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.”

culinary proficiency was her sole

at her response, William

her gaze to meet Charlie’s unwavering stare. Though motionless,

on fortitude, his gaze sent a chill down her

cannot be

she find herself

“You… “

was on the verge of speaking when his voice interjected, “Next time you venture forth in search of sustenance,

these words, he

Milly was confused.

Is that all?

truly the extent

intensity in his gaze merely

to needles

matters not. Though she managed to dupe them this time with an overtly flawed and clumsy pretext, fortune may not favour her

will have no chance upon that bumbling

poor creature has since found

Isn’t that so?

Charlie toiled with haste, completing the sanctuary in

frames, encircled by resilient bamboo strips to ward off gusts, and shrouded beneath a vast

brought to delineate their domains. The outer space was designated for him and William, affording Milly an expanse

an air of emptiness, it exuded the essence of home,

could be delayed without consequence. With ample time ahead, now that the abode was complete,

capable of enduring here for

and more; their lead over the