Ensnared by Mafia, Days and Nights

As the evening set in, we embarked on our cruise to Bayne Island, and the festivities officially commenced.

The captain chose a picturesque route starting from Port XX, weaving through a vibrant coral sea. In the early autumn, the water was a deep, mesmerizing blue, the setting sun spreading its golden glow across the surface. Pink dolphins playfully trailed the ship through the deeper waters.

Once we ventured into international waters, the guests congregated for a game of cards.

Several audacious young men boldly challenged Henry Jefferson to join them at the card table. He initially intended to decline, but Giselle Lambert agreed on his behalf with a quick, "Sure, why not?"

Given her agreement, Henry felt compelled to participate, not wishing to dishonor her acceptance, and took his place at the table with ease.

Over the years, Henry had grown more reserved, and his whereabouts were often shrouded in mystery, making his appearances at the card table a rare sight.

Thus, legends of his card-playing prowess were well-known among the elite, though few had seen him in action.

Now, opting to deal the cards himself, he drew the attention of nearly everyone at the banquet.

In this game, Henry served as the dealer with Giselle perched suggestively on his lap, her arm draped around his neck in an intimate display.

For a man of Henry's standing, being surrounded by women was nothing out of the ordinary, and everyone simply viewed Giselle as one of his casual flings.

As the cards were dealt and the scent of a freshly clipped cigar filled the air, Giselle found herself struggling to breathe and uncomfortable in the gambling environment, which she disliked due to her father, Clark Lambert's influence. She shifted uneasily and leaned closer to Henry to whisper, "May I go somewhere else?"

Henry glanced at her, placed his cards facedown on the table, and took a bracelet from his pocket, fastening it around her wrist with deliberate care.

"Go ahead," he said, releasing his hold on her. "But don't stray too far."

The clamor of the card game mixed with the crashing waves outside, while the serene melodies of string music resonated through the ship.

What was meant to be an elegant soiree held little appeal for Giselle any longer.

She hastened down the corridor to the deck, where Megan was already waiting anxiously.

"Giselle, are you ready?" Megan stepped forward, clasping Giselle's hands with evident nervousness, her own anxiety seeming to surpass that of Giselle.

Giselle's gaze briefly swept over to a distant iceberg before returning with a resolute nod, "I'm ready."

"Good," Megan said as she unlocked her tablet to show their current location, marked by a red dot. She used a pencil to note it. "Based on the cruise's speed, in about two and a half hours, we'll reach the closest point to Gadoria Island-your best chance to escape. I've arranged for someone to meet you there."

With only two and a half hours, Giselle quietly calculated the timing, her tension palpable.

Seeing her worried look, Megan inquired, "Is there enough time?"

"We'll try," Giselle murmured, squeezing her palm to alleviate her nerves.

This was a rare opportunity, and missing it meant an indefinite wait for another.

Each day spent beside the formidable Henry felt like a drain on Giselle's spirit.

She returned to Henry's cabin, positioned a pre-written letter under the lamp, and gathered her documents.

Before leaving, she hesitated at the sight of the bracelet on her wrist, then decided to leave it behind in Henry's wardrobe.

After preparing everything, she stepped back onto the deck as the night grew darker, as if nature itself were setting the stage for the evening's unfolding events.

After winning two consecutive rounds at the card table, Henry found the games dull and looked around, but Giselle was nowhere to be seen. He quit the game. From a distance, Megan observed his movements and approached him quickly with a glass of wine in hand.

"Mr. Jefferson, are you looking for our Giselle?" she asked, raising her glass.

Henry offered no reply, just a significant glance.

Megan couldn't help but recognize Henry's innate authority. Even someone of her stature found it hard not to be subdued by his commanding presence. She chuckled nervously, "I saw her on the deck just now; she hasn't gone far."

Henry walked with an unhurried grace toward the deck, where Giselle, in her sapphire blue dress, stood against the twilight sky.