Bella's POV
Hotspring Retreat earned its reputation through natural hot springs that bubbled endlessly and service that bordered on perfection.
The finest wines and delicacies filled every corner in lavish abundance.
Opulent decorations stretched far beyond what ordinary people could ever dream of affording.
Men and women soaked in separate quarters, each attended by personal servants.
From bathing rituals to dressing ceremonies, multiple maids handled every detail. Guests never needed to move a muscle.
——
Ivy had only agreed to this invitation because of such arrangements.
With countless eyes watching, she assumed Bella wouldn't risk making any moves against her.
Plus, Jasper's guards waited right outside—one cry for help and they'd storm in to save her.
Ivy arrived to find Bella already settled in the water.
Bella's face floated dimly through the rising steam.
She lounged with eyes half-closed, resembling a tired but alert predator.
