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

Charlie’s unwavering stare. Though motionless, his countenance bore its usual impassivity, tinged now with an array

on fortitude, his gaze sent a chill down

that cannot be

did she find

“You… “

verge of speaking when his voice interjected, “Next time you

these words, he

Milly was confused.

Is that all?

that truly the

his gaze merely to convey

are enigmatic creatures, akin to needles in the abyssal

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

venture, she will have no chance

poor creature has

Isn’t that so?

haste, completing

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

deepest within, veiling it with the fabric they brought to delineate their domains. The outer space was designated for him and William, affording

bore an air of emptiness, it

chairs, and benches, their presence could be delayed without consequence. With ample time

fellowship capable of enduring here for the foreseeable future,

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