"Leandro! Go and investigate Ethan. Find out if he is still alive or not."
The large, muscular man in a black suit replied in an obedient tone.
"Yes, Ma’am"
The black sedan disappeared, going back the way it came.
Leandro, without hesitation, jumped into the cold seawater to find Ethan.
Lucas and others returned to their resort, believing that Ethan died.
Still, John didn’t want to take any risks, so he called one of his bodyguards and ordered him to find Ethan’s dead body and destroy it so there would be no other evidence left.
Meanwhile, Ethan found a small cabin that was empty.
He decided to spend the night here.
The night passed. The 4x4 cabin was so small and had no air, which made it very difficult for Ethan to sleep.
Still, somehow he managed to sleep.
The next day, as the sunlight came piercing through the tiny hole directly to his face, his eyelids opened.
"*Yawn*"
Still sleepy, he adjusted himself.
"Although this place is small, at least it’s not as stinky as that basement."
"Let’s go out and eat."
Ethan quietly slipped away to the food court. Ethan said to the cashier with a polite smile.
"One pancake and a latte, please."
"Yes, sir, wait a minute."
The polite cashier girl replied.
’I wonder why she is so polite to me? Even after looking at my clothes, she didn’t look at me with disdain. People like her are rare.’
<SYSTEM NOTIFICATION>
<User spent $47 in the food court. Cashback multiplier generating... 300%>
<User will get 300% cashback on every amount spent.>
Ding!
Message from Central BankA/c XXXX credited $47. Date: 11-08-26, Time: 10:20:23.Balance: $214
Ethan grabbed his pancake and started eating it with immense pleasure.
Eating pancakes is heaven for someone who eats only one meal a day.
To be precise, that one meal is not even a proper meal, just a piece of bread.
Living life like a prisoner made him forget the world’s pleasantries.
Pancake eating is a sensory experience of soft, warm, spongy cake layered with melting butter and sweet, sticky syrup. As you cut into the stack, the rich golden butter melts into the crumb, and maple syrup fills every pocket, creating a moist and comforting treat.
"Hmm, it is so good for breakfast."
"I should order one more."
Ethan said.
"Excuse me, can I sit with u?"
The voice came from behind.
Ethan tilted his head and saw a muscular, light-brown man who was dressed in a black suit like a bodyguard.
For a second, Ethan’s heart skipped a beat.
’Did I offend someone?’
’But I didn’t do anything to make anyone get offended.’
’Or is he here to kick me out or ask for my ticket and ID?’
"Hmm, yes, you can."
Ethan didn’t reject him because Leandro asked him with a polite face.
’It doesn’t look like he is here to create a scene.’
"Let me introduce myself; I am Leandro Silva."
"From today, I am your personal assistant and bodyguard."
The muscular man said.
Ethan was dumbfounded after hearing this. For a few seconds, he was processing what he had just heard.
’Personal Bodyguard?’
’My assistant?’
’Wait, don’t tell me he is sent by my dad.’
’Yeah, it should be him.’
"Umm... mister, what did you say?"
"I said I’m your personal assistant and bodyguard."
Leandro replied with a neutral face.
"Ok. But why?"
"I don’t even know you."
"Well, everything aside, who hired u?"
Although Ethan asked with a normal face, his heart was beating at a fast rate.
’What if he captures me or kills me?’
’I have to look for exits.’
’But I don’t have to worry; due to the high security, he can’t do anything to me.’
"There is no need to be afraid of me. I’m not sent by Father, but by someone who actually wants to help u. I am hired by Ms Lara Watkins."
"Maybe you don’t know that Ms Lara was your mother’s best friend since childhood. She went overseas after your mother’s death."
"She knows about your condition and how much danger you are in."
Ethan listened quietly and studied his face. He did not become mature; he had been betrayed so many times that he didn’t trust anyone anymore.
After a few minutes, he asked.
"Why does she want to help me?"
"What will she get from it?"
Leandro was surprised by this question.
He couldn’t believe a 15-year-old child was this sharp.
"I will take you straight to her."
Ethan asked, "How? Is she on this ship?"
"No", Leandro replied.
"I will take you to her through a private boat."
"Hmm..."
"Ok fine", Ethan replied.
Ethan followed Leandro and came out of the food court. Leandro said something to a man. Then we went to the Bridge.
This is the control room at the front or middle of the upper decks where the captain and officers steer and navigate.
The pilot of the ship said, "Mr Leandro, a short boat is ready for you and your friend."
"Ok", Leandro replied.
Ethan and Leandro jumped into the boat.
The boat