Serena watched Hazel bury her head like an ostrich and raised a subtle eyebrow.
During their video call last night, she had seen Hazel eating the pastries Julian made.
She had already guessed Hazel must have met up with him.
Normally, when running missions in the field, Hazel's lips were sealed tight.
But the moment phenomenal food was involved, her brain tended to short-circuit.
However, Serena also knew that while Hazel was a glutton, she wasn't careless.
There was no way she would have spilled the plan about Serena boarding the ship alone.
Before sitting down today, Serena had specifically observed Julian.
His expression was completely normal.
If Hazel had leaked the core details, Julian absolutely wouldn't be this calm.
But now...
A pharmaceutical friend.
Her boarding alias.
Serena gently tapped her porcelain spoon.
It seemed Hazel had leaked at least a sliver of 'The Panacea' persona.
Serena lowered her gaze and took another sip of her oatmeal.
Through his glasses, Julian glanced at his sister but didn't notice anything unusual.
So why was Hazel acting so guilty and frantic?
He instinctively tried to explain. "Hazel, I didn't mean anything by it. I just thought, before we board the ship, it might be good to get acquainted so we can look out for each other."
Hazel ducked her head even lower, wishing she could bury her entire face in her bowl.
Ahhhhhhh!
If Julian wanted her dead, he could just ask!
The moment those words hung in the air.
The gazes of several people at the table subtly shifted.
Jerrick's brow furrowed slightly.
Pharmaceutical friend?
What pharmaceutical friend?
Then, he looked at Serena.
Jasper's eyes narrowed playfully.
Did his sister arrange for backup to board the ship too?
Then, he also looked at Serena.
She slowly peeked up, wanting to shoot Serena a look of gratitude.
But the moment she raised her eyes, she slammed right into Serena's freezing gaze.
Hazel froze.
She silently lowered her head again and took a massive bite of her sausage.
Right.
She knew nothing.
She was just an innocent foodie.
Just then, a servant walked into the dining room and announced respectfully, "Mr. Blackwood has arrived."
The words had barely faded.
A tall, casually elegant figure appeared in the doorway.
Nicholas wore a black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up effortlessly, highlighting his striking, pale wrists.
He exuded a languid grace, looking a bit sleepy, as if he had just rolled out of bed.
Yet, his aristocratic, devastatingly handsome face was as mesmerizing as ever.
The moment Jasper saw him, his face plummeted, and he slammed his food back onto his plate. "Why are you here again?"
Nicholas slowly lifted his gaze and looked at Jasper. "To have breakfast with Serena."

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