Third person's POV
The entire venue erupted into an uproar as if a bomb had been detonated, shockwaves rippling through the crowd.
Minds raced with speculation—where had this ultra-wealthy individual come from, willing to spend a staggering three hundred million dollars on a woman?
Was this person out of his mind?
This was Derek's first time bidding, and Matilda, who had been eagerly anticipating a chance to mock him after the auction, was caught off guard by the swift turn of events.
Three hundred million dollars—did he even comprehend the magnitude of such a sum?
"Sir, we have very strict penalties on this ship for the act of bidding falsely," Matilda warned through gritted teeth, her tone laced with a hint of menace.
Derek calmly lowered his head, quickly wrote out a check, and held it between his fingers with an air of composure. "Here's three hundred million dollars."
There was a bank on the ship, operating around the clock, and with this check, the corresponding funds could be immediately cashed out.
Once it was confirmed that the check was fake, he would not be able to leave the ship definitely.
After all, no one would risk their credibility and freedom with a counterfeit check.
Unless, of course, he truly possessed the formidable sum of three hundred million dollars.
Matilda scanned the room. "Are there any higher bids?"
Baxter had intended to raise his paddle but was restrained by those around him. "Mr. Rios, please! We can't afford three hundred million. There are hidden big shots here. Let's abandon this and find another way if you wish for a woman."
"Alright," Baxter conceded, his heart filled with reluctance but recognizing the reality of their situation.
Strength was a man's capital.
Derek maintained his posture—legs crossed, one hand supporting his cheek, exuding an aura of authority.
Matilda, who had hoped to see Derek's downfall, found herself the subject of ridicule instead.
"Three hundred million once, three hundred million twice, three hundred million... Sold!"
Matilda announced the result with clear reluctance.
The man had genuine three hundred million.
Derek rose and looked at Matilda, his gaze one might reserve for a jester. "May I take her away now?"
Rolf and the others would arrive in half an hour. Even if Matilda attempted any tricks, they would be in time to counter them.
At least for now, Matilda was powerless to act with so many eyes upon her. If she reneged, it would break the rules.
Though their dealings were shady, they still required order.
Once trust was lost, who would return for transactions in the future?
Moreover, as just a manager, if she caused too much of a stir and the boss found out, she would be finished.
She wanted to deal with Derek, but it was not now.
Matilda had no choice but to force a smile and grudgingly admit, "Of course."
Derek strode towards the stage, his legs eating up the distance, and stopped in front of Matilda with an outstretched hand. "The key."
Despite her internal vexation, Matilda maintained a facade of cordiality and handed over the key with both hands.
She had never anticipated that this man would have such significant backing, casually taking out three hundred million as if it were nothing.
Derek first unlocked Ayla's cage, checking to ensure the child was unharmed.
Ayla leaped into his arms, "Wilmot."
"Good girl. I'm here now, don't be afraid," he comforted, stroking her head before handing Ayla off to Forrest.
Satisfied that Ayla was safe, Derek slowly approached Tabitha.
Tabitha's body was drenched in sweat, her lips tightly bitten to prevent any sound from escaping, making them appear all the more red and pitiable.
She was barely conscious, her mind foggy with confusion—Who was it?
She struggled to open her eyes and looked at the man approaching her, backlit and masked, his features hidden.
Derek knelt before her, "Ms. Hartley, I'm late."
With a click, the restraints on her wrists and ankles were unlocked, and Tabitha's body collapsed into Derek's arms.
"I've... been drugged," she managed to whisper in his ear.
Derek supported her, "I see. I'll help you."
He lifted her in a prince carry, "Ms. Hartley, I'm taking you home."
For a moment, Tabitha was delirious enough to feel as if Derek himself was holding her, especially when faces were invisible, making the illusion more believable.
"Look after... Ayla..."
"Rest easy. With Forrest, she's in good hands," Derek reassured her as he carried her away amidst the envious glances of the onlookers.
"Take a good rest. Just leave it to me."
Tabitha, in her extreme discomfort, clung tightly to his chest.