Chapter 141
The compensation and apology were fully delivered.
Violeta smiled, glancing at Wally, who looked defeated. She sarcastically remarked, “It looks like you need to learn more from your uncle.”
Ivor’s face flushed with embarrassment.
“What happened today was indeed his fault. We’ll take full responsibility for the aftermath. Did he injure anyone? If he did, we’ll cover the hospital expenses too.”
Wally scowled and stated, “Uncle Ivor, it’s our people who suffered.”
“How dare you talk back!”
Ivor turned and slapped him. He scolded, “You ungrateful brat! When we get back, you’re grounded. If you dare to leave the house again, I’ll break your legs!”
Wally felt utterly wronged.
He had thought Ivor was there to back him up, but to his surprise, his usually indulgent uncle didn’t side with him this time.
“Get in the car! Stop being an eyesore.”
“Alright.”
Wally entered the car with a grievance in mind.
The area’s notoriously spoiled brat was now receiving childlike reprimands without daring to speak.
Ivor sincerely apologized, especially in front of Hayden.
Hayden doesn’t remember him; therefore, Ivor’s gestures did not leave a lasting impression.
Cyril was not one to make unreasonable demands. He accepted the compensation without further complaint.
Ivor offered to treat them to a meal, but they declined.
Half an hour later, under Ivor’s supervision, the Houles practically refurbished the entire shabby shop.
Cyril sensed that Ivor’s actions were more about showing respect to Hayden than genuine remorse.
In the backyard, Cyril approached Hayden and asked, “Is your father Glen Frost?”
“Yes,” Hayden replied.
Cyril’s expression changed, and he deeply apologized.
“No wonder you mentioned having a Umber pen at home.”
There was no need for an apology. Hayden to explain further; Cyril had already guessed his identity.
Jasper continued, “The Frosts donated the brush your great-grandfather made to a museum back then.”
Such items were abundant in the Frosts.
They were antiques in other’s eyes.
In Hayden’s eyes, they were just childhood playthings with no special significance.
Violeta handed the pen to Hayden.
Hayden found it amusing as he held the pen.
Violeta asked, “What’s so funny? Do you not like it? Even though it’s free, it’s made by a master!”
The Frosts had given away one pen, only for another to return.
If they valued it, they wouldn’t have donated the original pen to the museum.
However, this one held special meaning for Hayden, so he would treasure it.
“Yes, I’ll keep it well and take it to my grave.”
“You’ll take it to your grave?”
The phrase sounded odd.
Because Hayden valued it so much, Violeta didn’t press further.
After leaving the shop, they went to watch a wrestling match. Violeta lost two bets but won five, earning some money. That evening, they enjoyed roasted lamb on the prairie.
After several days of eating roasted meat, Violeta woke up to find a red pimple on her left cheek.
It wasn’t big, but it was noticeable on her fair skin.
It looked like a red mole from afar.
When she went downstairs for breakfast, Zoren teased her. “Wow, Vio, how did you get a pimple?”
Violeta sighed. “It’s because of all the roasted meat we’ve been eating. It’s making me break out.”
Everyone looked at her face. Violeta sighed helplessly again and said, “I need to eat lighter food from now on. No more foods with strong flavors.”
Hayden’s cold voice interrupted “Indeed, we’ve explored the area enough. It’s time to consider going somewhere else.”
Since they had left, they visited two inns and then Willowbrook.
Almost a month had passed and half of the summer mention time.
They had enjoyed horse racing, falconry, camping, and wrestling matches.
Liam suggested, “Tired of the prairie? How about we go to the sea?”
Jasper rested an arm on his seat and said, “Let’s head to the islands in the North Sea. We can take Niall’s yacht, the Dawn.”
Zoren agreed, “Sounds great. Vio, what do you think?”
Violeta replied, “I’m fine with it. As long as I’m with you guys. Niall, is the Dawn your yacht?”
Niall nodded. “Yes.”
The Dawn was a super yacht.
It cost billions to build and is one of the largest private yachts in the world.
Niall often used it for business meetings, but most of the time, it was empty.
They decided to head to the seaside. After saying goodbye to Sophia in the afternoon, they set off.
Meanwhile, Zelena and her parents were at the airport. They were ready to leave Verdancia and return to Arlowand.
Chapter 142
Ever since she won the jade bracelet for 1.2 million at the auction, she had been boasting on social media.
The auction itself is just as important as the bracelet.
Zelena has been posting tons of photos every day.
Zelena’s photography skills created the illusion that she was sitting seats were towards the middle. She cleverly edited out the people in front of her.
Before boarding the plane, Zelena called Hattie to boast.
“Hey Hattie, I’m about to board a flight back to Airavland now, how’s your island vacation?”
Hattie, who was lounging on the beach, replied, “Not bad; the sun’s great. I’m just sunbathing.”
Zelena continued, “Did you see the photos I posted? Verdancia is amazing.
All of Zelena’s recent posts showcased her spending spree in Verdancia.
Such a pity you couldn’t come.”
In every photo, she made sure to subtly display her 1.2 million-dollar bracelet and every luxury item.
Let alone checking her posts, Hattie was already kind enough by not blocking her or hiding her page.
Hattie, trying to be polite, said, “Yes, I’ve seen them.”
Feeling satisfied, Zelena said, “I got you a souvenir. When are you coming back from vacation? Let’s meet up.”
