Chapter 20.
Kitty headed toward the café lounge. The moment she appeared, she could feel people’s gazes instantly shift to her. She couldn’t be sure whether it was simply because of her fame—or because of last night.
“Miss Summers!”
She flashed a charming smile at the people who greeted her. Kitty was the type of girl who smiled at everyone—whether that smile came from a poster or in person.
When she created her new identity, Kitty Summers, she prioritized only one thing:
To always be witty, always bright and dazzling—someone everyone couldn’t help but love.
Once she decided to become someone else, adopting a new personality didn’t take long. She simply believed that she was Kitty Summers.
And before she realized it, the fake identity had become her everything.
“I can’t believe I get to see a celebrity up close like this. Truly, life keeps surprising me.”
“You’re here to perform, right?”
People eagerly struck up conversation. Kitty nodded graciously.
“Of course. I can’t tell you how happy I was to receive the invitation.”
“We’re looking forward to it. Can’t we have a hint about what you’ll sing?”
Apparently, the performance schedule hadn’t been announced to the passengers yet. She hadn’t intended to make a scene, but since things had turned out this way, she had to play her role perfectly.
Kitty pressed a finger to her lips and replied in a sweet, teasing voice.
“I’m not telling~ It’ll make you anticipate the show more, won’t it? Even if I’m a singer, I’m not one to spill secrets carelessly.”
Laughter rippled around the room.
Soon, the cozy café lounge had transformed into Kitty’s personal meet-and-greet. Not only those gathered around her, but even people seated far away were listening to her words.
That, too, was a necessary skill for a singer:
To command attention—whether she sang or not.
“May I join you?”
“Of course! A perfect seat just opened up.”
Before long, she was seated among the upper-class passengers, effortlessly becoming the center of the conversation.
Even arrogant members of high society were defenseless in front of a woman who shone like a spotlight.
“One drink here, please.”
“May we call you Kitty?”
“Certainly.”
“Kitty, where did you get that voice? If I had a voice like that, I’d sing from morning until night. Like the heroine of a musical.”
“I’m not sure. Talent tends to show up without warning. And your name is, my lady?”
A woman with jet-black hair answered with a smile.
“Cindy. My friends call me that.”
“I don’t think only beautiful voices count as talent. I envy your hair, Cindy. It reminds me of a gorgeous night sky. Historically, many great beauties had black hair.”
“Oh please, it’s nothing special.”
Even so, Cindy’s cheeks were already red.
The men surrounding them scrambled for Kitty’s attention.
“My dear Kitty, are you traveling with someone?”
“I came with my manager.”
“As expected. A queen needs her knight.”
Laughter broke out again.
“But since you’re here, why not enjoy yourself? Look around—everyone’s here to relax. For just a moment, forget that you’re our guest performer.”
Here we go again.
Men with money always had this irritating habit: they spoke indirectly, refusing to say what they actually wanted. Miss the meaning, and you’d look like an idiot.
But Kitty was no fool. Just because she rose to fame through public adoration didn’t mean she was naïve.
“Stars only have meaning when they shine far beyond reach,” she replied without a change in expression, borrowing Jerome’s words.
“The moment they descend to the ground, they lose their value. And even if they choose to descend… that’s up to the star alone.”
Surely that was enough of a hint.
Then it happened. Someone slipped into the crowd as if he belonged there.
“Don’t bother associating with these empty-headed fools, Miss Summers.”
A man with neatly combed blond hair spoke. One look was enough—he carried an air of power that couldn’t be ignored.
The moment he appeared, everyone’s demeanor subtly shifted.
“All they know how to do is spout crude nonsense.”
“Hey, Kyle. Aren’t you being a bit harsh?”
“Is flirting with a lady you just met not harsh?”
The reprimanded man shut his mouth awkwardly.
As the blond man approached, people automatically made room for him. But he didn’t sit.
“A pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
He took her hand and brushed a polite kiss across her knuckles.
“Kyle Erickson.”
“I believe you already know my name, so I’ll skip introductions.”
The atmosphere remained friendly, yet everyone was now watching Kyle closely.
Apparently, he was more influential than she expected.
But Kitty didn’t care. The power dynamics of high society had nothing to do with her.
Kyle didn’t seem concerned either. He smiled warmly, continuing as if they were alone.
“May I call you Kitty, Miss Summers?”
“Only if I may call you Kyle.”
“Why would I refuse? Consider it permission granted.”
He glanced around casually before asking,
“How much do you know about the Della Cruz?”
“I only know I was invited to a very fine place.”
“A magnificent ship. Hard to find a cruise of this caliber in the Empire. And yet, I’d say you’re the most fortunate lady on board.”
What was that supposed to mean? Fans fluttered and legs crossed—everyone waited for his next words.
“Has Percy Collins been showing you… excessive interest?”
“Come again?”
“I heard about last night. A friend of mine said he seems quite taken with you. Everyone here knows Collins—he’s rather cold toward women.”
No one contradicted him. Whether they lacked the influence or his words were true, Kitty couldn’t say.
But she did know he hadn’t brought this up for no reason.
She answered lightly.
“Is that so? He didn’t say much to me.”
“You seemed close. Did you know him beforehand, Kitty?”
“Our musical tastes matched. We happened to play together, that’s all.”
“Just that?”
“What answer are you trying to get from me?”
“Nothing much. I only wondered if… perhaps I could be of help.”
“Help?”
“As you know, Collins is married.”
A few people cleared their throats in discomfort. Mentioning Percy’s personal life shifted the atmosphere instantly.
Kyle was the only one bold enough to criticize him openly.
“For a married man to show interest in another woman—how disgraceful.”
“There’s no need to worry about anything between Percy and me, Kyle.”
But her warning didn’t deter him.
Percy said no one would dare speak against him. Was there an exception?
“Let me be blunt. Collins likes you. Anyone can see it.”
“Even if he did, that’s Percy’s choice. And if he confesses, how I respond is mine.”
“Freedom… to let a married man stray.”
He scoffed.
Who was this man, interrogating her like this in front of everyone? And for what?
She suddenly remembered Percy’s words:
‘No one here would dare judge me. They’d lose their right to ever step foot on the Della Cruz again.’
Percy was definitely someone different on this ship. His words must have been true.
Kitty decided to test it.
“Let’s say Percy approached me with that intention. If anyone here has something to say against him, speak now.”
Silence.
Not a single person could meet her eyes, let alone speak. Kitty realized then—no one here had enough power to oppose Percy.
Except Kyle, who stroked his clean jawline, looking down at her.
His expression had changed.
And the faint smile that formed on his lips—
felt ominous.
