Third person's POV
The intense spotlight shone directly on Tabitha's face, highlighting her slender figure and accentuating the delicate depth of her features.
Derek, who had always known of Tabitha's exceptional beauty, nearly lost his breath at the sight of her under the spotlight, his heart pounding with a mix of awe and admiration.
Tabitha's eyes were adorned with silver contacts, a touch that transformed her entire aura, setting her apart from the woman he knew.
The subtle shimmer of glitter on her exposed skin conjured images in Derek's mind of a mysterious mermaid stranded on the shore.
"Damn it, I should have kept bidding," Baxter muttered, his face a mix of annoyance and regret.
The person beside him quickly offered consolation, "Mr. Rios, while the woman is indeed stunning, she's not an innocent young girl, as you can see from the age of her daughter. It's just a kiss; what does it matter? Once you have her in your grasp, you can do with her as you please, away from the prying eyes of the old conservatives in your household."
Baxter stroked his chin thoughtfully, then said, "You have a point. Once I bring her to my estate, I'll place her in the Blossom Garden. We must keep this from the old-fashioned ones at home."
"Of course, Mr. Rios."
"But don't you find her face somewhat familiar? I feel like I've seen her somewhere before."
"Mr. Rios, a beauty of such caliber would not be easily forgotten if you had truly encountered her before."
"Indeed, you're right."
It had been years since Tabitha's last public appearance at an awards ceremony.
Back then, she was several pounds heavier and had a touch of youthful plumpness in her cheeks.
Now, her face was noticeably slimmer, and her overall demeanor had changed significantly. Under the strong influence of the unique special effects makeup, it was difficult for anyone but those closest to her to recognize her.
This was also why Baxter failed to recall that she was Tabitha, who Derek had once publicly declared as his mate.
As everyone waited with bated breath for the romantic and thrilling kiss, the man simply removed Tabitha's mask and stepped back abruptly, a move that took everyone by surprise.
Matilda harbored suspicions that this man might have been sent by Wilmot, but if that were the case, why didn't Wilmot come forward himself?
"Sir, why are you giving up such a special privilege?" someone couldn't help but ask, their curiosity getting the better of them.
The man's expression was stern, his eyes unwavering as he responded coldly, "The most precious things should be saved for last, to be savored and enjoyed at leisure. She will be mine sooner or later."
While his response came off as arrogant and presumptuous, it was justifiable. Had it been anyone else, they might have been seen as posturing.
However, the man had just demonstrated his substantial wealth by readily producing forty million dollars, a clear show of his financial prowess.
His words served as a declaration to everyone present that he was determined to have this woman, and he would not let anyone easily take her from him.
"Mr. Rios, it seems this man won't be easy to deal with. He appears to be a tough nut to crack."
"What's there to fear? He's just trying to intimidate us. I don't believe he has much left after spending forty million dollars. Such tricks might fool the unsophisticated, but not me. Who would be foolish enough to gamble their entire fortune for a woman?"
Amidst the rising fervor, the atmosphere as intense as a raging fire, the next round of thrilling bidding was about to commence.
Before the bidding began, Matilda gracefully took the microphone and added with a smug smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, as you've witnessed, this woman is a natural stunner, albeit with a slightly stubborn temperament. I've already administered a potent drug to her, and I suspect its effects are beginning to take hold. I wonder which fortunate bidder will be lucky enough to claim her tonight. The winner will indeed be blessed with the company of this beauty for the night."