Chapter 684 - Auction III

Zoey and Nikolai headed to the lowest deck of the yacht. Unlike others who had to pass through the guards in tux, passing the cards they received from earlier, the two used the other door.

With just one glance, they recognized Nikolai and let them through without a question. Zoey glanced at Nikolai, her heart pounding even faster and louder, as if she was entering hell.

As expected from this luxury yacht, there was another lobby as they entered. Unlike the party above, this lobby was way more spacious. Only a selected few were inside, all heading in the same direction.

Zoey discreetly moved her gaze, hoping she could spot Matthew but to no avail. Every individual looked powerful and influential, but Zoey could instantly tell Matthew was not one of them.

"We're here, sweetheart." Nikolai leaned to her and whispered, patting her hand that was hooked on his arm.

"Hmm." Zoey snapped, nodding her head as she gazed at him.

This time, the men guarding the door stopped them before they could head in. 

"e-liz." Nikolai said, and then glanced at Zoey. She furrowed her brows, as she didn't understand why he was saying the code while looking at her.

"In case you're wondering, it's…" Nikolai leaned closer and whispered the rest in her ear. "ILYZ."

Although she couldn't see his smile, Zoey was certain that Nikolai was smiling as he drew back. Yet, the guards weren't letting them pass through as they scrutinized them from head to toe.

Upon noticing the ring on her finger, they finally stepped aside and opened the door for them. Obviously, Zoey noticed that as the guards weren't wearing masks to shade their eyes.

"Let's go, sweetheart." Nikolai beckoned and both of them walked in. 

However, just as they stepped in, both of them stopped as the guard suddenly spoke.

"Sir," 

When Zoey heard that, she immediately shot the guard a look. The guard had his finger on his earpiece and then gazed at Nikolai. He then walked closer to Nikolai and whispered.

"They're here."

Zoey immediately froze as she heard him, no matter how low his voice was. Nikolai nodded and patted the security's shoulder.

"Proceed as planned." Nikolai ordered, and the guard nodded.

"Niko," Zoey whispered as she dragged her when Nikolai resumed in his tracks.

"Don't worry. I told you I'll keep my word. However…" Nikolai paused as he cocked his head to her. "I had to show my sovereignty." 

He added cockily. Her grip on his arm tightened as her heart pounded, sensing something terrible was hiding in his words.

"If you hurt them, our engagement is canceled." Zoey warned through her gritted teeth. But the latter only chuckled.

Still, both of them walked and passed through another door. It felt like the lower deck of the yacht had an endless door. And with each door, the security got tighter. Even Nikolai had to show his black card he was hiding inside his pocket suit.

Soon, Zoey and Nikolai finally entered the dim yet vast room. It was set up like a theater, rows of seats and a stage at the front. It was baffling how a yacht could appear with such a hotel-like interior; and this was just the lower deck.

There were already a few people inside and more people were coming in. Nikolai and Zoey strode forward and perched at the last row.

"Last row. It's easier this way." Nikolai whispered as if he had read her mind.

Zoey remained silent as he sat on the second seat while Nikolai perched on the last. There was approximately a three meters gap until a person perched on the seat next to her right.

It didn't take long until everyone took their seat based on the arrangement of the events. Some rows had more people; some rows had a few, which showed their influence to have an entire row to themselves.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to our auction tonight…" Shortly after, the lights shut down and only one spotlight was on the auctioneer standing on the side of the stage.

His cheerful and lively cadence echoed across the hall, hyping everyone for the goods tonight. As the atmosphere livened up with the auctioneer's voice, Zoey's eyes were just as fast as his voice.

Her eyes searched for any clues among these people. 'Where is he?' she wondered internally.

Zoey glanced at every row but to no avail. When her eyes reached the front row, Zoey glanced at Nikolai.

"Looking for him?" Nikolai inquired, tilting his head to the side. "He is not here yet." 

Zoey rocked her head back and forth as she leaned back. Nikolai's confidence told her that he truly had everything under control.

"You know, the problem with that guy is that he thinks he can outplay me in a game I've grown up to be in. Goodness. He brought everyone he could, even that damn traitor, Ivan. Did he think a week of playing in the underworld can make him win?" 

Despite the auctioneer's voice filling the air, Zoey heard Nikolai's disappointed remarks loud and clear. This was not her mission. 

Zoey was on Nikolai's side right now. Yet, this anxiety in her heart had grown unbearable, and the knot in her stomach tightened.

"Don't worry. They will leave this place alive." Nikolai reached for her sweating hands and squeezed it lightly.

"You promised."

"I did, sweetheart." Nikolai smirked as his eyes glinted in malice behind his mask. "But, I never said they'd go in one piece."

Zoey's heart sank as her jaw locked. Her hand trembled under his grip and Nikolai squeezed her hand tighter to the point it was painful. But, that didn't matter to her.

"I'll kill you if they leave this place barely alive." Through her gritted teeth, Zoey warned once again. 

Nikolai set his eyes on the stage ahead. He didn't speak for a moment as he loosened his grip on her hand.

"I know you'll kill me if you were given the opportunity. And I'm aware you'll escape if I give you a chance."

"You don't trust me?" Zoey scoffed as she watched him turn his attention back to her.

"If you leave this place without me, everyone in this place, including your brother will die."

Zoey gasped for air upon hearing his last remarks. It was as if the last straw that was keeping her heart together completely loosened.

"Zion?"

"Hmm. I told you. That guy has lost his mind." Nikolai shook his head in disappointment. "You better keep your act until the end. I told you, their fate depends on you -- I mean, on my mood. Don't do anything that can sully it.. I'm not good at keeping promises."