Hattie replied, “In a week. My mom’s on a set and can’t join me, so it’s pretty boring here alone.”
“Great, I’ll see you when you get back to Quinston.”
“Okay, bye.”
Hattie hung up abruptly and tossed her phone onto the table.
She muttered, “What’s there to brag about? With just a bracelet, she’s over the moon. So childish.”
At noon, the plane landed.
Violeta and her group arrived at North Sea Airport.
Niall owned property here and had purchased an island near the North Sea to facilitate business meetings. It also housed his private wine collection in a resort he built.
Niall specifically arranged for a car to pick them up at the airport and drive them to the port, where they boarded a speedboat to the island.
The sea was calm, the breeze tousled Violeta’s hair, and a flock of seagulls circled above. A bold seagull landed right in front of the boat her cage nearby.
The sound startled the seagull, which then flapped its wings and flew away.
Violeta lifted the cover from the birdcage. She opened the door and reached inside to grab the rope. Hera took a couple of stops and emerged from the cage.
Curious about its surroundings, Hera looked around as soon as it stepped out.
Golden eagles are large birds of prey, known as the kings of raptors, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters.
Grown golden eagles can kill swans in the air and hunt wolves on the ground.
Although Hera was still a young bird, her eyesight was already impressive, allowing her to see great distances.
The eagle’s pupils dilated and contracted as it locked onto a few seagulls in the distance.
Feeling the intense gaze, the seagulls quickly flew away. Within seconds, there wasn’t a single seabird left around the speedboat.
The eagles owned by Zoren and his friends had been sent back to Quinston after their flight. They didn’t bring their eagle with
Originally, Violeta planned to ship Hera back to Quinston. However, Hera was quite restless and aggressive. Even if they sent Hera back, she was concerned that it might accidentally injure the servants at home.
So, she decided to bring Hera along.
As for Hayden’s eagle, Zeus was already a calm and stable bird. It had been quiet throughout the journey, causing no trouble at all. To put it nicely, Zeus was very obedient. But the truth is, Zeus just ignored everyone.
Zeus had been keeping its eyes closed until Hera’s release from the cage. Inexplicably, Zeus opened its eyes and watched Hera intently.
Hera turned to look at Violeta, who gently guided her back into the cage.
About fifteen minutes later, the speedboat arrived at the island.
Servants responsible for managing the resort were already waiting with a buggy. As the speedboat docked, the servants stepped forward to help carry their luggage and birdcages.
The group boarded the buggy and headed towards the resort.
“The islands around here are pretty densely packed. Most of the neighboring islands have been bought by people on the wealthy list.”
It’s no surprise that the wealthy have private islands. The weather was great today, with no fog. Using binoculars, you could even see the villas and estates on distant islands.
A servant handed Violeta the binoculars. She took them and scanned the surrounding sea.
On the left, she saw a white villa on another island. When she zoomed in the binoculars, she saw staff tending to the lawn and a private helicopter parked nearby.
“Quite impressive,” Violeta said.
She lowered the binoculars and looked forward to seeing Niall’s resort.
Niall turned to his friends and said, “Earlier this year, some friends from Plaunia sent me a crate of fine wine. We’ll open a bottle later. When you leave, take some with you to give to your parents as a gift from me.”
Chapter 143
Jasper said, “Niall, you’re too courteous.”
I think those rare Latife bottles in your cellar might be priceless.
Zoren chimed in, “Honestly, Pauillac is just okay; more to my liking. I wouldn’t mind taking those home.”
Niall was speechless.
Liam laughed heartily. “Haha, Zero, seems like you’re up for a real contest, huh?”
Once you start taking advantage of someone, you will want more and more.
If a wine was rare and sought after, it was almost like a currency, increasing in value over time.
Niall eyed Zoren thoughtfully. “I can give you the wine, but you’ll have to swim over. Whether you manage that depends on your ability.”
Hearing this, Zoren straightened immediately. “Niall, I was only joking! How could I possibly swim across such a vast sea?”
Niall replied, “Oh, is that so? Well, since you’ve got such a big appetite, the sea is just water. You could drink your way through it.”
Zoren quickly backed down, “Fine, I misspoke, Niall.”
Violeta turned to Niall and asked, “Niall, where’s your super luxurious yacht?”
“It’s on its way, but it might take a while to get here.”
While Niall had not planned any yacht outings recently, the yacht was kept in pristine condition with daily cleaning, maintenance, and care by professionals.
The buggy arrived at the manor, and everyone got off.
The vacation resort showcased an Eastern-style vintage elegance, beginning with traditional double wooden doors at the entrance.
It was effortlessly chic, simple, and classic, yet timeless.
The entrance was adorned with a variety of island plants, all meticulously pruned and beautifully maintained.
As they walked in, passing the cobblestone pathway and the sunken corridor, Violeta noticed two cats lounging in the front yard and asked, “Do you keep cats here?”
Niall casually glanced at the two cats perched on the wall. “Yes, when I first came to the island to handle pest control, there were quite a few rats, so it made sense to get a couple of cats.
“They’re named Snowy and Blacky.
“Are they male or female?”
Niall paused for a moment. “Both male.”
“Haha!
The group burst into laughter.
Niall had thought ahead, realizing that if he had one male and one female cat, they would likely breed, potentially leading to an overpopulation of cats on the island.
Having cats of the same sex might lead to fights, especially during the mating season, so he opted to have them neutered to avoid such issues.
