Chapter 1857 Between You and MeThis time, Gareth wasn't up for complying with Elisa's request to slow down; instead, he pressed down
on the gas pedal, picking up speed.
He kept going until they reached the pier.
Elisa glanced at him, her lips sealed. She didn't immediately step out of the car, but her frustration was
palpable.
Observing Elisa's pouty face, Gareth couldn't help but find it amusing. He was on the verge of tucking
the hair strands behind her ear, but she skillfully evaded his reach.
Gareth's arm hung there for a beat, awkwardly suspended.
He retracted it with a sulky expression and said apologetically, "I noticed some folks were arriving. If
you had left the car partway, it might've seemed suspicious. It would be better if we both get out
together when we reach the pier. That way, it won't attract too much attention, and no one will start
unnecessary probing, don't you think?"
Elisa remained silent, but her demeanor had softened a bit; there was a hint of warmth in her
expression.
With the chilly tension dissipated, Elisa unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.
Gareth followed suit. novelbinEven though it was still early, a few had already arrived.
They were hanging around and passing the time nearby. As soon as they saw Elisa, they excitedly
huddled around her and chatted animatedly.
"Ah, Ms. Benett, you're here! I can't believe that we are going on this fancy cruise!"
"You might find it hard to believe, but this is my first time on such a luxurious cruise; it looks awe-
inspiring." The girl who spoke sounded a bit shy.
The girl next to her nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, thanks to Ms. Benett, we get to experience it for the first time!"
The girls playfully bantered back and forth, making Elisa uneasy.
And to top it off, she had just stepped out of the car, and her stomach, which had settled after its earlier
upset, was starting to act up again.
The girls' animated chatter was starting to make Elisa feel queasy.
Sensing her discomfort, Gareth stepped up to help her out.
Using his height advantage, he interjected and skillfully guided Elisa out of the crowd.
The girls looked at Gareth, perplexed. Only then they recalled seeing their boss, Elisa, emerging from this man's car.
They began to speculate about his identity.
Gareth said, "I'm sorry, everyone. Ms. Benett and I need to have a chat. You can go ahead and board
the cruise. Just give your names and show your IDs; there will be staff to assist you."
He nodded and said, "Please excuse us." then led Elisa away, boarding the cruise in advance.
Gareth's arm was gently draped around Elisa's shoulder throughout this process.
Observing his protective and intimate gestures, the girls continued their chatter and deliberation about
the man's identity.
Seeing Elisa so close to a man was a rare sight for them.
"I'm guessing he's her brother. Ms. Benett is pretty much this accomplished, no-nonsense, workaholic
type—she's not the sort to date anyone."
"Who's to say? Maybe she's the one wearing the pants in this relationship."
"Well, that's not entirely implausible."
Subsequently, when Bella turned up, they started filling her in on the unusual incident they had just
witnessed. When she heard about that, Bella immediately knew who the man was and chuckled. Then, she
brushed off the girls, remarking, "Honestly, it doesn't matter who that guy was. Let's get on the cruise
and party time!"
The girls were influenced by her and decided not to dwell on the topic any longer.
Meanwhile, Gareth guided Elisa towards the railing.
As Elisa took in the fresh air, she began to feel better.
They exchanged glances, and after a beat, Elisa relaxed and said, "By the way, thanks."
Gareth looked at her earnestly as if attempting to see through her thoughts. Elisa didn't flinch; her gaze
locked onto him with fearless determination.
His eyes mirrored the sea and said, "No need for thanks between us."