Chapter 4 Stirring Up Trouble

The Royal Princess cruise ship.

As dusk blanketed the ocean, guests gathered along the railings of the Royal Princess cruise ship, their eyes drawn to the sea's expanse. As the ship edged closer to Ontdale Harbor, a particular woman stole the show.

Clad in a gem-red silk gown that rippled like liquid fire under the soft lights, she radiated allure. The fabric clung to her curves, sculpting her waist, while her long, elegant legs seemed to stretch endlessly.

Her hair was swept into an intricate updo, and her bold red lips, paired with pearl earrings, whispered understated luxury.

The ensemble was simple, yet undeniably seductive.

"Wow, honey, look at yourself now! The legendary queen, the Scarlet Snake is back!" Rebecca blurted, her voice thick with awe. "You've been dressing like a nun for the last three years - what a shame!"

"Scarlet Snake" had been Allison's codename during her missions, a persona as bold as the red she used to wear.

Back then, she took pride in her appearance, dressing to match her fierce identity. But Colton... He'd dismissed her, calling her style obnoxious and demanding she mimic Melany.

Allison complied, thinking she'd win him back if she blended into the background. Modest whites, housewife duties, trying to be the perfect woman his family had wanted - nothing worked.

The Stevens family had written her off regardless.

A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Allison's mouth.

"You're right, Rebecca," she replied. "It's about time I just be me again."

As those words left her lips, she remained unaware that Colton and Melany had just arrived at the harbor. They were greeted by Kaelyn, whose loyalty to Colton knew no bounds.

"Miss Johnson, you're finally here! You wouldn't believe how much Mr. Stevens missed you. He's planned a special surprise tonight on the cruise!" Kaelyn gushed, all too eager to please.

Melany shook her head, lips pursed.

"Colton, you don't have to go through all this trouble. People will have a negative impression of you."

Colton grasped her hand.

"No need to care about their opinion. I'm divorced now - nobody's going to say a word."

As more guests filtered onto the ship, Allison and Rebecca navigated through the crowd, making their way to the third floor, where the banquet awaited them.

The ship, lit up like a palace of decadence, was steeped in vintage glamour. At the heart of it, the music was loud and wild, and bodies swayed to the rhythm without a care.

Rebecca handed Allison a key card.

"Enjoy yourself tonight! I booked you eight gigolos. They're all clean and perfect," she teased.

Allison raised an eyebrow, amused. "Weren't we here to track down the perfumer, not to fool around?"

"Don't worry. We've got an hour before the event kicks off. I've got people watching the Charisma Company guests for you. You might as well have some fun while you wait."

She pointed across the room at a striking man. "Speaking of fun, I think I'll go dance with that fine piece over there."

Allison watched as the man threw Rebecca a knowing wink.

She shook her head, chuckling softly, and slipped the key card into her bag.

"Go on, then. I'll be in the hall on the right."

She wasn't in the mood for any romantic distractions, so after ordering a tequila, she wandered to the quieter side of the ship, where the breeze and the endless horizon offered a reprieve from the noise.

But peace didn't last long.

"Hey there, gorgeous. Drinking alone?"

Allison glanced up to see a short, slimy-looking man leering at her. "If you're feeling a bit lonely, me and the boys can fix that," he jeered, motioning toward a small group of equally unsavory men standing a few steps away.

The short man strutted over, his gold chain swinging with each exaggerated step, and his fingers glittering with gaudy rings like they were worth more than his dignity. He leaned in, his breath heavy with arrogance. "I've got cash to burn, babe. How about - Ah! My hand!" There was a sharp crack as Allison effortlessly twisted his wrist, the movement so fluid that it looked rehearsed.

His bones snapped like dry twigs, and she didn't even dignify him with a glance.

"Walk away now while you're still able."

The man stood frozen, not entirely processing what had just happened. Then the pain hit, and he howled, yanking his hand back in disbelief.

A woman had just taken him down as easily as one could swat a fly.

Humiliation quickly morphed into fury. He snatched up a nearby bottle with his uninjured hand, face red with rage. "You think you can get away with that, you-? You're dead!"