The staff had prepared the bedrooms thoroughly, and once everyone’s luggage was settled, Hera and Zeus were settled on the terrace. Meanwhile, Violeta and her friends moved to the front hall to enjoy lunch.
Zoren and the others were long aware that Niall owned an island resort, but they had never had the chance to visit until now.
Staying on the island full-time was undeniably relaxing and seemed prestigious, yet life there lacked the vibrancy of city living.
If not for this summer vacation, they might not have been interested in visiting the island at all.
So, this was their first time vacationing at the resort.
Lunch primarily featured seafood dishes.
Previously, Violeta had breakouts after eating so many roasted meats, but this time, the meal was fresh and light, which suited her better.
As they dined, the conversation flowed easily among them.
Liam, ever curious, posed a question to Niall, “Niall, who are the wealthy individuals living on the nearby islands? Maybe we know some of them.”
Niall took a sip of his drink and responded, “There are a few foreign businesses here who might you guys might know them personally—your uncle might have.”
He paused, remembering something. “Oh yes, there’s also a celebrity from Harbor City who bought an island nearby.”
Jasper perked up, “A celebrity? Who is it?”
Zoren urged, “Come on, Niall, try to remember.”
Even Hayden looked up from his soup, intrigued.
Niall scratched his head. “Her last name’s Leid, I think. Sorry, I can’t quite place her first name.”
Violeta, enjoying her king crab, suddenly piped up, “Hannah Leid?”
“That’s her!”
Niall confirmed as he returned to his meal and squeezed some lemon over his crab.
Casually, he added, “They actually offered me the island next to hers when it was for sale, but I wasn’t interested.”
Curious, Violeta asked, “Why didn’t you take it, Niall?”
Niall explained further about the island, “That island was filled in later.
Initially, a large natural pit in the middle made it unsuitable for building. After all the surrounding islands were sold, this one remained. So, they filled it in to make it saleable.
“Since that island is close to mine, the real estate agent came to me with an offer, proposing a 40% discount.
“I declined. Filled land isn’t as stable as natural terrain. Even if it’s solid now, who knows what might happen with geological shifts in the future? If the filled area collapses again, what then? Moreover, the sea weather is unpredictable. If a typhoon hits, we could all be stranded on the island, not to mention the risks associated with the full sinking. There were simply too many safety concerns.”
Chapter 144
If Niall had not shared that information, Violeta would have remained clueless about the intriguing backstory of the island Hattie had been flaunting.
The island held considerable value, and at a 60% discount, it was a real bargain.
That explained why Hannah snapped it up- she was seizing a good deal.
However, getting something cheap does not always mean getting something of quality.
Violeta mentioned with a blink, “Actually, one of my classmates is on that island.
“You mean Hattie, right?” Zoren interjected.
Violeta nodded. “Yes, before summer break started, Hattie bragged in class about her mom buying an island where they planned to spend their vacation. She’s probably there now.
“I wonder if her mom did any research before purchasing it.”
Zoren squinted slightly. “That’s their issue to deal with.”
Jasper interrupted the conversation, “Let’s drop this topic. The yacht is arriving this afternoon, and we’re going to enjoy ourselves on it.”
“To a great day out!”
Everyone lifted their glasses in a unified toast.
The Dawn anchored near the island, and its grandeur truly justified its status as one of the largest yachts in the world.
Everyone boarded and explored the yacht, which boasted five levels, dual helipads, a swimming pool, and a speedboat that could be deployed from the lower deck.
The yacht’s sheer size and facilities made the tour quite lengthy.
After exploring, the group relaxed on the sun loungers on the deck, basking in the sun’s warmth.
Meanwhile, on a nearby island, Hattie spotted the enormous yacht approaching. The Dawn was so large that it was clearly visible without binoculars.
“What’s with that massive yacht over there? Is it a yacht or a cruise ship?” Hattie exclaimed, sitting up from her sun lounger and pointing towards the Dawn in amazement.
A servant nearby respectfully informed her, “Miss, that’s the Dawn, Mr. White’s private yacht from the neighboring island.”
Hattie, puzzled, asked, “Mr. White? Which Mr. White?”
She did not know who resided on the adjacent island, only that it was inhabited by famously wealthy individuals.
After a moment of contemplation, the servant clarified, “It’s Mr. Niall White. He’s known for his work in the oil sector.”
At the mention of the name, Hattie suddenly remembered…
Isn’t he the cousin of Zoren White from school?
She was surprised to realize that the neighbor she had been curious about was actually Niall!
Hattie was struck by the sheer luxury of such a massive yacht parked nearby.
Hattie thought about Zelena’s posts on social media, flaunting a bracelet worth hundreds of thousands, and then she considered the luxurious yacht in front of her.
How could a mere hundred-thousand-dollar bracelet compare to a yacht worth tens of millions or hundreds of millions?
If only she could get on that yacht and snap a few pictures, it would definitely overshadow Zelena’s bragging.
With that thought, she quickly whipped out her phone, zoomed in, and snapped several shots of the yacht gleaming in the sunlight. Then, turning to the servant, she asked, “Did my mom ever meet Niall or have any dealings with him?”
The servant shook her head. “No, Mr. White hardly ever comes here.”
Hattie had hoped her mother’s acquaintance with Niall could be a pretext for visiting the neighboring island on a speedboat and casually suggested touring the yacht.
