Chapter 5 Malinda Ford

When the woman emerged from the bathroom, fresh and changed, she wore a white dress that hugged her form perfectly.

Her long hair was swept up, framing her features with effortless elegance. Every movement seemed to shimmer with a quiet, magnetic grace.

Charlie found her truly captivating.

When he heard the soft sound beside him, he turned and his eyes grew darker with interest.

Before she knew it, his steady stare washed over her and left her feeling shy, unsure of what to do with herself.

Even with that unfamiliar flutter in her chest, she understood that she needed him if she wanted to get out of this place.

Because of that, she pressed her lips together, then let a small smile bloom as she walked toward him with steady confidence. Each step carried a quiet elegance that made her look like she belonged inside a work of art.

Once she reached him, she lifted her slender arm and used her delicate fingers to pinch his collar before she eased open two buttons. She leaned in a little and placed a gentle kiss on his firm and tempting collarbone.

Afterward, she pulled in a slow breath and prepared herself, knowing this was a move she could not avoid. Men usually fell for bold and beautiful women, and he was no different. Still, he had pulled her out of that awful place.

The moment her lips touched him, Charlie's posture stiffened as a sharp tingle rushed through his body like a quick spark.

To him, she felt like a temptress who knew exactly how to unsettle a man.

He stepped back without hesitation and answered her with a cold remark. "You're not someone who can serve me."

His voice sounded rich and smooth, but the edge in his words cut straight through her.

She chewed on her bottom lip, frustration clouding her eyes as her chin dropped, the picture of someone who had just been caught doing something wrong.

Charlie took in her defeated posture and, to his own surprise, guilt began to prick at him.

He reached out and ran his fingers through her silky hair, letting the gentle gesture break the quiet tension that filled the room.

"Tell me your name," said Charlie, suddenly aware she hadn't uttered a single word since she arrived.

Instantly, her entire frame stiffened and unease flickered across her features, replacing any hint of calm.

For all those years locked away in that laboratory, she had been forced to keep silent, never once given the chance to speak to another soul beyond those cold walls.

"What's the matter? Did you forget your own name?" Charlie teased as he leaned closer, brushing his thumb along her lip. "Or are you just refusing to tell me?"

Her hands closed into tight fists, fingernails pressing hard into her skin.

A few moments later, she finally met his gaze, confusion shining in her eyes. She offered a gentle smile and shook her head, as if she truly couldn't understand what he meant.

Charlie studied her for a long moment, as though searching her expression for any sign of deception.

"If that's how it is, I'll choose one for you." He waited for her reaction, then said, "Your name is Malinda Ford now."

A heaviness settled in her chest as she realized what his gesture meant. By giving her his surname, he was staking a claim, binding her to him right there in front of everyone.

Despite the tight knot in her stomach, she found a silver lining. With this new identity, there was hope-maybe this was the key to her freedom.

Determined to play her part, she lowered her head, put on a gentle smile, and replied, "Thank you. That name suits me just fine."

Her show of gratitude did not go unnoticed. Charlie felt a surge of annoyance rising, but before he could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room.

Taking advantage of the interruption, Charlie let go of her arm and moved to answer the door.

"Sir, there's a huge ship heading our way." Levi appeared at the threshold, his expression tense.

Charlie's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Heaven Island was notorious for trading in items that could never be sold in plain sight-ancient relics, rare animals, forbidden specimens, and people forced into slavery. Every transaction happened behind layers of secrecy, and the island's location was never common knowledge. Only a select few could find it, and only under strict time constraints.

Grabbing the nearest infrared binoculars, Charlie peered through the lens and spotted the ship. "That's a warship," he muttered, his tone unreadable. "The Polaris Polka-Bloxtol's pride before it disappeared decades ago."

Levi could only stare. "Why would an old Bloxtol warship be here now?"

A sharp smirk crossed Charlie's lips, unbothered by the threat. "Looks like we've attracted pirates. Maybe our blood slave has something to do with this."

Levi shook himself free from shock and hurried to sound the alarm, spreading the word and contacting the mercenary outpost for backup.

An ear-splitting explosion shattered the air.