All Chapters of The Cruise Ship Royal: Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

She led him to a small technical deck near the ship's bow, accessible only to maintenance crew but currently deserted. The morning sun bathed the metal surfaces in warm light, and the sound of the ocean was louder here, more immediate."This is where I come to think," Amity said, settling onto a maintenance crate. "Away from the performances, the expectations, the careful choreography of being someone's daughter."Jake joined her, the metal warm under his hands despite the morning breeze. "What will you tell your father?""The truth, probably. That I'm not coming back to Sydney. That I'm tired of pretending his world is the only one that matters." She pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. "He'll threaten to cut off my trust fund, of course.""Would that change anything?"Amity was quiet for a long moment, considering. "It would make things harder. But I've been earning my own money for two years now. The violin commissions, the performance contracts—they're mine. Clean m

"Why not?" she interrupted, her voice gaining strength. "Because it might damage your precious reputation? The same reputation you've been using to manipulate my career?" She turned to Jake, her eyes blazing with newfound determination. "Marcus wasn't just unfaithful, he was Father's hand-picked choice specifically because he had gambling debts Father could leverage."Jake felt sick, and understanding washed over him. "Your father was using him to control you.""A business arrangement," Richard said coldly, as if discussing a shipping contract. "One that would have benefited everyone involved.""Everyone except me," Amity shot back. She looked at the tender boat, then at Jake, and made her decision. "I'm not getting on that boat."The security guards moved to flank her, but Jake stepped forward, placing himself between them and Amity. "She said no.""This is none of your concern, Monroe," Richard snarled. "You're nothing but a spoiled boy playing at rebellion.""Maybe," Jake acknowled