Unfortunately, it turned out her mother had never interacted with Niall, complicating her plans.
While Hattie was figuring out what to do next, her brother Benson came up behind her.
“Hattie, I’ve bought the plane tickets. We’re heading in five days.”
“Benson, you’re just in time. Look at that yacht over there. Have you ever seen one so big?”
Benson scanned the area and instantly noticed the yacht. He remarked, big, definitely the first time I’ve seen one like that.”
Hattie added, “It just arrived! It’s docked right next to our island. And guess what? Do you know who owns the island next to us?”
“Who does it belong to?” asked Benson curiously.
Hattie replied, “It’s Niall White! The one I read about in a financial magazine, the youngest oil tycoon to inherit his grandfather’s oil fields!”
Benson stayed silent.
Hattie was clearly captivated by Niall.
Her goal in coming from Harbor City to the countryside was to find a wealthy suitor who could match her own status.
Most of the rich men she knew were either too old or not quite appealing.
However, Niall stood out; he was remarkably good-looking.
“Niall, the only heir to the chairman of the White Group, chose to manage his grandfather’s oil fields after college instead of joining the family conglomerate directly. Do you think the White Group will end up in the hands of someone outside the family?” Benson mused.
Hattie shook her head. “I doubt it.
Managing the oil fields now is probably just a stepping stone for him. The White Group is a huge empire built over generations. It wouldn’t make sense to hand it over to an outsider. No, the future of the White Group will definitely be in Niall’s hands.”
Chapter 145
Niall is currently single and not engaged to anyone.
Hattie found him particularly interesting, not just because of his present status but also because of the potential he possesses for the future.
She saw it as a great opportunity to get to know someone like Niall.
When Hattie and Benson moved from Harbor City to Quinston for school, Hannah advised Hattie that networking in the capital would be crucial, especially with business magnates.
This way, when Hattie entered the entertainment, she would have a robust support system.
In the entertainment industry, it was widely recognized that making it without connections or a solid background could be extremely difficult. While hard work alone could sometimes lead to success, it often resulted in a much more challenging path.
So, why not take a shortcut if one presented itself?
Hannah had chosen to have children, betting on the support of the Ridges for life; after all, children were valuable assets.
Like her mother, Hattie harbours significant ambitions.
“Zoren is also at Toland University and is close to Liam. Benson, Liam is better connected in Quinston than you, so we must carve out our own successful path,” Hattie noted.
Benson, seated and contemplative, responded, “I plan to finish my studies next semester and then head abroad.”
Surprised, Hattie asked, “Abroad? Have you discussed this with Mom?”
Gazing out at the sea, Benson replied evenly, “Liam will graduate and join the company before me. Without taking a shortcut and just following the usual path, I can’t compete with him. I don’t aspire to enter the entertainment industry as a star. My goals are different.”
Originally, when they both started at Toland University, Benson genuinely wanted to major in finance.
However, opting directly for finance would have raised suspicions after he just reintegrated into the family.
Hence, he chose to study performing arts with Hattie.
Although he considered it a waste of time, it was just a ruse to mislead the Ridges.
Next semester, he plans to study finance abroad and return ready to take on a significant role.
“Hattie, I’ve already talked it over with Mom. She’s arranged a school for me abroad,” he concluded.
Hattie lowered her gaze. “Okay, Benson, it looks like we won’t be spending much time together soon.
“It’s fine,” Hattie said with a smile, her lips curling up. “I have no doubt that by the time you return, I’ll have made it big in the spotlight, and my influence will surely be of help to you.”
“Of course.”
At that moment, the siblings exchanged a look, their eyes alight with shared dreams for the future.
Then, Benson stood and left.
Hattie remained lounging in her chair, sunbathing and scheming about how she might meet Niall.
On the yacht’s deck.
The grill was hot, and the barbecue was underway.
Jasper said, “Liam, if Hattie is on the island, Benson might be there too. Why don’t you go say hello?”
Liam, holding a skewer of chicken wings, replied coolly, “I’d rather not.”
Zoren popped open a can, remarking, “Benson’s faced quite a lot since starting school. Anyone who can handle that isn’t ordinary.
“Vio, what’s your take on those siblings from your class?”
Sitting on a low stool, Violeta answered thoughtfully, “Birds of a feather, I suppose. She’s tight with Zelena and even joined the dance club with her. As for Benson, he doesn’t really stand out in class; he’s very under the radar.”
Hayden chimed in, “Staying under the radar shows he’s got the patience to deal with being marginalized at school and still manage his studies. That takes significant resilience and craftiness.”
Liam nodded in agreement with Hayden’s assessment.
Niall came over with some freshly thawed fish, seasoned them, and laid them on the grill.
“What’s the topic?”
“We were just talking about the Ridges’ less legitimate branches.”
Niall settled down with them, “Oh? What about them?”
Zoren, with a hint of mischief in his voice, teased, “Niall, imagine if Uncle Anton decided to bring back two illegitimate children who might claim a share of the family fortune. What would you do then?”
Niall replied with a straight face, “Before they could even step foot back, he would be the main feature in the press, with headlines blazing ‘White Group Chairman admits to years of infidelity and chooses to end his life in remorse, leaving a poignant suicide note.’”
The group fell silent, stunned by the severity of his response.
“Wow,” someone muttered, impressed by the dark humour.
