Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The others, after all, were mere bystanders. They could only see the surface of things. Julian was different-his mind was meticulous.

Previously, Ivy had indeed harbored resentment toward Aurora, but she didn't have the courage to act on it. So, was last night's incident an accident or premeditated murder? Everything needed to be thoroughly investigated.

The sea breeze tousled his hair as Heather followed behind him, silently watching his imposing figure.

What kind of woman wouldn't be drawn to a man like this?

Heather wiped her tears while leading the way. "Mr. Barnet, the last time I saw Miss Montgomery was here. She said she wanted to feel the sea breeze before heading back to her room to rest. It's all my fault-I shouldn't have left her alone. If I had stayed by her side, none of this would have happened."

Julian didn't bother to comfort Heather. Instead, his gaze fixed on the railing, his mind conjuring up the image of Aurora standing there, enjoying the sea breeze.

She loved the ocean so much. He could picture her relaxed, carefree posture. Just then, she had been texting him, complaining about being bored. Who could've known that message would become her last?

The sour ache in his chest deepened at the thought of her, but he knew now wasn't the time for grief. If something had happened to her, he'd have a lifetime to grieve and remember. For now, his priority was uncovering the truth.

Julian carefully examined the railing. It was sturdy, with no signs of looseness. If she had been peacefully enjoying the breeze here, how could she have ended up by the loosened railing elsewhere?

"Who else saw her last night?" Julian's sharp eyes scanned the crowd. With so many people on board, perhaps someone had seen something.

over the men and women assembled before him. They all shook their

Julian noticed

Last night, I saw Miss Montgomery alone here, enjoying the breeze. I offered to walk her back to her room, but she refused and said she'd go back herself. I swear, the last time I saw her was right

as someone who lacked integrity. Julian could see right through him.

man by his collar, he pulled him close. "You dared to touch my

that girl Ivy who told me...

Slap!

face, leaving it red and swollen. This was no ordinary slap-it was the rage-filled strike of an infuriated man. The man

her?" Julian's voice was ice-cold. He, who wouldn't even dream of hurting Aurora, was enraged that someone else

acted on impulse. He thought Aurora, with her beauty and wealth, was the perfect match for his shallow tastes. But Aurora had been cold and aloof, nothing like

loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Now, standing before Julian-a man who was not only strikingly handsome but also wealthy and commanding-the man

was Ivy who told me all of this. I swear, I didn't dare do anything! I only said a few words to her before she left. I never had any improper thoughts!" Julian threw the man aside. He fell to the ground, too frightened to utter a

at Julian's sharp instincts. With just a glance, Julian had pinpointed the guilty party. Thankfully, his own training kept him from

leading Julian to the scene of the incident. "It's here. The railing was loose before, but workers repaired it

observed the area. The railing still bore traces of prior damage. To prevent another accident,

other section of the railing was solid, except this one. "Mr. Warden, how long

have annual inspections, and before every voyage, I have everything checked. Especially last night, with such an important event, do you think I'd risk not inspecting

that means someone deliberately tampered with this railing," Julian said, his tone firm and

and could have snuck aboard during the party to sabotage the railing while