At that moment, Xenia was overwhelmed with the joy of having escaped a life-threatening situation.
Clarissa's insults didn't bother her at all.
"To survive, any price is worth paying," Xenia said to Clarissa. "All this time, I've been under Caleb's control, stripped of my freedom, yet I've endured it. Maybe if I just spend tonight with some man and manage to leave this ship, I can find the one I truly love again."
Xenia entertained this optimistic possibility, even smiling slightly. "If that's the case, I'll have accomplished my original goal after all."
But Clarissa didn't back down. She stared at Xenia like a venomous snake, her beauty hiding deadly intentions.
"I still don't trust you," Clarissa said.
"You're not a foolish woman—I'll give you that. You're clever, quick-witted, and
