The gentle rocking of the Celestial Star did little to soothe Alexander's restless mind. He had spent years in courtrooms, dismantling lies and exposing hidden truths, yet one glance from a cruise ship waitress had unraveled him completely.
Who was she?
He leaned against the deck railing, watching the moonlight ripple across the waves. His mind cycled through possibilities, but no answer felt right. A past client? A former employee? A woman from his past life before everything fell apart?
You're overthinking, Alex.
With a frustrated sigh, he downed the last of his whiskey and turned toward the ship's lavish ballroom, where guests had begun to gather for the first night's formal dinner. The last thing he wanted was to socialize, but avoiding it would only invite speculation from the business associates who had somehow found their way onto this trip.
As he stepped inside, the scent of expensive cologne, champagne, and fresh seafood filled the air. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over elegantly dressed guests, laughter and conversation blending with the soft tune of a live orchestra.
And then he saw her again.
The waitress from earlier.
This time, she wasn't carrying a tray or blending into the background. She was across the room, engaged in conversation with another member of the staff. Something about the way she held herself—the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers gripped the edge of a serving platter—made his gut tighten.
He moved toward her, his steps slow, calculated.
As if sensing his approach, she turned. Their eyes locked.
A flicker of panic flashed across her face before she quickly looked away, pretending to busy herself with adjusting a wine glass on the table.
That confirmed it.
She knew him.
Alexander closed the remaining distance between them, his voice low when he finally spoke. "Who are you?"
She startled but recovered quickly, forcing a smile. "I already told you, sir. I'm just a waitress."
"Bullshit." His tone was sharper than he intended, but he didn't care. "You recognized me earlier. I saw it in your eyes."
Her fingers trembled slightly before she curled them into a fist. "I don't know what you're talking about."
A challenge.
Alexander had spent years unraveling the lies of high-powered businessmen and criminals alike. He could tell when someone was hiding something. And she was.
Before he could press further, a voice interrupted them.
"Alexander Graves! I thought that was you!"
He turned to find Thomas Whitmore, an old acquaintance from the legal world, approaching with a grin and a glass of champagne.
The waitress seized the moment, stepping back. "Excuse me, sir. I have work to do."
And just like that, she disappeared into the crowd.
Alexander clenched his jaw.
This wasn't over.
Whoever she was—whatever she was hiding—he would find out.
And he had two weeks on this ship to do just that.