Third person's POV
Derek reached out and gently patted Ayla on the head.
Over time, Ayla had grown increasingly close to him, their relationship indistinguishable from that of a father and daughter, except for the absence of the word "Dad."
"Here's a freshly baked cake. Enjoy," he said.
Tabitha shook her head with a hint of helplessness. "Don't spoil her too much. Too many sweets can lead to cavities."
"It's just a small piece," Derek replied, his tender demeanor a stark contrast to how he treated strangers.
Tabitha was puzzled, wondering if she was mistaken, feeling that Wilmot seemed different from when they first met.
But upon reflection, it made sense. Who would reveal their true self without reservation upon first meeting?
"Have all the arrangements outside been taken care of?" she asked.
"Yes, everything is handled," Derek responded.
He added, "By the way, here's the layout of the cruise ship. Take a look."
When Tabitha boarded, she thought the cruise ship was particularly large, but upon closely examining the layout, she realized it was enormous beyond imagination.
The lowest level housed a massive casino. The second floor was filled with ill-gotten jewels, medicinal materials, weapons, and even a place for organ trafficking.
As long as you had money, almost anything was available here.
The third floor hosted world-class luxury brands, and the fourth was a gourmet city where you could taste top delicacies from around the globe.
They were on the accommodation level, and the top deck featured a huge infinity pool, a place for the wealthy to party and set off fireworks.
As long as you had enough money, you could live on this cruise ship indefinitely.
Tabitha's gaze fell on the second floor. "Are there many medicinal materials here?" she inquired.
Derek nodded. "Not only medicinal materials, but also some highly skilled doctors."
"Could we find a doctor specializing in treating wolfsbane?" she asked hopefully.
"That... it's hard to say. Let me inquire for you. In any case, do not leave the room," he warned.
"Alright," Tabitha agreed.
Tabitha's illness was Derek's greatest concern.
As long as the wolfsbane in her body wasn't eliminated, there was a risk of metastasis or spread.
If it recurred in a short period, given her current physical condition, she wouldn't be able to withstand chemotherapy again.
Without a special drug, she would be left with no choice but death.
Perhaps in a place like this, he might encounter a formidable doctor.
After all, he rarely had the opportunity to access such places.
Although those criminals were unethical and money-minded, some might possess genuine skills.
It was almost rest time. As night fell, the entire cruise ship would be illuminated, marking the beginning of the true nightlife.
Tabitha held her daughter, sitting on the bed, quietly gazing at the bright moon over the sea.
On a night without a sea breeze, the moon and stars shone exceptionally bright.
She told Ayla stories of her childhood and John, "When we return home, let's visit your grandfather's grave, okay? He was eagerly looking forward to your and Helios' birth, but unfortunately... he didn't make it to see that day. He made many little toys for you. He truly loved you both very much."
Ayla, with her hands supporting her cheeks, softly called out, "Grandpa."
"Good girl, I will take you home soon," Tabitha said.
Her feelings were complicated as she returned to the city filled with both cherished memories and painful pasts.
But this time, she was with Ayla.
Ayla, nestled in her arms, gradually drifted off to sleep.
Tabitha gazed at the sea, feeling like a duckweed adrift, unsure where the waves of fate would carry her next.
Derek, dressed in a sharp suit, arrived on the second floor.
The dazzling array of goods was overwhelming, even including the most advanced small arms.
Seeing him skillfully assemble and disassemble weapons, an arms dealer approached and whispered, "Boss, you're clearly a connoisseur, knowledgeable about these items. Interested in something bigger? Let's exchange contacts and discuss further."