Michael raised an eyebrow and replied, “Loving Echo isn’t a crime, and it certainly doesn’t affect you, Mr. Ryan. What’s the problem?”
Ryan’s gaze darkened with a hint of menace. “Then let’s see if you have the skill.”
In his world, Ryan had long been used to taking what he wanted by force. He didn’t really understand what love was; he just knew that if something caught his eye, he’d grab it and keep it close. Strength was the foundation of everything for him. Love felt too elusive; all he wanted was to hold on tightly.
And Echo? He was set on her. No matter what feelings were involved, he wouldn’t let her go. If someone wanted her, they’d have to have the skill to take her from him.
Michael laughed, “What skill do I need? Love is about two people; it can’t be controlled. It’s a matter of emotions changing, not something that can be solved by force. Are you really saying, Mr. Ryan, that you want me to take you down right here as proof of skill?”
There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, which made Ryan’s fists clench tightly.
Hawk, who happened to be on the same ship as Ryan, sensed the tense atmosphere and stepped in. He reached over and pinched Echo’s leg discreetly, giving her a knowing look that Ryan couldn’t see.
Echo was startled by Michael’s declaration. She remembered him joking about wanting her to be his girlfriend, but she hadn’t taken it seriously. Now, seeing the seriousness in his eyes, she couldn’t help but feel a bit taken aback.
Just then, Hawk’s pinch jolted her awake, and she realized the situation between Ryan and Michael was becoming tense, almost explosive. She let out a groan, “I’m so dizzy, Boss. I think I’m going to be sick,” as she tried to sit up a little.
Ryan glanced down at Echo in his arms, and Michael rushed over, saying, “Why didn’t you say you were seasick? Hang in there, I’ll get someone to bring you medicine. Here, take a deep breath.”
His concerned tone and caring words surprised Ivy and the others, who were already shaken by the earlier standoff. It was clear Michael genuinely loved her.
Echo ignored Michael and lightly tugged on Ryan’s arm, her face pleading as she looked at him, as if she truly couldn’t hold on any longer.
Seeing this, Ryan’s expression turned cold. He huffed and stood still.
Michael immediately spoke up, “Mr. Ryan, Echo needs to rest. You…”
“Do you think I won’t just throw you overboard?” Ryan’s icy voice cut Michael off, anger flaring in his eyes.
Michael’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, he noticed Echo’s weak demeanor vanish in an instant. She looked at Ryan and said, “Boss, I really am dizzy.”
Her tone was far less dramatic than before, now just slightly weaker than usual.
Ryan’s gaze remained cold as he looked at her. Echo met his eyes, realizing that lying wouldn’t work-he was too sensitive to her feelings. With Ryan, she could only be honest.
Ryan studied her for a moment, then grunted, “If you pull this again, I’ll just toss you to the fish.”
He then turned to Michael, saying coldly, “You think you can challenge me? You’re not even close to being qualified.” With that, he picked Echo up and headed toward the cabin.
Michael raised an eyebrow as he watched Ryan carry Echo away. After all his years of playing the game, he hadn’t realized Echo was exaggerating her condition, but Ryan did.
That was uncomfortable for him. Still, he couldn’t argue with Ryan’s last words. In terms of status, he’d eventually stand on equal ground with Ryan, and in terms of strategy, that would take time to prove. But when it came to strength, he had to admit defeat; Ryan’s physical power was something he could never measure up to.
The warship cut through the water, speeding toward its destination.
The sky was clear, and the calm sea rippled with waves, reflecting the sun’s golden light off the deep blue waters. It looked stunning, but the dangers lurking ahead made the beautiful ocean feel tense and foreboding. The danger was waiting for them just around the corner.
“Echo.” Ivy noticed Echo sitting alone in her room, eyes closed.
Ryan, who was usually glued to Echo’s side, was currently in the captain’s quarters discussing the course and angle with Michael.
Ivy figured it was a rare opportunity to approach Echo.
Echo opened her eyes to see Ivy looking cautious and careful. She couldn’t help but smile and said, “What are you afraid of? Boss isn’t going to eat you.”
After a day and a half of sailing, Ivy and the others hadn’t dared to get close to her, but now that Ryan was out of sight, Ivy seemed braver.
Ivy plopped down next to Echo, massaging her temples as she asked, “How are you feeling now? Still dizzy?”
Echo rested her head on Ivy’s lap, closed her eyes, and let out a relieved sigh. “I’m feeling better. It’s not as bad as when I first got on a boat. Back then, I was completely lost and almost messed things up for Boss.”
When Ivy heard Echo mention Ryan, she looked down and noticed there was no hint of fear in Echo’s eyes. Instead, she seemed a bit more relaxed, her lips curling up slightly.
Ivy took a breath and said softly, “Echo, can I ask you something? How does Mr. Ryan treat you? Does he bully you? Don’t keep it all bottled up. Even if you don’t want to tell Michael and the others, just let it out with me. If something’s bothering you, it can really help to talk to someone.”
Echo opened her eyes to meet Ivy’s worried gaze and smiled. “I’m fine! Ryan wouldn’t bully me. He knows who he is. If he really didn’t like me, he’d have just taken me out with a bullet. He’s not that kind of person.”
Seeing the faint smile in Echo’s eyes, Ivy relaxed a bit. “That’s good to hear. I knew he was a big deal in the underworld, and he wouldn’t stoop to petty tricks. As long as you’re not feeling mistreated, that’s what matters.”
Echo shook her head with a laugh. “It’s not as dramatic as you’re making it out to be.”
Ivy chuckled softly and leaned closer. “But really, Echo, how come you and Mr. Ryan are so close?”
Echo raised an eyebrow. “Close? I don’t see it that way.”
That was just how things had been since day one-was there really anything intimate about it? Had anyone ever seen a person not be close to their pillow?
Ivy rolled her eyes at Echo’s response and suddenly gasped, “Echo, if that’s not close, then what is? You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
“In love with him?” Echo froze at Ivy’s words, lifting her head off Ivy’s lap and quickly sitting up at the edge of the bed. She stared wide-eyed and said, “What are you talking about? I’m just maintaining the attitude of a pillow and a subordinate-there’s no way this is love! Are you feeling okay? What about me and Ryan looks like I’m in love with him?”
Seeing Echo’s intense reaction, Ivy fixed her gaze on her and asked, “If that’s not love, then tell me what is?”
Echo froze for a moment, wondering what it even meant to love someone. She had only known survival through training growing up and focused on missions as she got older. The people around her were all about competition, survival of the fittest, tasks, and learning.
What was “loving” someone, anyway? She had no clue what that felt like.