Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 396

I couldn't be sure. The moment the thought took root, though, I couldn't suppress it.

If Karina simply ignored me during my ordeal, I might have accused her of having an icy heart but if she intentionally tied that rope around my ankle, that’s a different kettle of fish. Wasn't that akin to attempted murder?

"Neil, could you fetch me some wet wipes from my bag? My hands are all greasy," Karina requested, shaking her oil-slicked hands in mild exasperation.

Karina had brought a bag, which was placed just a few feet away from me.

Neil responded, “Sure, in a moment.”

I got up first, “I’ll get it for you!”

Seeing me approach her bag, Karina’s expression momentarily flinched in resistance, she quickly stepped forward, “It’s okay, I'll get it. God knows this bag is already dirty enough.”

She then moved her bag away to a place beyond my sight, only then did she proceed to take out a pack of wet wipes.

This action of hers seemed a bit odd. Was she worried that I would have seen something in her bag? Or was she just being protective of her privacy?

“What’s up?” My distracted demeanor caught Russel's attention; he asked in a low voice.

“Nothing,” I snapped back to reality, shaking my head.

A while later, Karina and Neil prepared lunch, which was all seafood, complemented by a bottle of wine provided by the hotel. The spread was quite lavish.

Russel and I sat on one side, with Neil and Karina opposite us.

Karina seemed quite pleased with her culinary achievement. She beamed at us, “Ms. Finch, Russel, please try it and tell me how you like it!”

“It should be delicious. It looks very fresh,” I praised, even before starting my meal.

“Then, eat more,” Karina shot Russel a meaningful look, “Russel, shouldn’t you be more attentive to your wife? She’s hurt her hand. You should be helping her with her food, or even feeding her.”

Neil chimed in unexpectedly, “She’s not left-handed.”

That was true. I had injured my left hand, but I was right-handed, so my daily activities weren't much affected, especially when it came to something as simple as eating.

Even though that was the case, when Neil said it, it sounded strange.

Even Russel's expression cooled a bit, but Karina remained relaxed, even offering Neil a smile, “Right, I forgot one can eat with one hand. I just wanted to give Russel an opportunity to show his caring side. He’s always been so slow on the emotional uptake. I’m worried that Ms. Finch might not stand his wooden nature.”

I laughed lightly, and turned my head towards Russel, “He’s just a bit introverted in front of others, but he’s actually quite attentive and considerate.”

Since Karina was so keen on highlighting my relationship with Russel to Neil, I decided to play along.

Hearing my praise, Russel was pleasantly surprised, and a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. He seemed to relish my compliments.

“Oh, it’s okay.”

My calm demeanor apparently took Karina aback. She seemed slightly confused, and her eyes hinted at an expectation that I would have said more, but I stayed silent.

Observing my silence, Karina furrowed her brows slightly and her chatter subsequently lessened.

After lunch, our outing ended and we sailed back to shore. Karina kept probing me about my injury on the way back. I had the distinct feeling that she wanted me to expose her.

Once back, our rooms were next to each other. As I was about to enter my room, Karina said, “Ms. Finch, do take care of your wound. If it leaves a scar, I could help you with scar removal.”

“Thanks,” I replied distantly, then entered my room, with Russel following behind.

Once we were inside, Russel spoke, “The rope in Karina’s bag is identical to the one that was tied around your ankle.”

So, he too had noticed but chose not to bring it up then. He was always one to think things through, and was never impulsive. And I was glad he wasn't.

"I know." I sank into my chair, feeling a tinge of fatigue. The wound on my palm throbbed slightly, making it impossible to do anything with my left hand for the next few days.

"Did she do it?" Russel's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing within.

"It feels like she wants me to accuse her. Otherwise, why would she leave the bag? She could have taken it with her, or simply discarded the rope. What's the point of leaving it in the bag?" I reasoned, "The rope looks like the type used to tie up lobsters. We can ask around the hotel later to confirm."