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Chapter 12

Author: StaceSteele
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-28 13:02:23

"I mean that Miles wasn't my parents' choice for me." She smiled faintly at Jake's shocked expression. "Oh yes, there was quite the scandal when I chose the ambitious young shipping executive over the banking heir my family had selected. My father threatened to cut me off completely."

Jake stared at his mother, seeing her in an entirely new light. "I never knew."

"There are many things you don't know about me, about us." Emma stood, smoothing her impeccable outfit. "Your father wasn't always... like this. Success changed him, hardened him. Made him forget what it was like to fight for something that truly mattered."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I saw how you looked at that young woman when she played." Emma's eyes were kind but resolute. "I recognized it—the same way Miles once looked at me, before spreadsheets and market shares became his primary passion."

Jake felt a surge of hope. "Will you help me?"

"I can't fight your battles for you, Jake. But I won't let your fat
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  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 33

    Jake remained silent, understanding this was a conversation Amity needed to have without his intervention. He stood by her side, supportive, but didn't speak."Is that what you think?" Marcus asked, genuine hurt flashing across his features. "That I was controlling you?""You tried," Amity acknowledged. "And for a while, I let you. That's on me as much as you."Marcus's gaze shifted to Jake, his expression hardening. "And he doesn't try to control you? The billionaire shipping heir who's suddenly interested in arts philanthropy?""The foundation was my idea," Amity said firmly. "Jake supports me without trying to direct me. That's the difference.""I supported you, too," Marcus insisted. "I helped build your career.""You helped yourself to my career," Amity corrected, her voice taking on an edge. "You positioned yourself as my mentor, my guide, my producer, and took credit at every opportunity."Marcus stepped closer, lowering his vo

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 32

    Marcus laughed, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Direct. I appreciate that." He turned back to Amity, his expression softening into something practised and nostalgic. "Your new piece sounds intriguing. 'Resonance' is quite the evocative title.""You've been reading the program notes," Amity observed, keeping her voice neutral."I always follow your work," Marcus said, stepping slightly closer. "We may have had our... differences, but I've never stopped admiring your artistry."Jake watched as Amity maintained her composure, neither retreating nor engaging. The power dynamic was clear: Marcus was attempting to reassert some form of intimacy, and Amity was firmly establishing boundaries."Thank you," she said simply. "If you'll excuse us, I need to prepare for my rehearsal.""Of course," Marcus nodded, stepping aside with exaggerated courtesy. "Perhaps we could catch up later? For old times' sake? I'd love to hear more about this foundation of yours

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 31

    After ending the call, Jake and Amity sat in comfortable silence, watching the London evening darken beyond their windows. The challenges ahead, Marcus, the press, and the enormous scope of their foundation felt manageable now that they had both family support and a clear strategy."Are you nervous?" Jake asked eventually."About Paris? Not about what we're building together?" Amity replied, her expression softening as she looked at Jake. "Terrified, but in the best possible way.""I feel the same," Jake admitted. "Like we're standing on the edge of something enormous."Amity leaned her head against his shoulder. "I used to be afraid of heights.""And now?""Now I'm ready to fly."The following weeks passed in a whirlwind of preparation. Their London townhouse gradually transformed from an empty shell into a true home, each carefully selected piece of furniture telling part of their story. Jake converted the top-floor studio into a pa

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 30

    "Yes," she answered without hesitation. "I want you there. But I also don't want to give Marcus the satisfaction of thinking he can still affect our relationship.""Then we go together, and we don't hide," Jake decided. "We attend as partners, as equals. Let him see exactly what he lost and what you've gained."Amity smiled at the quiet confidence in his voice. "You know, a year ago, I would have handled this alone. Hidden in my dressing room, avoided any confrontation.""And now?""Now I have someone who stands with me instead of trying to control me," she said, moving to wrap her arms around his waist. "It makes all the difference."Jake pulle

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 29

    "That's non-negotiable," she said firmly. "The Resonance Foundation is too important to delay. There are kids out there who need access to music and art now, not when we feel ready."Jake nodded, admiring her clarity of purpose. "Then that's our priority. Everything else can wait.""Even the press?" Amity asked, thinking of the business journalists clamouring for interviews with the newly revealed founder of A.J. Enterprises."Especially the press," Jake confirmed. "They'll write their stories with or without our cooperation. Let's focus on the work first, the publicity later."Relief washed over Amity's features. "How do you always know exactly what to say?""I don't," Jake admitted with a smile. "I'm just figuring this out as we go, same as you."As the rain drummed against the windows, they stood together in their empty house, planning their future one decision at a time. They would furnish the rooms slowly, finding pieces that spoke to t

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 28

    Amity, now properly dressed though her hair remained charmingly dishevelled, crossed her arms. "I don't recall inviting any of you.""Consider it a surprise housewarming," Richard said, looking more relaxed than Jake had ever seen him. "And a chance to see this property I've apparently purchased a partial stake in.""You what?" Amity's voice rose sharply.Miles cleared his throat. "What Richard means is that we've jointly established a trust to secure the property. In both your names, of course. Consider it our wedding gift.""We're not getting married," Jake and Amity said in perfect unison."Yet," David muttered under his breath, earning an elbow from Liam.Jake stepped forward, his posture stiffening. "While we appreciate the gesture, we've already arranged financing for the house. We don't need...""It's not about need," Emma interrupted gently. "It's about wanting to support your independence in the only way we know how."

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