The Third Wheel

Once everyone had arrived, lunch officially began.

Irene slowly recalled the events after getting off the plane through the conversation between Britney and Edward. The entire process had been handled by dedicated staff, with every service provided, leaving her with absolutely no need to think. No wonder she hadn't remembered a thing when she woke up.

They finished their lunch at a leisurely pace.

She casually picked up the newspaper the butler had placed in the living room.

"To think that when my movie first premiered, I had to scour the entire newspaper just to find a tiny corner mentioning a review. And now, look how little time it took for my face to end up on the front page. I have our superstar Britney to thank for her selfless contribution."

In the center of the newspaper, besides a smiling Irene, the main focus was actually on Britney, who was crying her eyes out.

The headline of the report read: <Counting Down Hollywood's Best Friends Across Borders>.

It described many touching events regarding the friendship between Irene and Britney, using such moving language that it warmed the heart of anyone who read it.

"Let me see." Britney took the newspaper.

"Damn it, which photographer made me look so ugly!" She slammed the newspaper onto the table the moment she saw the photo.

"Let me see, you could never look ugly in any photo!" Edward quickly wrapped his arm around her shoulders to comfort her gently, taking the newspaper from Britney to flip it to the front page, and couldn't help but let out a "Pfft" of laughter.

"Ah, even you are making fun of me!" Britney shoved Edward's arm away fiercely.

Edward hurriedly chased after her, "I'm not making fun of you, it's just very cute. Really, look at how your eyes and nose are all red from crying, just like a little bunny. How cute!"

Irene squinted as she watched the two of them flirting as if no one else were around, beginning to wonder if bringing Britney along for this vacation had been the right decision.

She tried to give a "Cough, cough" to remind the two across from her to restrain themselves.

Unfortunately, neither of them shifted their gaze toward her.

When Irene stood up to return to her room, Britney finally hurried to stand up as well, asking, "Irene, where are you going?"

"I saw a pool downstairs, I want to go for a swim."

"I'm coming too, I'm coming too! Are there swimsuits here?" Although she didn't call out a name, everyone knew who she was asking.

Edward quickly chimed in, "Yes, everything is prepared. Do you know how to swim? Do you want me to teach you? I was the captain of the swim team in high school."

"Really? Then let me see your skills."

"I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Irene walked toward her room with a blank expression, thinking, Let the world end. Do I really have to be this third wheel?

After changing into her swimsuit, Irene followed the butler to the pool. The edge of the pool was made of white tiles that connected seamlessly with the ocean, making it feel as if one were immersed in the sea.

On the way, she had seen an island not far away that was similar to theirs but clearly larger and more populated. The butler said that was Maui, home to the most popular Grand Wailea Resort in Hawaii.

The Grand Wailea Resort was a legendary existence on Maui, Hawaii, known for its unparalleled scale, artistic atmosphere, and innovative facilities.

The hotel was designed in a grand Tuscany palace style and was itself like a massive art gallery, housing millions of dollars worth of art and antiques, including works by masters like Dali and Botero.

Most impressive was its "Canyon Activity Pool," as well as the largest and most top-tier spa in Hawaii. Both were well worth experiencing.

Irene was curious as to why the other party held this hotel in such high regard.

It turned out that Edward's father was close friends with the investor of the Grand Wailea Hotel, which was how they were able to purchase the island nearby.

Not only that, but when their chefs weren't serving the owners, they worked at the hotel, and even the temporary service staff had been borrowed from the hotel.

Irene was once again shocked by the extravagance of Edward's family, wondering when she would ever reach such a level.

She untied her sarong and dove into the water like a silver fish, her slender body stretching out in a graceful curve amidst the ripples.

After she had swum two laps, Britney and Edward finally arrived fashionably late.

"If you feel bored, boss, you can tell the butler to have someone come over for a spa, or go sea fishing, or diving. Oh, and there's also jet skiing and seaplanes; they're all great choices. Don't be shy, just treat this like your own home."

Clearly, Edward was also worried that Irene would be unhappy being left alone, but Hawaii was the last place one would worry about having nothing to do.

At four in the afternoon, the sun had only shifted slightly to the west, showing no signs of leaving.

The sunlight spilled onto the sea, looking like shimmering crushed silver.

The butler hired a jet ski instructor. After the instructor took Irene out on the sea for two laps and taught her how to use each button, Irene was able to handle it on her own. She put on a life jacket, donned her goggles, and sped off by herself.

This area of the sea was the designated riding zone for the nearby islands, so Irene was not the only one speeding across the water.

Since it happened to be summer vacation, there were plenty of families out with their children, so there were many novices on the water struggling to navigate. A young and beautiful female driver like Irene stood out quite prominently.

The salty sea breeze gently brushed against Irene's short hair. She sat astride the jet ski, her wet hair clinging to her cheeks. She lifted her head and took a deep breath, savoring this quiet and leisurely moment.

Just then, another jet ski cut through the blue water, slowly driving toward her and finally stopping beside her.

The rider took off his goggles, revealing a well-defined face, his deep blue eyes looking at her with a hint of apology.

"I hope I didn't startle you," his voice was low and gentle, "I just saw someone out here alone and wanted to come over and say hello. My name is Henry, and I'm here on vacation with my family."

Irene looked at him and nodded, a faint smile on her face, "Hello, Henry, I'm Irene."

The person in front of her didn't look very old; the youthful awkwardness had not yet fully faded from his face, and his broad shoulders still carried a hint of thinness. Seawater slid down his slightly curly black hair, dripping onto his tan chest, looking exactly like the most popular football team captain on a college campus.

He was very handsome and had a top-tier physique, which perfectly matched her aesthetic. He looked slightly familiar, but Irene didn't dwell on it.

His gaze was honest and direct, carrying a sense of pure curiosity and appreciation, which made her feel a hint of pleasure. She immediately thought of how noisy Britney and Edward's world for two was, and perhaps she should find a companion to share the beauty of Hawaii with over the next few days.

"The sea around here is beautiful, especially the coral reefs near the Grand Wailea Hotel," Henry continued naturally, as if they were old friends, "Their hotel also has a nice antique display area, collecting some interesting shipwreck relics and old ship models. If you're interested..."

He paused, his eyes bright as he extended an invitation.

"If you're interested, I'd be happy to take you to see it tomorrow."

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