CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO: A LUXURIOUS ESCAPE

The once-relaxed atmosphere on the ship had given way to an undercurrent of tension. Guests eyed each other suspiciously, whispered conversations ceased abruptly when others approached, and the staff seemed on edge, scurrying about with worried expressions. In their suite, Mason paced back and forth, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke in hushed tones with Ivan. Claire sat on the bed, her thoughts whirling. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing something important. "Mason," she said suddenly, causing him to pause mid-conversation. "I think we need to take a closer look at everyone on this ship. Not just the guests, but the crew too. Something doesn't add up." Mason ended his call and sat beside her, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. But we need to be careful. If we start poking around too obviously, it might tip off the thief... or thieves." Claire nodded, a determined glint in her eye. "Then we'll have to be subtle about it. I've got an idea..." As th