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 was her

response, William

lifted her gaze to meet Charlie’s unwavering stare. Though motionless, his countenance bore its usual impassivity, tinged now with an array of emotions-discontent,

paused momentarily. Though she prided herself on fortitude, his gaze sent

that cannot

she find herself gripped

“You… “

voice interjected, “Next time you venture

uttered these words, he

Milly was confused.

Is that all?

the extent of

he summon such intensity in his gaze merely to

to needles in the

matters not. Though she managed to dupe them this time with an overtly flawed and clumsy pretext, fortune may not favour her next endeavour. Should he join her, she will

the next venture, she will have

has since found

Isn’t that so?

completing the sanctuary

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, they fashioned three

veiling it with the fabric they brought to delineate

of emptiness, it exuded

ample time ahead, now that the abode was complete, they could settle into

deem this fellowship capable of enduring here for the foreseeable future, devoid of

the essentials of sustenance, dwelling, and more; their lead over the other