Chapter 257 Six People Traveling
It was the first time Bella had used such a sweet, pleading tone with him. Sterling pinched her chin.
She seemed delicate, but she was actually quite stubborn. This softness was rare.
Sterling watched her for a moment. "Alright, that reason seems acceptable."
Then, in a gentle voice, he said, "Sit on my lap and say something I like to hear, and I'll agree to take you."
Bella rolled her eyes at him. He was really getting into character, wasn't he? Did he actually think she was begging him?
Bella pretended not to hear and didn't move.
"Don't you know you have to finish the act?" Sterling said, smiling at her.
Bella glanced around quickly.
There were a lot of people on the shore, and plenty of boats on the lake. She felt a bit shy.
She whispered to Sterling, "Can we do this at home?"
Seeing Bella being so obedient and cute, Sterling's eyes darkened. He turned to the captain and said, "Please dock the boat. Thank you."
Bella was puzzled. "Weren't we supposed to take a round trip?" There was supposed to be a "return" part, right?
Sterling calmly told her, "I can't wait."
His expression was so natural, blending perfectly with the serene landscape, that Bella didn't think much of it. She was just curious about what he couldn't wait for.
It wasn't until Bella followed Sterling ashore, got into the car, and was taken back to the hotel, where he suddenly pressed her onto the bed and kissed her, that she finally understood what he was in such a hurry for!
Sterling removed her hairpin, letting her hair fall loose. His fingers combed through her soft hair, forcing her to tilt her head back to accept his kiss.
He didn't even bother to take off Bella's dress. He just lifted the skirt and pushed aside the fabric underneath!
Bella couldn't handle such directness. She whimpered and hit his back. "Sterling, are you crazy? Weren't we talking about going to the Windsor Villa? You tricked me!"
The sound of water in the bedroom seemed louder than the oars on the lake.
Bella increasingly felt that Sterling had wanted to do this to her since they were in the private room. He just liked this kind of possessive dominance.
In the midst of her confusion and desire, Bella remembered something and reached out, but Sterling grabbed her hand and pinned it to the pillow, continuing their wild encounter.
It was evening by the time they finished. Bella looked at her disheveled dress and glared at Sterling, her eyes wet with both grievance and anger.
Sterling covered her eyes with his hand, his voice still tinged with lingering desire.
"If you want to go to the Windsor Villa for dinner, stop looking at me like that."
Sterling laughed. "You know I can't resist your teasing."
Bella hit him. "You were lying to me, weren't you? You just wanted to do this. You're shameless."
Sterling laughed. "I wasn't lying. It's true."
"Then when are we going?" Bella was still angry.
Sterling soothed her. "In a few days. For now, let's have some fun. Colin and the others rented a yacht for a night cruise on Luminous Lake. Do you want to go?"
Camping? Bella immediately nodded. "I'll call Anna."
Bella picked up her phone and saw several messages from Anna, asking where she was and if she wanted to meet up.
Seeing that Bella hadn't replied, Anna had sent a few more messages criticizing Sterling, saying he never let Bella have any fun and that she shouldn't spoil him.
Bella was mortified and glared at Sterling, who was tying his tie, pretending not to notice her resentful look.
Sterling knew he had gone a bit overboard today, so he tried to make amends by bringing Bella some clothes.
When Bella and Sterling arrived, Anna and the others were already having a blast on the boat.
Anna, who hadn't seen Bella all day, greeted her like a long-lost relative.
"Bella, I missed you! This place is amazing. A company-paid trip is the best!" Anna hugged Bella tightly.
Bella laughed. "If it's so fun, how did you have time to miss me?"
While Bella and Anna chatted, the three men sat on the yacht's deck, drinking and talking.
Their conversation was sporadic, as if they weren't in a hurry to delve into any particular topic.
The shimmering lake, now mysterious and deep in the night, gently rocked the yacht, creating a sleepy atmosphere.
In this environment, Bella actually fell asleep.
She hadn't slept well the night before and had been busy all day. Now, on the yacht's lounge chair, she found the perfect spot to catch up on sleep.
Seeing this, Sterling thoughtfully found a thin blanket to cover her, to keep her from getting cold.
Anna noticed and teased quietly, "You must have kept her busy last night. Bella can sleep anywhere when she's out having fun. I really admire you two." Her tone was a mix of teasing and envy.
Sterling instinctively explained, "She has trouble sleeping in new places."
But Micah chimed in, "Don't bother explaining. Explaining is just covering up, and covering up means it's true. We all get it, no need to be embarrassed. Sterling, you're not that young anymore, don't be so thin-skinned." His words made the others laugh.
Sterling, in a rare good mood, didn't argue with them. He took his drink and walked to the side, enjoying the distant scenery.
The evening breeze, slightly salty and cool, made him feel incredibly peaceful and relaxed.
Anna, who couldn't sit still, grabbed a bottle of wine and sat next to Micah. "How long are you planning to stay here?" she asked, her tone curious and expectant.
Micah thought for a moment. "We haven't decided yet. We'll see how we feel. This trip is all about relaxing and enjoying life, no need to rush."
Anna nodded in agreement.
On this relaxed evening yacht ride, everyone seemed to find their own way to have fun and unwind.
They enjoyed the evening breeze, the beautiful scenery, and each other's company, making it a night to remember.
Because there was a battle waiting for them ahead.
"Did you tell Bella?" Colin asked.
Sterling nodded. "Get the information ready. After we spend a few days having fun with Bella and the others, we'll take action."
Colin nodded, glancing at Anna, who was happily taking pictures of the night scenery on the deck.
She was undoubtedly happy now, but whether this trip would end in joy or sorrow was still unknown.
Colin hoped the truth would come later, so Anna's smile could last a bit longer.
"I'll contact the police and make preparations," Micah said.
The three of them clinked their glasses, as if making a promise to each other.
When they said they were going to have fun, they meant it.
The next day, their group of five gained a new member—Lisa.
She had come to shoot an ad, but after the ad team left, Lisa chose to stay with Colin.
The addition of Lisa made the group of three men and three women seem more balanced, but her presence also subtly changed the dynamics.