Chapter 28

‘Haa…….’

She hadn’t expected much to begin with. The third-class cabin was the cheapest, and this ship was the oldest among the passenger ships departing nearby. Still, since she had to stay here for at least two days, Gabrielle hoped it would be clean.

“Now that you’ve seen it, please leave.”

She figured she could just endure it. Unless she jumped into the sea, there was no way to escape.

Gabrielle reached out to take back her suitcase.

“Please give me the bag…….”

“D*mn.”

“What?”

At the sudden curse, Gabrielle doubted her ears. But it wasn’t a hallucination—Dominic was scanning the cabin with a twisted expression.

“Let’s switch.”

“What?”

“Miss Brooks, you use my room, and I’ll sleep here.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Exactly what I said.”

“Executive Director!”

Without another word, Dominic turned away abruptly. Gabrielle, unable to get her suitcase back, hurried after him in confusion.

She ran breathlessly and caught up just as he reached the first-class cabin.

“It’s fine. It’s only for two nights anyway. So—”

“I’m not fine.”

Dominic opened the door, grabbed his suitcase delivered by the porter, and looked ready to head straight for the third-class cabin. Gabrielle desperately blocked his way.

“No. You sleep here.”

“Move.”

“No. Absolutely not.”

It was an absurd situation. What boss would switch rooms for a subordinate? Especially when the Executive Director was a valued asset to the company.

There were meetings with foreign buyers lined up. If the company found out he’d slept in a third-class cabin with rats, Gabrielle might not just lose her contract renewal but be forced out in disgrace.

“You’re really going to sleep in that dump?”

“It’s fine. I can manage.”

“Then so can I. Move.”

“No… I said no.”

Her frustration made her slip into informal speech. Dominic narrowed his eyes at her.

“So now you’re speaking informally to your boss, Miss Brooks.”

“S-sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s fine. Better than avoiding me like I’m a bug.”

“What…?”

“You’ve been avoiding me for days. Am I that repulsive?”

“No, that’s not it!”

Gabrielle’s face turned bright red as she stammered.

“It’s not that you’re repulsive, Executive Director. I’m just… embarrassed…”

“So?”

Dominic bent down to meet her gaze. Flustered by their close proximity, Gabrielle looked away.

“I keep thinking about you… If the company finds out…”

Her excuse trailed off at his soft laugh. Gabrielle blinked and lifted her head.

“…Executive Director.”

Dominic, trying to stifle his laughter, now covered his mouth with his hand. As he turned his head, Gabrielle, flushed, moved closer to face him.

“You’re teasing me right now, aren’t you?”

“No.”

“You’re teasing me.”

“Really, I’m not.”

His words denied it, but his expression said otherwise. Gabrielle, feeling deflated, let her tense shoulders drop.

“Let’s stop with the jokes. I’m going back, so please give me my bag.”

“Let’s compromise, then.”

“Compromise?”

“As you can see, the first-class cabin has a separate bedroom and living room.”

“And?”

“I’ll sleep on the living room couch. Miss Brooks, you sleep in the bedroom.”

“What?”

“It’s not like we’ll be relaxing for two days. I’ll be working in the living room, so it’ll be convenient not to have to go back and forth.”

“I can’t do that.”

“We’re sharing a room anyway.”

“But…”

“Miss Brooks.”

Lost for words, Gabrielle hesitated as Dominic reached for the welcome drink cocktail on the table.

“As your boss, let me tell you: the basis of compromise is mutual concession. I’ve stepped back, so you should too.”

“…….”

“Oh.”

Gabrielle, holding the glass, couldn’t respond right away, and Dominic tilted his head.

“Or are you scared of me?”

His tone was gentle, but full of mischief. Like someone teasing a grumpy cat, Dominic playfully prodded Gabrielle’s nerves.

“Afraid I’ll eat you while you’re sleeping?”

“No.”

Stubborn now, Gabrielle denied his words. Dominic, as if he expected that, smiled and led her to the bedroom.

“Good. Since your luggage is already here, just relax.”

“…….”

“Oh, and lock the door when you sleep. Good kids might get eaten.”

Gabrielle slammed the door in response. A small laugh echoed from beyond the door.

For both of them, the passenger ship was just a means of business travel, but originally, ships like this were for pleasure. At night, all first-class guests received invitations to a dinner party.

It was optional, but first-class passengers were usually wealthy. For a businessperson, fellow first-class guests could become future clients or valuable contacts.

So attending the dinner party was already decided. Gabrielle fussed with her tight evening dress, trying to pull up the neckline to hide her cleavage.

After checking her makeup one last time, she rose from the vanity chair just as a knock sounded from across the hall.

“Miss Brooks.”

At the soft call, Gabrielle jumped up and opened the door.

“I’m ready. Let’s go.”

She answered bravely but couldn’t help staring at the man before her. Dominic Moore, with his long legs, broad shoulders, perfectly tailored suit, and a white handkerchief in his pocket, looked like a gentleman straight out of a magazine or picture book.

He was often out on business and quiet by nature, yet countless women at the company had fallen for him at first sight.

It was hard to believe such a handsome man was interested in her. Gabrielle found herself dazed, staring, until Dominic’s amused voice tickled her ears.

“Finished admiring?”

“Ah… yes.”

Gabrielle nodded unconsciously, and Dominic covered his mouth to hide his expression.

“Cute.”

“What?”

“You forgot this.”

He changed the topic and draped something over Gabrielle’s shoulders—a soft, white shawl.

“The dinner party’s indoors, but there’ll be fireworks at the end. Nights are still chilly.”

His long fingers brushed the nape of her neck and withdrew. He offered his arm.

“Let’s go.”

Gabrielle, after a beat, placed her hand on his arm.

The dinner party was held on the first floor of the banquet hall, in the spacious main hall. A well-dressed orchestra played on a shallow stage, while women in sensual evening dresses and men in glossy shoes and tailored suits sat around round tables, chatting.

A dazzling chandelier sparkled overhead, and waiters bustled tirelessly among the guests.

“For the safe and pleasant voyage of our passengers!”

“To the voyage!”

With the captain and first mate’s toast, the atmosphere quickly warmed.

Seats were pre-assigned. Gabrielle and Dominic were seated with the middle-aged Donovan Earl and his Countess, who said they were returning from sightseeing in Verti.

“We’re quite lucky, aren’t we? To be seated with the two stars of the ship.”

“Two stars?”

“Miss Brooks and Mr. Moore. You’ve been the talk of the ship since you boarded.”

Countess Donovan fluttered her fan, looking between Gabrielle and Dominic.

“A married couple, lovers, or siblings? We’ve all placed bets. You’re both so beautiful.”

“Oh, you.”

Earl Donovan gave his wife a reproachful look.

“Forgive her. She’s a gossip lover.”

“No need. It’s natural to be curious.”

Dominic shook his head and elegantly set down his glass.

“So, Countess, what did you bet on?”

“I bet on lovers. You seem a bit too distant to be married, and not similar enough to be siblings.”

The Countess smiled with her eyes.

“In the end, everyone’s going to lose their bets. Not that anyone will actually win money.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. No one guessed you were boss and subordinate. Sharing a first-class cabin…”

“Dear.”

The Earl gave his wife another look. While Gabrielle fidgeted, Dominic smoothly replied,

“There was a mix-up at the company. They assigned Miss Brooks a third-class cabin, so I offered my bedroom.”

“Ah… Then Mr. Moore, you sleep in the living room?”

“Yes. It’s just right for one person. Though I wish it were bigger or smaller.”

At his comment, the Countess’s cheeks flushed.

“My goodness.”