Third person's POV
Derek believed that this method would be more in line with Wilmot's identity, not arousing Tabitha's suspicions.
"Is that safe?" she asked.
"I've already arranged it with my friend. As long as we stay in our room and don't provoke anyone, there won't be any issues. We're not involved in any activities on that ship. We're just hitching a ride."
Tabitha was reluctant to take such a ship, fearing potential danger, but it was one of the few ways back.
"Alright," she agreed.
"Rest assured. I will protect you both."
Tabitha nodded, her trust in him deepening.
Spending the last three days on the island, Derek prepared a wig and mask for Tabitha.
"Ms. Hartley, most people on this ship are not good folks. Ordinary people like us might arouse suspicion. We need to disguise ourselves as a married couple. As for Ayla, we'll have to make do."
Derek paused, then continued, "On such a ship, there wouldn't be ordinary children, unless... they are trade goods."
Tabitha frowned, guessing what Wilmot was implying.
In those dark corners unseen by sunlight, there were only vile and filthy deeds.
"You handle it," she said.
On the day of departure, they took a yacht to a massive luxury cruise ship.
Ayla huddled inside a suitcase, while Tabitha wore a long wig, and both she and Derek were dressed in high-end custom clothing, wearing masks.
Throughout their journey, several passengers with eyes hidden behind masks scrutinized Tabitha as if assessing a piece of merchandise.
Masks could conceal faces but not the ugliness in human nature.
Tabitha disliked such gazes and was about to retort sharply when a strong arm appeared around her waist, pulling her into Derek's sturdy chest.
Derek whispered in her ear, "Sorry."
Tabitha knew he was helping her, showing others that she was already married.
It was the most direct and effective way. The onlookers, realizing this, showed a bored expression and shifted their gaze elsewhere.
Some shameless individuals approached, their lustful eyes scanning Tabitha, and said to Derek, "Buddy, interested in joining us? We're having a group party tonight."
Although spoken softly, the words reached Tabitha's ears.
"Swap game," the man said.
Tabitha's eyes filled with anger.
Before boarding, Derek had warned her about the kinds of people on board, but she hadn't expected to encounter such a distressing situation so soon.
Hearing this, Derek turned sharply, his gaze icy as he looked at the man, his voice cold, "Get away!"
"Fine. No need to get aggressive," the man grumbled.
In just a short walk, Tabitha had already encountered several perverts.
Once in their room, they immediately took the child out of the suitcase.
Derek repeatedly warned them not to sneak out, assuring them that all their needs could be met in the room for a price.
They would arrive in Seattle in about half a month.
"Sweetheart, from now on, we must stay here and not leave this room, understand?"
"Okay."
Tabitha looked around. It was a large suite.
Derek said, "I'll sleep in the small outer room, and you and Ayla sleep inside. If there's any problem, you can call me immediately."
"Thank you for everything."
Tabitha handed Derek the card Orson had given her, saying, "The expenses here must be high. This card is from Dr. Romero. You can use it first."
Derek accepted the card without refusal, "Alright, you and Ayla rest first. I'll go out for a while."
"Be careful."
Derek closed the door, his expression instantly turning stern.
He glanced at his phone, entered one of the rooms, and saw the man who had proposed the swap tied up and kneeling on the ground.
Rolf spat, "Boss, we caught this guy."
Without even looking at him, Derek kicked the man, sending him sprawling, then stepped on his chest, pressing down with his polished leather shoe, and demanded, "Tell me, what did you want to swap?"