The morning light of Laguna Port was as bright and beautiful as ever, and the sea breeze blew across the pier carrying a salty, damp scent.
The Mortari family's luxury yacht, the Opal, was already fully prepared. Its pristine white hull sparkled under the sunlight, its streamlined design balancing both power and elegance—much like the posture its master was currently attempting to display.
Standing at the boarding gate, Coletta Mortari had shed her usual gorgeous attire in favor of a well-tailored, white nautical-style suit. She wore a short jacket over a knee-length skirt with golden buttons engraved with the Mortari family crest, and low-heeled white leather shoes on her feet.
Her long, silvery-white hair was tied back neatly behind her head, with a few stray strands fluttering in the sea breeze. This made her look refreshing and full of vitality, like a true captain ready to set sail.
Wearing a confident and friendly smile on her face, she personally welcomed every invited guest.
"Priest Antonio, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy this maritime journey."
"President William, right this way, please. We have premium cigars prepared for you on board."
Her voice was crisp, her bearing composed and unruffled as she attended to each guest with unhurried grace. No longer constantly on edge preparing to deal with the challenge of a certain purple figure like before, she had thrown herself entirely into the role of the consummate host.
When a merchant, during his pleasantries, slightly challenged her by asking about a minor recent shipping issue the Mortari family faced, Coletta smiled faintly and responded with ease:
"President Andrei, it was precisely out of consideration for the recent unexpected incidents on the western routes that we specifically opened up a backup channel for today."
"The details are right there in the appendix of the event itinerary in your hand. Whether in efficiency or results, Mortari never disappoints, does it?"
She cleverly steered the topic back on track, showcasing the family's thorough preparations and leaving the other party with no choice but to nod sheepishly.
Zanni wore her eternally unchanging white suit—as if she had an entire wardrobe of the exact same outfit—though today she had her jacket draped over her arm and the top button of her shirt undone, making her look relatively more casual.
Her sharp gaze swept over everyone boarding the ship, paying particular attention to the Convent priests. She silently guarded Coletta's vicinity to ensure this important diplomatic event wouldn't suffer any mishaps.
Catching sight of something, she whispered to Coletta, "Priest Alex brought two unfamiliar attendants. I've already had their identities checked; they are from the Convent's Preceptory."
"Understood, Zanni. Keep a close eye on them; don't let them ruin the atmosphere."
Coletta replied in a low, steady tone, then immediately put her smile back on to welcome the next guest.
Rover arrived neither early nor late. Instead of his usual practical, casual attire, he had changed into a slightly more formal business-casual outfit, giving the organizers plenty of face.
Abby excitedly spun in circles in the air beside him: "Big ship! Such a big ship! I like it!"
Seeing Rover, Coletta's eyes lit up slightly. She quickly stepped forward to greet him, her smile sincere and warm: "Rover, Abby, welcome aboard the Opal. I hope today's sea breeze can blow away any dullness in your lives."
Rover looked her over, the corners of his lips turning up slightly. "This outfit suits you very well, Coletta. It seems you are the true captain today."
Coletta's cheeks warmed slightly, but her smile grew wider. "I have to do my best as the host, after all. Right this way, please; I specifically reserved the seat with the best view for you."
She naturally guided him onto the deck, her tone light and earnest.
Rover smiled, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, carrying a faint trace of surprise and appreciation.
He noticed her change—not just her clothing, but the focus and confidence radiating from the inside out. It seemed she had completely stepped out of the disappointment of the auction a few days ago, no longer plagued by anxiety and the urge to compete.
Cantarella Fesale was the finale appearance.
Today, she chose a deep purple off-the-shoulder evening gown. The skirt resembled a blooming violet, perfectly outlining her graceful curves. It formed a stark contrast with Coletta's refreshing nautical look—a beauty that was highly aggressive.
She strolled over slowly, her lips bearing that signature languid and bewitching smile, her gaze landing on Rover first and foremost.
"What a highly anticipated journey this is, Rover." Her voice was husky and magnetic as she naturally tried to draw closer to him.
Her entire body seemed ready to stick to Rover, treating Coletta beside them as if she were completely transparent.
"I hope the time at sea won't leave you feeling bored. After all... the tides of Laguna always need a few special ripples to be interesting, don't they?"
Before Rover could speak, Coletta took a step sideways, perfectly blocking the space between Cantarella and Rover. With an impeccable smile, she said to Cantarella, "You must be joking, Family Head Cantarella. The purpose of the Opal is to ensure all guests enjoy themselves to the fullest. The 'Kiss of the Night Rose' you favor has already been chilled. Why not go have a taste first? The sea wind is strong; be careful not to catch a cold."
Her tone was polite but carried the unquestionable posture of a host, seemingly completely unaffected by the events of that previous banquet.
A flash of surprise passed through Cantarella's eyes, quickly turning into a deeper smile. She finally looked Coletta straight in the eye: "Miss Coletta is truly becoming more and more thoughtful."
Taking the wine glass offered by a waiter, she swirled it gently. "I just wonder, where will this ship ultimately sail? Let's hope it doesn't get easily overturned by the waves like certain impulsive little boats."
Her words held a hidden meaning as she took a light sip of wine.
Meeting her gaze, Coletta replied, "There is no need for you to worry. Mortari's ships have clear routes and definite goals; they will naturally sail exactly where they need to go. Rather, Family Head Cantarella, you should hold your wine glass steady. Don't let the fine wine spill and waste the sentiment."
"Mm... then I shall wait and see." Cantarella's eyes filled with deeper amusement.
She realized that Coletta was no longer taking her bait. She no longer revealed any tension or dissatisfaction over Cantarella's intimacy with Rover. Instead, she treated her with the same elegant, equal, and thorough attentiveness she gave to every other important guest.
This feeling... made her feel a bit bored, like a fully charged blow hitting nothing but empty air.
The gazes of the two women clashed briefly in the air, sparks flying.
Cantarella let out a soft chuckle and finally shifted her gaze. Tossing a meaningful glance at Rover, she drifted gracefully toward the other crowds on the ship.
Rover took in this small confrontation entirely, casting Coletta a slightly inquiring and highly appreciative look.
Coletta took a deep breath, smiled at him, and said in a low voice, "I can't just let her lead me by the nose forever, right?"
Rover nodded lightly and smiled faintly, then took the already impatient Abby and stepped onto the deck of the Opal.
The ship's whistle roared, and the anchor was raised. The luxury yacht, fully loaded with Laguna's powerful elite, sailed toward the open sea. A maritime networking event where everyone harbored their own hidden agendas had officially raised its curtains.
_____
+50 advanced chapters monthly on my patreon, join now and read...
Patreon.com/IndifferentVillain
Ur support keeps me motivated thanks in advance.
Chapter 270 is out on my patreon!!!!!
________