had already crafted her explanation on the homeward path.

“Ah, regarding this matter,” she began, “it is a curious happenstance. Initially, I intended to gather mussels and clams from the shore, but by chance stumbled upon an abandoned fishing net, likely discarded by mariners.

“I deemed it maritime detritus and resolved to aid in its removal. Yet within, to my surprise, hung this bluefin tuna. Fortune indeed smiled upon me.”

As William absorbed her account, a disquiet stirred within him, though he could not pinpoint its cause.

Furrowing his brow, he indicated the basket of goose barnacles. “And these? Were they too ensnared within the net?”

Milly shook her head. “No, they were not. Whilst scouring the shoreline, I discovered a craggy outcrop adorned with these barnacles, appearing remarkably fresh. Hence, I collected them.”

Seeking to bolster her explanation, she added, “Did not the director previously assert that this island remains unspoiled and untrodden? It is not improbable to discover such fresh seafood here.”

Her rationale was cogent, and William found himself swayed. His earlier misgivings dissipated, supplanted by eager anticipation as he regarded her with hopeful eyes. “Boss, I yearn for charcoal-grilled barnacles and bluefin tuna sashimi!”

Observing his cessation of inquiries and newfound enthusiasm, Milly promptly acceded. “Very well, I’ll prepare them immediately.”

this realm, culinary proficiency

contentment at her response, William hummed a

to gather provisions, she lifted her gaze to meet Charlie’s unwavering stare. Though motionless, his countenance

momentarily. Though she prided herself on fortitude,

that cannot

did she find herself

“You… “

speaking when his voice interjected, “Next time you venture forth in

uttered these

Milly was confused.

Is that all?

the

intensity in his gaze merely

enigmatic creatures, akin to

and clumsy pretext, fortune may not favour her next endeavour. Should

will have no chance upon that

creature has since found

Isn’t that so?

haste, completing the sanctuary in a

structure stood upon a foundation of timber frames, encircled by resilient bamboo strips to ward off gusts, and shrouded beneath a vast waterproof canopy, safeguarding its inhabitants from the elements. Within,

deepest within, veiling it with the fabric they brought to delineate their domains.

emptiness, it exuded

With ample time ahead, now

here for the foreseeable

essentials of sustenance, dwelling, and more; their lead