Third person's POV
Derek's fingers dug tightly into the armrests of his chair. During the time Tabitha had been taken from him, he worried about what might have been done to her and the child.
Although he was aware of the rule that "merchandise" must be kept clean before delivery, he couldn't help but feel anxious.
When the host announced the first item for auction, his heart raced, and he breathed a sigh of relief when it had nothing to do with Tabitha.
It seemed as if he had imagined Matilda would save Tabitha for last.
His grip on the armrests tightened.
As time ticked by, the audience's enthusiasm for the early items was lackluster, their attention fixed on the finale. They had been promised something special, and they were waiting for it.
Forrest passed Derek water a few times, but he didn't take a sip.
When it came to the grand finale, Matilda made her personal appearance.
She wore a red, form-fitting dress and high heels as she strode to the center of the stage.
Her figure captivated the men, drawing lewd whistles from the crowd.
Her face was masked, concealing the malevolence that lay beneath.
"You've waited all night, and I'm sure you're getting restless. We're about to reveal tonight's star attraction," she said, clapping her hands.
Her henchmen wheeled in two massive machines covered with black curtains.
Derek's heart clenched.
"Stop the dramatics and show us the goods," someone shouted impatiently.
"That's right, we've been waiting all night, not for these mediocre offerings. Bring on the main event," another voice added.
Matilda's gaze swept across the sea of masked faces. She spotted Derek instantly.
The man sat among the crowd, his entire face covered by a mask, obscuring his expression.
All that was visible was his legs crossed and hands resting on the armrests, exuding an air of confidence.
Even from a distance, the strong aura of authority radiating from him was palpable.
For some reason, at this moment, Matilda felt that the man before her had the presence of a mysterious and powerful figure, not the simple nobody she had imagined.
There was no turning back now.
Matilda was well aware that although the boss was not on the ship, he was well-informed about everything that happened on board.
Her decision to sell a guest would undoubtedly reach his ears.
She had scheduled Tabitha for last, waiting to see what the boss would do.
Since he had not intervened, it seemed he had acquiesced to her actions.
After all, how many men and women who came here were truly innocent? They were dispensable.
Here, they were the ones in control.
With this thought, any remaining scruples in Matilda's heart dissipated.
"I apologize for the wait, and I promise the exquisite items that follow will satisfy you all. Let's count down together," she announced.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
Tabitha heard the deafening noise outside. Her body, under the influence of two drugs, was already confused about what was happening.
She felt a fire burning in her lower abdomen.
The drug was slower to take effect than the one Wilmot had given her last time. She only felt a slight sensation and could still control her actions.
Where was Ayla?
As the final syllable of "one" faded, the black curtains were gradually unveiled.
What met Derek's eyes were two massive black iron cages, and the two people he valued most were being held inside like animals.
Seeing the veins on his forehead protruding and his imminent rage, Forrest placed a hand on Derek's shoulder and subtly shook his head.
Patience.