Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

The full moon hung in the sky like a shiny silver coin, and stars were scattered all around.

The cruise ship by the shore was lit up and had a romantic vibe going on.

Richard stepped out of the cabin, climbed the stairs, and made his way to the deck for some fresh air.

"Hey babe, slow down, come this way, watch your step."

Taking the last step, Richard followed the voice and saw Frank helping Nora to a comfy sofa.

Frank said, "Here, babe, sit down. You must be tired. Let me give you a shoulder rub." Frank helped Nora sit down and then stood behind her, massaging her shoulders. "Babe, is the pressure okay? Should I go a bit harder?"

Nora closed her eyes, enjoying it. "Not bad, babe, your technique is getting better." The two of them seemed super close.

Word was, Nora was pregnant. The day Frank found out, he told everyone, wanting to share his joy.

Nora's belly wasn't showing much yet, but Frank was already spoiling her, not letting her do anything. He even suggested she quit her job to rest at home.

Nora was tempted, thinking Frank was financially stable and treated her so well that her salary wasn't really needed. But Emily had advised her that no matter how capable a man was, a woman should never lose her ability to earn money. It was Emily's advice that ultimately made her decide not to quit.

Richard stood for a while, then turned to look in another direction.

At the bow, Ethan and Emily were leaning against the railing, whispering sweet nothings.

The couple also seemed very close.

Richard found a spot farther away to sit down. When he looked up again, the two leaning against each other had changed positions. Now, Emily was leaning against the railing, Ethan had one arm around her waist and the other holding her head, and they were passionately kissing.

"Babe, am I doing great?"

Frank's voice came from nearby, seeking praise.

Nora didn't hold back her compliments. "You're amazing."

"Come here, a reward."

Frank lowered his head, and Nora turned to give him a loud kiss on the lips.

Richard lit a cigarette, crossed his legs, and looked helpless.

Richard said, "I just wanted to get some fresh air, but you all are torturing me. Can't you two couples stop bullying me? Jason was smart; he knew he'd be tortured by you guys, so he didn't come."

Ethan paused his kiss, his fingers playing with Emily's silky hair, his loving gaze never leaving her face, but his words were directed at Richard. "You only have yourself to blame for not having a girlfriend. You have to get used to being tortured."noveldrama

Ethan and Emily gazed at each other tenderly. To Emily, Ethan's eyes were more dazzling than the stars in the night sky.

When emotions ran deep, no more words were needed. Emily hooked her arms around his neck and kissed him again.

Richard sighed, feeling he had really come to the wrong place today.

"At least you have me to keep you company," a lonely voice suddenly came from above.

Richard followed the voice and saw Oliver lying on a chair in the dim shadows, his legs crossed on the railing. He downed a can of beer in one gulp and then tossed the empty can into the sea.

"Throwing things around is not right. What if it hits someone?" Frank joked.

Oliver wasn't interested in joking, lying motionless on the chair, and grunted, "It's late at night; there couldn't possibly be anyone at sea."

Frank continued his teasing, "Even if it doesn't hit a person, it's not good to hit other marine life."

Oliver couldn't be bothered to respond and fell silent.

Emily's phone suddenly rang, interrupting their kiss.

Emily said into the phone, "Sophie, are you here? I'm on the deck."

Hearing the name Sophie, Richard instinctively glanced at Emily but quickly looked away without any further reaction.

Soon, footsteps sounded on the stairs.

"Emily!" Sophie said as she held Abby's hand, called out, and walked towards Emily.

It wasn't until she reached Emily that she saw Richard sitting on the other side, and she immediately felt a bit uneasy.

Richard was also leaning on the sofa, legs crossed, looking at her with something different in his eyes.

Sophie had dressed up deliberately today.

In fact, since she joined the Emoire Artistry Group, Sophie had changed quite a bit, but his gaze rarely lingered on her. Today, for the first time, Richard couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Sophie was wearing a beige lace dress and black heels. Her long hair was down, with a silver headband, revealing her fair face with light makeup.

She was just in her early twenties. Previously, due to poor conditions, she was always skinny. Now, things were different. Her face had become rounder, and her figure more voluptuous. In short, she was full of collagen, radiating youthful energy.

Emily picked up Abby and kissed her, then found a spot not too far from Richard to sit down with Sophie.

Emily said with a faint smile, "Sophie, Mr. Tate works at a large company. His sister is a beautician at the Emoire Artistry Group. He's easy to get along with. And his parents are both approachable people. You should meet him later. If you like him at first sight, exchange contact information and get to know each other for a while."