Niall continued, “My mother didn’t rise to prominence in the theater world by being passive. If my father ever caught wind, it wouldn’t be pretty, so best keep such thoughts to yourself.”
Violeta, unable to suppress a smile, added, “And my father is known for his strict fidelity.”
“There’s no room for illegitimate children in his book.
“If any were to appear, the first person to be dealt with would be my Dad, Anton, not the chill”
Niall nodded, “True, and before Violeta returned, I hadn’t really thought about taking over the family business. The plan was always that the shares would be passed down, and those who were capable would naturally rise to lead.
“Now, with Violeta back, things might shift in their perspective.”
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“Is the company going to be passed on to Vio?” asked Zoren.
Niall responded thoughtfully, “I’m not sure, it’s a possibility. Violeta is still quite young. She can afford to have some more years of fun after her graduation.”
On the deck, the smoke from the barbecue was getting thicker.
Far away, Hattie was watching them through a telescope.
As the evening set in, Zoren managed to set up some music and lights on the luxury yacht, starting a lively party.
They jumped and danced on the deck.
Initially, while seated, their figures were blurred, but as they began to dance more actively, Hattie could make out their forms more clearly through her telescope.
“1, 2, 3 & people.
“The one in the black jacket has to be Niall, but who are those other men, and who’s that woman?”
Hattie grew more certain of their familiarity, though regretfully, her telescope did not allow her to see their faces clearly.
Even though she did not know the identity of the woman among them. Hattie felt she must be quite lucky to be in such esteemed company.
Being on Niall’s yacht surely meant she was part of an exclusive circle.
That woman must really be something special to be part of the group.
“She’s so lucky.
“Isn’t there a better telescope? I can hardly see.”
Hattie threw the telescope down on the table in frustration and spoke to the servant.
The servant replied with difficulty, “Miss, this is the only kind of telescope we have on the island.”
The main reason was that a telescope with magnification that was too high was not for observation but for spying.
This area is populated by the wealthy, and if they were to spot a reflective glint from a telescope, getting caught spying could lead to severe consequences!”
Hattie shouted in frustration, “What can I do then? I can’t see anything!”
The servant suggested, “Miss Hattie if you want a better view, we could take the speedboat closer to the yacht.”
“That’s a brilliant idea!”
The servant hesitated, “But, Miss Hattie, it’s getting late, and the weather report mentioned a possible thunderstorm tonight. The winds are also getting stronger…”
Hattie dismissed the caution with a sharp glare, Just do as I say!”
“Very well, Miss.”
The speedboat set off to sea with Hattie aboard, holding her binoculars.
As they set off in the speedboat, the servant from the shore warned, “Please be careful and come back quickly, Miss Hattie. The storm could hit at any moment, and it’s dangerous to be out on the water.”
Hattie ignored the warnings.
The speedboat raced towards the yacht.
Impatient, Hattie pulled out her binoculars to look, but she still could not see clearly.
“Go a little closer. I still can’t see,” she urged.
The crew member responded, “Miss, moving any closer would take us beyond the island’s safety. perimeter.”
“Hurry!” Hattie insisted.
The crew member steered the speedboat closer to the yacht with no choice.
As they approached, the images in the binoculars finally sharpened.
Hattie stood up on the speedboat and gazed intently into her binoculars. Then, she froze in shock.
On the yacht with Niall were Hayden and his group, and… Violeta?
Violeta?
Violeta!
Hattie, unable to believe what she was seeing, was full of questions. How could Violeta be mingling with Niall and his group?
It seemed impossible, utterly impossible.
She immediately pulled out her phone to call Zelena, but since Zelena was on a plane at the time, she did. not get the call. However, thankfully there was internet on the plane, so she could send messages.
‘Zelena, do you know where Violeta went for the summer? she typed.
Zelena was busy taking selfies on the plane. The bracelet looked gorgeous under the dim cabin lights, so she could not resist taking a few more pictures to post on social media.
Just as she was about to share her photos, she received Hattie’s message.
Surprised by the inquiry about Violeta, she replied: “I don’t know, probably working at the cafe.
“No! Violeta isn’t working at the cafe,” Hattie typed back quickly. “She’s traveling with Jasper and the others! And they’ve come to the island!”
What?
Zelena was stunned when she read the message.
How could that be? Where would Violeta get the money for travel? Her parents certainly didn’t give her any money.
Zelena, you must be mistaken. How could she possibly be vacationing on the island?” she typed, skeptical.
Seeing Zelena’s disbelief, Hattie tried to take a photo of the yacht in front of her. She strained to capture the people on the yacht using her phone’s camera, but unfortunately, the phone’s resolution could not match that of the binoculars.
“Move closer! I can’t get them in the shot,” she urged the speedboat driver.
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The crew member cautioned, “Miss, we really can’t go any further. We’re already in the middle of the sea.
Hattie dismissed him with a wave of her hand, “What are you scared of? The sea is calm. It doesn’t look like a storm is coming. Just go over there, quickly!”
With no room for debate, the crew member reluctantly steered the speedboat closer as Hattie demanded.
Once close enough to capture the figures on the yacht with her phone, Hattie hurriedly took a picture and sent it to Zelena.
The image was slow to load on the plane, and Zelena grew increasingly impatient.
How could Violeta possibly be vacationing on an island?
That’s absurd…
Hattie must have made a mistake.
When the photo finally loaded, Zelena quickly examined it.
