Someone quickly filled Carolyn in on everything that had happened.
Her face drained of color. “Allison, are you okay?” she called, rushing over and grabbing Allison’s hand, scanning her from head to toe. “Did you get hurt?”
Allison shook her head.
Nearby, Joshua stood stiff and cold, his gaze sharp and accusing. “You invited them?” he asked, voice low and tight with anger.
Carolyn shook her head frantically. “No—I barely even know him.”
Joshua’s jaw tensed. “Then how did they get on the boat?”
Carolyn’s voice was rushed, almost desperate. “I swear, Joshua, I only invited a few people from Spring Falls. Trayson wasn’t supposed to be here. Somebody else must’ve brought him along.”
Joshua’s stare was icy, relentless. “But didn’t you see the guest list? Are you saying you had no idea he was coming?”
Carolyn hesitated, her confidence slipping. “I did see his name on the list, but it didn’t register. I didn’t know he and Allie had any issues. If I’d known, I never would’ve let him join us.”
Joshua didn’t budge. His expression stayed cold.
Carolyn’s eyes filled with hurt. “Joshua, you don’t believe me?”
He shot back, flat and unforgiving, “No.”
Carolyn’s face went white. Her eyes shone with tears that threatened to spill over.
She turned to Allison, voice trembling. “Allie, you don’t believe me either?”
Allison pressed her lips together, eyes down, lost in thought.
When Allison didn’t answer, Carolyn’s hope crumbled. She looked devastated, her voice breaking. “Why does nobody believe me? Allie saved my life. If I’d known there was bad blood, I would never have let Trayson on the boat. I’d never hurt you, Allie, I swear…”
Right then, Olivia, Sabrina, Brian, George, and George’s new girlfriend Tracey hurried over.
“Allie, what happened?” Sabrina asked, concern clear in her voice.
Allison explained what had gone down in just a few words.

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