Chapter 492
After putting on his shoes, Joshua led Shermaine away. Hand in hand, they left the freezer and walked toward the elevator.
Once they were back in their room, Shermaine took a quick shower and collapsed into bed the moment her head hit the pillow.
Joshua sat beside her, tucking the blanket carefully around her shoulders, his eyes soft with affection. “Good night, Sheary.”
Since she’d fallen asleep early, Shermaine woke before dawn.
They were still an hour out from Baykeep, and the sky was just beginning to lighten with the first pale hints of morning. Gradually, golden sunlight spread across the entire ocean surface, painting everything in warm hues.
Joshua pulled Shermaine from the warm cocoon of blankets, urging her to get dressed and freshen up. After grabbing breakfast, he led her out of their cabin.
On the ship’s top deck, a gentle sea breeze stirred the air. The golden sun hung like a perfect orb, slowly rising from the horizon. The sight was absolutely breathtaking.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Joshua asked.
Shermaine nodded, her voice filled with wonder. “It’s gorgeous.”
During all their time aboard the ship, Shermaine had never bothered with sunrises or sunsets. After Joshua appeared, she’d been too busy modifying fighter jets to indulge in such leisurely pursuits.
“The Kingdom of Xyperia has plenty of beautiful spots we could visit before heading home,” Joshua suggested.
“Yeah,” Shermaine nodded.
Enjoying breakfast while watching the sunrise was truly a treat. After they finished eating, Shermaine cradled a cup of hot coffee in her hands.
Gradually, the outline of a city appeared on their right side, growing clearer as they approached. Soon after, the ship’s announcement crackled to life. “We are now approaching Baykeep. Please gather your belongings and prepare to disembark.”
Shermaine sipped her coffee thoughtfully. “We’re almost there.”
“Yeah,” Joshua replied. This meant they were getting closer and closer to taking control of Baykeep.
The ship docked smoothly. The passengers disembarked in an orderly fashion while crowds waited on the pier to welcome them.
Most of the greeters were beautiful women, and ceremonial cannons fired celebratory salutes into the air. However, Bronx wasn’t among them.
Most of the passengers had already disembarked by the time Joshua and Shermaine finally made their way down with Gracie.
As one of the top ten players in the International Gambling Tournament, Shermaine had her accommodations arranged by the organizers. They would be staying at Rosa Mansion, Baykeep’s most expensive and luxurious hotel.
When Jasmine arrived in the city, memories of her ancestors’ recorded history made her feel an unexpected warmth toward this place.
A private car had been sent to pick them up–a sleek black stretch limousine that pulled up right in front of them.
As they walked toward the vehicle, Simon suddenly darted in front of them with a grin. “Boa! Welcome to Baykeep–welcome to my turf.”
Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to pick a fight with me?”
Simon played innocent. “I can barely keep up with trying to please you. Why would I provoke you?”
Shermaine let out a scoff. “Move. Don’t block the path.”
Simon had been rejected once again, and this time he’d been publicly humiliated by Shermaine in front of everyone. His face turned an ugly shade of red with anger.
Shermaine didn’t even bother to glance at him as she stepped around him and continued walking forward.
Joshua moved to Simon’s side and stopped, his voice calm but cutting. “My girl won’t lose to you in this competition.” The implication was crystal clear – Simon wouldn’t be the next city lord. Joshua was basically telling him he wasn’t good enough.
Joshua continued with casual cruelty, “A weakling like you will never be Baykeep city lord.”
Simon lost it completely and swung his fist at Joshua’s face.
Joshua caught it effortlessly, his grip tightening as deadly intent flashed in his eyes. “I can fulfill your death wish.”
After witnessing Joshua’s display of power on the ship, Simon’s bodyguards were clearly intimidated. They quickly stepped forward to intervene. “Mr. Moreno, calm down.”
Then they pleaded, “Cain, let go of Mr. Moreno.”
A crowd had gathered, and all eyes were on them.
Joshua chuckled softly and casually let go of his grip.
Simon knew he wasn’t strong enough to take him on, so he naturally wouldn’t make any rash moves, but he still threw out a threat. “You just wait and see.”
Joshua ignored him and followed Shermaine into the car.
Instead of heading to Rosa Mansion, Simon drove straight to the city lord’s mansion.
Once he arrived at the city lord’s mansion, he went to see Bronx.
Bronx hadn’t seen Simon in a long time, so naturally there was plenty of small talk and catching up.
But Simon was too impatient for pleasantries and cut to the chase. “Dad, when are you planning to make your move on that guy?”