Though Hattie did her best, the faces were still blurry, yet with her intense dislike for Violeta, Zelena immediately recognized that the woman in the photo was indeed Violeta!
“See, I wasn’t wrong! That’s Violeta! I can’t capture it well with my phone, but with my binoculars, it’s clear! That’s Violeta with Jasper, Hayden, Zoren, and Liam! And yes, that yacht is Niall’s! How could Violeta be hanging out with them?”
While Hattie was stunned, Zelena was even more dumbfounded!
Impossible, Zelena thought. It couldn’t be.
Even if Violeta owned a cafe, it’s newly opened and would not have generated much revenue. Where would she get the money for such an extravagant trip?
Was it because of Jasper again?
A frown formed on Zelena’s face.
She tapped out a message quickly.
“It’s probably just another trip with Jasper!”
Yet, Hattie felt there was more to it.
Niall and Zoren both bore the last name White, as did Violeta.
Could it be that Violeta was also part of the White family?
The thought struck Hattie as increasingly plausible.
“Have you ever considered that Violeta might be a White?” she typed.
Zelena felt a jolt at the suggestion but quickly dismissed it, “Hattie, isn’t that a bit far-fetched? Gillian and I thought the same before, but all the info on the Whites is available online. Where would they suddenly produce an heiress from? The family only acknowledges Niall!
That seemed logical.
Niall was known as the sole heir to the White Group, and Hattie’s checks on him revealed no mention of a sister.
Zelena continued, “Also before I reconnected with the Blakes, I looked into her real parents. They’re just from some nondescript village. They’re not wealthy at all!
“Hattie, you might be overthinking this. Violeta probably met Niall through Jasper and the others. Since Niall is Zoren’s cousin, it wouldn’t be strange for them to introduce her!
Hattie pondered Zelena’s response.
Meanwhile, the crew steering the speedboat noticed the wind picking up oddly—it seemed a storm was indeed brewing.
Hattie grew up in Harbor City, not Quinston.
Despite Hattie’s return to the Ridges in Quinston, her and Benson’s status as illegitimate children made it hard for her to be accepted by the elite circles of the city, which was why she ended up associating with Zelena.
Hattie had hoped that Zelena, who claimed to be Violeta’s sister, could provide some clarity. Yet, Zelena’s firm statement that Violeta’s biological parents were villagers only added to her confusion.
Could Zelena’s account really be accurate?
Yet, Hattie felt that something was off—it all seemed too simple.
“Miss, the weather’s turning. We should get going!”
Hattie was still pondering when the urgent call from the crew member snapped her back to reality.
“Stop yelling…”
Looking up, Hattie’s face shifted in alarm.
The sea that had been bathed in moonlight was now cloaked in darkness, covered by thick clouds. The speedboat, stuck in the middle of the sea, felt eerily isolated.
Moments before calm, the sea now hinted at an impending storm, with winds whipping her hair and waves beginning to churn.
Terrified, Hattie slumped back into her seat.
“Quick, let’s head back! Hurry up!”
The crew member quickly turned the speedboat and accelerated back towards the island.
Soon, a loud clap of thunder resounded above them.
Boom!
Hattie felt a chill run down her spine.
Meanwhile, on the yacht’s deck, amidst music and barbecue, the group heard the ominous thunder. Violeta glanced at the sky, “Niall, it looks like a storm is coming. We should head inside.”
Niall observed the increasing turbulence in the surrounding sea. “Indeed, the weather is turning. The sea is getting choppy, and the wind is picking up. Let’s go inside to avoid the rain. If it worsens, it might be safer to head to the island.”
Chapter 148
The yacht’s supplies were limited, making it less comfortable than the estate if the weather worsened.
Suddenly, Liam noticed a speedboat in the middle of the sea. Initially unsure, he moved closer to the railing and confirmed it was indeed a speedboat.
“Look, there’s a speedboat out there, he pointed out.
Hearing this, Zoren and Jasper came over.
“Huh? Who would be out on a speedboat at this time?” Jasper remarked.
“It’s pitch black out there; there’s nothing to see.”
Violeta joined them, curious, “Looks like there’s someone on that speedboat, seems to be a woman. Let’s get the binoculars and check.”
With the binoculars, they could clearly see it was Hattie.
Violeta declared, “It’s Hattie.”
Zoren joked, “Isn’t that Hattie? Liam, that’s your sister.”
Liam’s face fell. “Screw you.”
Zoren retorted, “Well, she is literally your sister. I’m not wrong.”
Hayden wiped his hands and joined them at the railing, looking towards the speedboat. “What’s she doing coming here in a speedboat at this hour?”
Jasper speculated, “Maybe she’s trying to get on our yacht?”
The sea was unusually rough that evening.
Hattie had been staying on the island for nearly a month under calm conditions, but tonight, the wind had picked up sharply.
Seeing the weather turn, Benson instructed a servant, “Go call my sister back in. It’s about to pour.”
The servant, clearly anxious, replied, “Mr. Benson, Miss Hattie took the speedboat out earlier!”
“What?”
“Why didn’t you stop her?”
The servant expressed her frustration, “I tried to stop her. I warned her not to go, but she didn’t listen… What if she gets stranded at sea?!”
Benson quickly went outside, binoculars in hand, to check the conditions at sea.
The rain started abruptly, with a dark cloud swiftly moving towards them, carrying a torrential downpour and intermittent lightning flashes.
