Chapter 2 - The Island Evacuation Protocol“What did you just say?”
Ethan Cole, the groom, finally pushed his way through the stunned crowd of guests, his tailored tuxedo jacket wrinkled, panic flashing in his eyes. He had coasted through life on charm and other people’s money, and right now, he realized the golden goose was about to fly away.
“Claire! Are you insane?” Ethan shouted, jogging after me as I carried Lily toward the private elevator that led down to the marina. “Vanessa’s dress is ruined, yes, but calling off the wedding? Over a minor spill? Get back here and apologize to your mother right now!”
I didn’t stop walking. I didn’t even look back.
“Security,” I spoke clearly into the satellite phone, ignoring Ethan entirely.
“Yes, Ms. Blackthorne,” a crisp, professional voice responded instantly through the encrypted earpiece.
“Execute Protocol Zero-One across the entire resort. All services are terminated effective immediately. Cut the power to the reception terrace. Secure the airstrip. Prepare my private yacht for immediate departure.”
“Understood, Boss. Protocol Zero-One initiated. Timeline to total lockdown: ten minutes.”
Ethan finally caught up, grabbing my arm roughly. “Hey! I’m talking to you, you ungrateful—”
Crack.
I didn't hit him, but my personal head of security, a towering ex-SAS operative named Marcus, materialized from the shadows of the palm trees with terrifying speed. He caught Ethan’s wrist, twisting it just enough to make the groom drop to his knees with a sharp cry of pain.
“Never touch Ms. Blackthorne again,” Marcus growled, his voice a low, lethal warning.
“Let me go! Do you know who I am? I’m marrying into the family!” Ethan screeched, thrashing on the ground.
“You’re marrying into a family of paupers who were living off my charity,” I said coldly, finally pausing to look down at him. My eyes were completely devoid of human emotion. “Every single glass of champagne you drank, every orchid on this terrace, the suit on your back, and the island you are standing on—I own it all. And as of ten seconds ago, your tab is due in full.”
Ethan stared up at me, his face draining of all color. “What... what are you talking about?”
“Ask your father-in-law,” I muttered, turning away as the crystal chandeliers above the reception terrace suddenly flickered, sputtered, and died.
Darkness plunged the upper terrace into chaos. Shrieks and gasps echoed through the tropical night as the music cut out entirely. The multi-million-dollar sound system went dead, replaced only by the crashing of the waves below.
Down at the private marina, a series of heavy mechanical gates hissed shut, locking the exits. The flashing red and green lights of the resort’s private helicopter pad blinked off one by one.
“Mommy, my arm hurts,” Lily whispered against my shoulder, shivering.
“I know, my sweet angel. We’re leaving. You’re safe now,” I whispered back, kissing the top of her head.
As I reached the private dock, my chief pilot was already standing by the gangway of my 180-foot superyacht, the Blackthorne Sovereign.
“Medical bay is prepped, Ms. Blackthorne,” the captain reported crisply, holding open the door.
May you like
I stepped aboard, carrying my wounded daughter into safety. Behind us, across the glittering bay, the multimillion-dollar wedding was devolving into a total riot of confusion, panic, and pitch-black dark.
And I hadn't even begun to ruin them yet.
