CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT – RETURNING TO THE PORT

Stepping out of the hospital, a giddy lightness filled Scarlett's chest. Landing the Events Coordinator position felt like a fresh start, a chance to channel all her energy into something truly meaningful. A notification buzzed on her phone, an unexpected message from an unknown number. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she opened it. "Come to the port - Mr. Stone." The words sent a jolt of electricity through her. Mr. Stone. Ever since his visit to her house the previous week, a hidden subconscious part of her heart had pined for him Scarlett squeezed her eyes shut, battling the urge to scream in pure delight. This wasn't safe, not really. But the thrill of the unknown, the allure of the masked stranger, proved too strong to resist. Hailing a taxi, she blurted out the address of her apartment, a whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her head. Reaching her apartment, she wasted no time. Slipping out of her casual clothes, she threw on a dress that accentuated all the right cur