“Hurry up, it’s starting to rain!”
The crew member inwardly cursed.
He had previously warned Hattie against going out, but she had insisted.
Now, she was the one demanding they return quickly. He briefly entertained the thought of losing her overboard.
Back on the yacht.
“It’s really starting to pour. Let’s head inside and avoid getting soaked,” Violeta suggested, catching some raindrops with her hand before looking back towards the sea.
She observed the rapid approach of the heavy rain.
Jasper remarked, “At this speed, Hattie is going to be soaked through before she even makes it back to the island.”
Niall inquired, “Are those the siblings who came back from Harbor City?”
Benson confirmed, “Yes, that’s the sister of the siblings.”
They watched the speedboat attempting to make its way back to the island.
Niall gauged the distance, remarking, “She’s close enough to shore that she’ll only get a bit wet from the rain; it shouldn’t pose a danger.”
Liam, losing interest in the spectacle, diverted his gaze. “Let’s head inside and not worry about her.”
Once they were in the cabin, Hayden pulled up the weather forecast on his phone. “We should make our way to the island; it looks like it’ll rain all week!
Niall agreed, “A week of rain? Let’s head to the island. The Dawn is big, but it’s still nicer on the island.”
Considering the worsening weather and the threat of thunderstorms, staying on the yacht seemed less safe than being on land.
Violeta concurred, “Let’s head back now before the rain gets worse.”
Niall activated the yacht’s integrated speedboat from the control cabin.
They planned to use the speedboat to return to the island.
Unlike Hattie’s speedboat, which left her completely drenched and looking like a soaked chicken, their speedboat was designed for comfort.
Niall highlighted, “Our speedboat is covered and won’t expose us to the rain. Plus, it’s three times faster than the standard models,”
This meant they could get back to the island faster than Hattie.
They departed on the speedboat after coordinating with the island staff.
In contrast to Hattie’s miserable state, they were traveling in luxury.
Since they were headed in the same direction, their path would inevitably take them past Hattie’s speedboat.
Caught in the downpour and urging the pilot to speed up, Hattie was unexpectedly hit by a huge wave stirred up by the powerful propellers of their speedboat.
She swallowed a gulp of seawater.
Coughing violently, she exclaimed, “What just happened?!”
That’s when she realized the wave was caused by the speedboat carrying Violeta and her companions passing by.
Chapter 149
Seeing Violeta comfortably seated in the speedboat, untouched by the wind or rain, Hattie trembled with rage.
“Darn it! Damn them!”
The speedboat’s roof was made of specialized glass material, clear enough to see outside from within and vice versa.
Thus, as they sped past Hattie’s speedboat, not only did Hattie see Violeta, but Violeta also saw Hattie.
Hattie’s frantic, exasperated expression was fully visible to Violeta.
Violeta simply turned her head away, her demeanor calm and unaffected.
In her past life, Hattie had never been an ally, and this life was no different.
Upon their arrival at the island, the staff had three shuttle vehicles ready to transport them all back to the manor, along with raincoats.
Meanwhile, on another part of the island, Benson was observing the sea through binoculars.
He had also noticed the two speedboats, one of which carried Violeta and her group.
When Hattie reached the shore, she was completely drenched. Immediately, a servant wrapped her in a towel.
“Hattie, why would you go out to sea so late at night?”
Hattie, fuming and feeling unjustly treated, did not see her own mistake.
“Benson! They just drenched me with seawater, and I even choked on it!”
Benson had also seen the incident.
Given the speedboat Violeta and her friends were on, it was normal for it to kick up some waves due to its high-powered engine.
Yet, it was uncertain whether it was intentional.
Maybe it was just unlucky timing for Hattie.
Benson suggested, “Let’s go back now. The rain is getting worse. You don’t want to get sick.”
Yet, Hattie was fuming inside. She did not have any issues with Hayden or Zoren; she suspected it might have been Violeta’s doing.
She thought it was a deliberate attempt to embarrass her.
That darn Violeta!
She got her suspicions.
“Benson, I’ve got an idea.”
Benson was busy studying, and his computer screen was filled with finance videos, too. He was teaching himself!
Noticing Hattie’s entrance, he paused the video and asked casually, “What’s up?”
Hattie had given it a lot of thought; she did not trust Zelena’s words entirely.
Something felt off about Violeta’s identity!
Recalling the incident with the Bamboo Eau de Parfum, Hattie had been suspicious of Violeta back then.
Yet, at the time, Zelena had brushed it off, claiming it was just a casual gift from Jasper.
So, she had not dwelled on it much.
Now, reflecting on it, things seemed increasingly fishy.
Hattie sat down opposite Benson and began her analysis. “Benson, I think there’s something unusual about Violeta’s background!
“Think about it: even if Violeta really is Jasper’s girlfriend, and Jasper managed to bring her out, how could Jasper just introduce Violeta to someone with Niall’s stature so easily?”
If Violeta’s parents were from a simple rural background, she would be on a totally different trajectory than Jasper, a wealthy scion. A future marriage seemed unlikely given their disparate backgrounds- something Jasper was surely aware of.
High society often requires a match in social status or at least a partner who can bring benefits and influence to the family.
Clearly, Violeta did not fit these criteria.
Benson caught on to what Hattie was suggesting. “Okay, what else?”.
“The crucial detail,” Hattie continued, “is Violeta’s surname-White.”
