?Chapter 480:


    Willow’s smile turned radiant, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Crank up the music on the deck. I want it loud—no chance for anyone’s mood to get dragged down tonight.”


    Gail, ever efficient, gathered up her flowing gown and disappeared down the hall.


    Willow fluffed her hair, checking herself from every angle to make sure not a single strand was out of ce.


    Once satisfied, she strode from the cabin, determination in her step, intent on finding William outside.


    On the deck, Ste found herself hemmed in as the crowd swelled and the music pulsed louder, making the floorboards thrum beneath her heels. She edged backward, dodging elbows and twirling dancers, clutching her champagne flute.


    She finished her drink, about to abandon the ss on a side table, when a tray materialized beside her—held out by a pair of elegant hands.


    She turned and nearly gasped. Shaun stood beside her, his tailored white suit catching the lights.


    “Thought a gorgeous woman might need a rescue,” he said with a yful glint. “Or at least a tray for that empty ss.”


    A quick smile flickered across her face as she set her ss down. “Thanks, Shaun.”


    He cocked his head, giving her a yful look. “Care for another drink? I’d consider it an honor to serve the princess of the night.”


    Heat crept up Ste’s cheeks. She shot him a mock re. “Cut it out, Mr. Smith. I can’t keep up with your smooth talk.”


    His gaze softened, sincerity threading through his words. “No, really—I mean it. You look incredible tonight.”


    Ste met Shaun’s sparkling eyes and thanked him again.


    He lifted the tray a little higher and inquired, “How about another ss of champagne?”


    She shook her head, a smallugh escaping. “Tempting, but I’m not much of a drinker.”


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    He gave a light-hearted sigh, disappointment flickering in his voice. “That’s a shame. This party’s champagne is the real deal—you won’t find it anywhere else.”


    Ste let a subtle smile slip across her lips. “If you want to keep me from making a spectacle of myself on the dance floor, I’d better call it quits on the drinks.”


    Shaun chuckled, his voice a gentle rumble. “That’d be something to see—maybe you’d steal the spotlight.”


    When it became clear Ste really wasn’t in the mood for another round, Shaun didn’t press. Instead, he settled beside her, shoulders squared against the wind, the briny air swirling around them.


    “Be honest—are you actually enjoying yourself at this party?” he asked, watching her with a glint of curiosity.


    Ste narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, then nodded. “It’s not bad. The snacks are killer, the champagne’s legit, and this ship is enormous.”


    She couldn’t find much to gripe about, though running into Marc definitely wasn’t on her list of party perks.


    Shaun arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You know, apliment from you is basically a five-star review.”


    They lingered in easy conversation until Shaun straightened, brushing his hand from the railing. “I should go check in with a friend, but I’ll be back. Try not to let the sea sweep you away while I’m gone.”


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