Sophie couldn't help but steal a glance at Richard. He had already looked away, wearing his usual indifferent expression.

A few days ago, Emily had suggested Sophie think about her future and even offered

to find her a match. Sophie hadn't taken it seriously, thinking Emily was just talking. She didn't expect Emily to arrange a blind date so quickly.

She couldn't refuse her kindness, knowing Emily meant well, and thought she might as well go through the motions. After all, Sophie had a daughter, and Charles might not even be interested.

Sophie hadn't expected Richard to be there. If she had known, she wouldn't have come for the blind date even if it killed her.

Sophie had toughened up since joining the Emoire Artistry Group, but she still lacked some courage and confidence when facing Richard.

Soon, Emily received a call, saying, "Mr. Tate, you're here? Okay, please wait a moment. She'll be there soon."

After hanging up, Emily pulled Abby close to her.

"Come here, Abby. Your mommy has something to do. Aunt Emily will play with you for a while."

Emily gave Sophie a meaningful look.

Sophie stood up, not daring to look in Richard's direction, and nervously walked towards the cabin.

Ethan came over, sat next to Emily, put his arm around her, and whispered in her ear, "Honey, isn't your plan a bit too much?"

Emily whispered back with a smile, "If we don't follow this plan, it probably won't work on Richard."

About ten minutes later, Richard stubbed out his cigarette and got up to walk into the cabin.

Watching Richard's figure disappear at the stairway, Emily gave Ethan a triumphant look and made a victory gesture.

Sophie went down to the small dining area in the cabin, looked around, and quickly spotted a man in a navy suit and glasses sitting alone at a table.

Seeing the copy of "The Emoire Artistry Group Style" magazine in his hand, Sophie knew it was him and walked over.

Sophie said, "Hello, Mr. Tate."

Charles adjusted his glasses, looked her over, and couldn't help but show a hint of amazement in his eyes.

"Are you Ms. Harrison?"

Sophie shyly nodded with a smile.

Charles immediately stood up and pulled out the chair opposite him.

Charles asked very politely, "Ms. Harrison, please sit. Would you like something to

drink?"

"I'm fine with anything," Sophie said as she sat down.

Charles called over a waiter and ordered an orange juice.

"Ladies seem to like this. I hope you do too."

"Thank you."

When the orange juice arrived, Sophie didn't touch it. Since sitting down, they hadn't

started any conversation, making her feel very awkward.

Charles cleared his throat, saying, "Well, Ms. Harrison. I'm quite satisfied with you. What do you think of me? If you have no objections, why don't we pick a time to get

the marriage license?"

"What?"

Sophie looked up in surprise.

Sophie said, "This, this is too fast, isn't it?"

"Why? Is Ms. Harrison not satisfied with me? I earn $8,000 a month, have a three- bedroom place, and a $30,000 car, all paid off with no loans. If you're willing to marry me, I think our future life will be quite comfortable. Of course, you can state any other conditions you have."

From Charles's tone, it was clear he thought he was quite a catch.

Sophie gave an awkward smile, saying, "It's not that. We've just met for the first time and don't know each other well. Isn't this a bit too fast?"

Charles smiled, tugged at his tie, and said proudly, "Actually, blind dates are like shopping. When you see something you like, you should grab it. The more you look, the more confused you get. By the time you come back, the good stuff will be gone."

Sophie wasn't good at rejecting people. Although Charles's appearance and conditions were decent, her heart already belonged to someone else. To her, this blind date was just a formality. Moreover, Charles's viewpoint was quite bizarre, leaving her feeling very confused.

Just as she was at a loss, she saw Richard walk into the cabin, making her even more

nervous.

Charles noticed too and, frowning, asked, "Ms. Harrison, do you have any concerns? To

show my sincerity, I'll hand over my salary card first."

He took out a bank card and pushed it towards Sophie.

This made Sophie extremely embarrassed.

Sophie said, "Mr. Tate, I think..."

"Mommy..."

A call interrupted Sophie.

Abby suddenly appeared from somewhere and ran towards Sophie.

Seeing Abby, Sophie didn't feel she came at the wrong time. Instead, she felt a sense of

relief. She reached out and caught Abby as she ran into her arms.

Charles looked at the little girl in surprise.

Charles said, "Ms. Harrison, you have a child?"

Sophie kissed Abby's cheek and said calmly, "Yes, she's my daughter."

Charles hadn't expected Sophie to have a child.

He swallowed hard, continuing, "Then, where's the child's father?"

Abby pointed and said crisply, "My daddy is over there."

Charles followed Abby's finger and widened his eyes. Charles said, "Mr. Windsor!"