“Do you mean Violeta is also a White?” Benson asked, lowering his eyes slightly.
“Exactly!” Hattie confirmed.
“I’ve already discussed this with Zelena. She confirmed that her investigations found Violeta’s biological parents were not from a wealthy background. I also researched Niall and found records showing he’s an only child.
“Moreover, Violeta is close to Zoren at school. So, there’s only one explanation,” Hattie concluded.
Benson looked at her thoughtfully
“I suspect that Violeta might be an illegitimate child! Maybe she’s Zoren’s sister!”
Hattie explained, “It’s too much of a coincidence that Violeta also has the surname White and is close to them. It can only mean they are related.
If she’s Zoren’s half-sister, then it wasn’t Jasper who introduced her to high society, but Zoren. That would make Niall her cousin!”
“Do you have any proof?” Benson inquired.
“No, it’s just a theory,” Hattie admitted.
“But it’s the only explanation that makes sense. If Violeta is Zoeren’s half-sister, her relationship with Jasper is more fitting. I’m confident in my theory. Violeta must be a White. Her exclusive perfume couldn’t have been obtained without significant connections.”
If Violeta was indeed an illegitimate daughter of the Whites, that would explain a lot for Hattie, making her feel much better about the whole situation.
Chapter 150
Benson’s eyes darkened as he said, “It doesn’t matter if Violeta is an illegitimate child or not. What’s important is that you don’t make an enemy of her, Hattie.”
“Benson, it’s hard to swallow that simply bearing the surname White grants automatic nobility, isn’t it?”
Hattie’s frustration was evident in her tone. “I’m sorry, but Violeta doesn’t sit well with me.”
They had already clashed a lot at school, so avoiding conflict now seemed impossible.
Benson sighed, “Hattie, the White family is a major player in Quinston. Having them as friends could be beneficial.”
Hattie scoffed, “Seriously? Violeta?”
“Don’t bother Violeta, even Zoren is merely a peripheral member of the White family. The real person to befriend is Niall! He’s the one with real power. Benson, stop worrying about me. I’ve got this.”
Meanwhile, back on the island.
Violeta and the others returned to the villa.
Violeta headed to her room for a shower. Before the rain started, the servants had already moved the birdcage from the terrace into her room.
Downstairs, a cake was being baked, and a servant brought a slice up to Violeta.
“Ms. Violeta, please enjoy.”
“Thanks.”
She took the cake into her room. With the rain pouring outside, a movie playing in the background, and a delicious cake to enjoy, it was the perfect setting for a cozy night in.
But before diving into the cake, Violeta needed to find an exciting movie to watch!
She grabbed the remote and started searching for a horror movie. While she was busy, Violeta didn’t notice that the cake on the table was being sneakily pecked at by Hera, the little bird.
Hera tasted the cake and found it delicious.
Pecking even faster, it made a mess of the cake in no time.
When Violeta finally found a horror movie and turned around, she saw the cake in complete disarray.
“Hera!”
“Chirp…”
Violeta walked over and put Hera back in its cage.
Bing!
Violeta crawled into her bed and prepared to enjoy the movie.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted her. Wondering who it could be, she called out and walked in.
“Vio!”
“Want to play a board game? Are you still awake?”
Zoren walked into the room, glancing around. He didn’t see Violeta, just the birdcage sitting on the table.
The horror movie was being projected from Violeta’s phone onto the wall, but with the bright lights in the room, Zoren didn’t notice.
Hera was inside the cage, preening its feathers.
Zoren walked over and poked at Hera with a small stick nearby. “Where’s your owner? Why are you the only one here?”
“Chirp…”
Hera suddenly let out a chirp.
“Woowooow.”
Out of nowhere, a strange sound echoed from behind, like someone was crying.
Zoren looked around, then glanced at the window, but didn’t notice anything unusual. However, he realized the window wasn’t closed properly. The wind and rain outside were making the curtains sway. He walked over and shut the window.
“Chirp…”
Hera chirped again.
Zoren muttered, “What’s with all the noise? You’re so annoying. I’m out of here…”
“Ahhhhh….”
He heard the scream clearly this time.
Zoren was frightened and a chill running down his spine.
He turned around and saw the terrifying opening of the horror movie projected on the wall, featuring a ghostly face.
“Ah!”
Zoren jumped, yelling out in fear.
Just then, Violeta was coming upstairs with a new slice of cake.
Hearing Zoren’s shout, she quickly rushed back to the room.
“Zoren!”
Zoren walked to the door and nearly bumped into Violeta, who was holding a plate of cake.
“Whoa!” Zoren stopped just in time, “Wo, when did you go upstairs?”
“I went downstairs to get some cake. What’s up?”
Zoren patted his chest. “If you’re going out, at least turn off your horror movie. It scared me half to death! I came to see if you wanted to play some games in the lounge. The content is on Read the latest chapter there!
“You got scared? Haha…” Violeta laughed.
She chuckled. “Sure, you head downstairs first. I’ll quickly grab a jacket and catch up with you.”
“Come on, seriously! Who would’ve thought a girl like you would be into horror movies…”
Zoren pouted as he walked out.
Violeta entered her room, paused the movie, put on a jacket, and carried the cake downstairs.
Hera watched from the ceiling, chirped twice when Violeta left, then closed her eyes to rest.
Violeta walked downstairs to the lounge where everyone was gathered.
Niall was standing by the window.
The lounge had an arched window.
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