His Unveiled Passion

Summer was grinning when she asked again, "Who's got the Ace of Hearts?"

Stephen's demeanor had turned extremely frigid while Marissa pursed her lips and revealed her card.

The silence in the room was deafening.

Stephen's face was dark when he looked at Marissa coldly. Everyone could sense the waves of anger rolling off Stephen's body and didn't dare say a word.

Tessa let out a mocking laugh suddenly. She pinned Summer with an icy gaze and said, "Ms. Heatherson, you sure make great choices."

Summer stuck her tongue out at Tessa before a grin broke across her face. She matched Tessa's gaze steadily. "It's just a coincidence."

Marissa looked at Tessa with a troubled expression. "Tessa, I'm so sorry. Summer didn't know that you've gotten back together with Stephen. Let me apologize in her stead."

"It looks to me that Ms. Heatherson doesn't feel a shred of remorse," Tessa said, not even bothering to temper her icy expression.

"Why are you apologizing to her, Marissa?" Summer asked. "We didn't do anything wrong. It's just a game, isn't it? Everyone else is playing along, so why does she have to be the exception?"

Marissa's face darkened. She felt like she was caught between a rock and a hard place.

"That's enough, Summer!" Marissa retorted sternly, wearing an upset expression. Summer's gleeful smile melted away when she realized that Marissa was being serious, her expression morphing into a cold one. "What are you trying to say, Marissa? I'm trying to help you! Everyone knows that you've liked Stephen for years. Why would you let a golden opportunity like this slip through your fingers?"

Marissa turned indignant. She yelled, "I don't need your help! Don't stir up any trouble!"

"Trouble?" Summer barked out a condescending laugh. "Look me in the eye and tell me that you don't want to kiss him."

Fury burned in Marissa's eyes. Summer had exposed her deepest desires in front of everyone, leaving her in a tough spot. She couldn't deny that deep down, she wanted to kiss Stephen. But there was no way she could ever admit it aloud. She didn't want Tessa to start hating her because of it.

"Sorry for ruining the mood." Marissa turned to look at everyone and apologized. "You can continue playing." She then grabbed Summer and dragged her toward the exit..

"Let go of me!" Summer yelled. "I can't stand your fake act any longer! Why on earth would you become friends with your rival? Do you have any idea how pathetic you look?"

Summer continued to rant even as Marissa dragged her away. "I gave you an opportunity out of the goodness of my heart. How dare you turn my kindness around and call me a troublemaker? You're really something else!"

The two of them were locked in a struggle all the way to the exit. Summer never once stopped running her mouth. "I know you're trying to act like a saint, but why would you ask his girlfriend to bring Stephen onto the ship if you didn't still have feelings for him?"

Her words caused Marissa to freeze in her footsteps. She shot a glacial glare at Summer before saying, "You're wrong, Summer. I don't have any impure intentions that can see the fight of day. I admit that still like Stephen, but I'm not going to stoop so low to become his mistress. noveldrama

"I only asked Tessa to invite him as well to make up for all the regrets that I've accumulated over the years."

Marissa's demeanor was completely serious, and she meant every word she said.

"From today onward, I, Marissa Scott, am no longer in love with Stephen. I've given up."

Marissa pulled the door open and strolled out after saying her piece. Summer clicked her tongue, wearing a look of disdain on her face. She followed Marissa and left the room as well.

Peace was restored to the room after the two women left.

Quentin broke the silence by saying, "It's time for dinner! Let's grab a bite to eat."

"You're right. My stomach's already growling from hunger," Naomi added. "Let's eat!"

Sienna squeezed Tessa's palm

lightly. "Don't take what happened to heart, Tessa," she comforted.

"Summer was trying to stir up troubleon purpose. Stephen only has you in his heart. He won't do anything that will hurt you.

"She's right, Tessa," Naomi chimed in. "There's no need to get angry over those

who don't deserve your attention."

Tessa smiled and said, "I'm fine."

Stephen looked at Tessa. "If you're unhappy, let's leave the ship, Tess. I can get someone to pick us up."

Tessa shook her head. "I knew that you wouldn't agree to her command. I'm fine, really."

Stephen pulled Tessa into his embrace and pressed a light kiss to her forehead. "I will never do anything that will make me lose you," he declared.

Naomi shot a look at Quentin and Sienna before they quietly exited the break room.