Chapter 114 No Matter How Expensive, I'll Take It

Chapter 114 No Matter How Expensive, I'll Take It

Ruth propped herself up and sat on the bed, shaking her head. "No, I just woke up. Still a little disoriented."

Shawn said something about that making sense, then reached out to smooth her slightly tousled hair, his tone gentle. "Well, since you're up anyway, the cruise ship has a performance tonight. I heard they've got some internationally famous dancers—want to go check it out? Staying cooped up in the room gets pretty boring."

Ruth still felt a lingering unease.

What if she'd refused and Shawn had tried something? Then what?

"Sure, let's go take a look."

Seeing her agree, Shawn's mood brightened. He stood and fetched a light jacket, handing it to her.

"The sea breeze picks up at night. Put this on."

Ruth took the jacket but didn't wear it, just draped it over her arm as she followed him out of the room.

The theater was located on the sixth deck—a semi-open space with a transparent dome overhead. Looking up, you could see the stars scattered across the night sky.

The seats were already more than half full, guests chatting among themselves.

Shawn led Ruth to the VIP section.

The moment she sat down, Ruth caught something in her peripheral vision and froze.

William sat in the row diagonally behind them, the person beside him making conversation.

William seemed to sense her gaze. He looked up slightly, his eyes meeting Ruth's.

He smiled with unbridled ease.

Ruth gave a slight nod—a greeting.

Shawn noticed Ruth's reaction and followed her line of sight. His expression darkened instantly.

William again.

How had this man followed them here?

And not just 'here'—why was he sitting right behind them?

This had to be deliberate.

Instinctively, Shawn leaned closer to Ruth, his hand settling on her waist. "Baby, why are you looking back there? The show's about to start."

William acted as though he hadn't noticed Shawn's defensive posture at all.

Seeing that hand on Ruth's waist, William tapped his armrest idly with his fingers.

"Mr. Grey, you police your wife's social circle so strictly, yet you're so much more lenient with yourself. How does that work?"

Shawn's spine stiffened. He turned his head, his voice low. "What exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Scott?"

William's tone remained casual. "Nothing much. Just an observation. Some people have one set of rules for everyone else and another for themselves."

Shawn understood the implication perfectly, but given the setting, he couldn't afford to make a scene. He responded coldly, "Can't compare to you, Mr. Scott. North America's most notorious playboy—quite the reputation. Women around you like a revolving door, changing faster than outfits."

William didn't seem bothered by this at all. His tone stayed unhurried. "I don't deny that reputation exists. But Mr. Grey, why don't you go check the news? When have the media ever caught me in any intimate contact with any woman?"

After a pause, he added with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "Without solid evidence, it's just idle gossip over dinner."

Jonathan, sitting on Shawn's other side, was currently watching the drama unfold with his legs crossed.

Hearing this exchange, he couldn't resist leaning over to whisper to Ruth, "Ruth, they're not actually going to start throwing punches, are they?"

Ruth turned to glance at him, her tone flat. "No."

Jonathan, seeing her cold demeanor, awkwardly touched his nose and retreated, though his gaze still drifted toward William from time to time, clearly enjoying the show.

Fortunately, the theater's music began just then.

Shawn wanted to fire back but couldn't find the words.

Ruth reminded him quietly, "The performance is starting."

Both men stopped their sparring and turned their attention to the stage.

The opening was a symphonic performance. Then a spotlight hit center stage, and the curtain slowly rose.

A woman in a fringed dress emerged, swaying her hips to the rhythm with bold, seductive movements.

Ruth had only been watching casually, but when the light illuminated the lead dancer's face, she narrowed her eyes.

It was Vivian.

Pregnant, and still performing such exaggerated choreography. Bold of her.

The woman danced while occasionally casting flirtatious glances toward the VIP section.

Shawn clearly hadn't expected to see her either. Watching her performance, he seemed completely absorbed.

Ruth caught his expression from the corner of her eye and laughed coldly to herself.

She spoke lightly, "Is the performance good, or is she? Your eyes are practically glued to her."

Shawn snapped back to himself and turned to meet Ruth's gaze, hastily explaining, "No, I just—I didn't expect her to be here. It surprised me."

Ruth's smile didn't reach her eyes. "It is surprising. Dancing on stage while pregnant—she really went all out."

Shawn felt an inexplicable panic and added quickly, "It is surprising, but none of that matters. Baby, you're the most important person to me."

Ruth said nothing more.

A few minutes later, Vivian's dance ended to enthusiastic applause.

She bowed slightly in acknowledgment, and as she exited, her gaze swept once more toward Shawn's direction.

Shawn's Adam's apple bobbed. He tugged at his tie as if overheated.

After the performance ended, the cruise's activities moved to the next segment.

A charity auction.

Staff rearranged the stage. When the lights came up, a display stand had been wheeled to center stage.

Vivian had changed into an evening gown and now walked onstage, microphone in hand.

"Welcome, everyone. Tonight's first auction item is a top-grade Australian white pearl."

She pulled away the cloth covering the item.

"Starting bid is six hundred thousand dollars."

Guests began raising their paddles, and the price climbed rapidly, soon breaking through one and a half million.

Shawn glanced at the pearl, determination flashing in his eyes.

He remembered Ruth mentioning, back when she was a designer, that she loved the warm, lustrous quality of Australian white pearls. This was the perfect opportunity. He raised his paddle.

"Two million."

A momentary hush fell over the room. Some guests turned to look.

Vivian stood at the side of the stage, watching Shawn bid for Ruth. Her nails dug into her palm.

Just as she was about to bring down the gavel, another male voice rang out. "Three million."

Shawn whipped his head around.

William sat there with languid ease, legs crossed, paddle raised.

Shawn gritted his teeth and raised his paddle again.

"Four million."

William didn't even lift an eyelid. His voice remained flat.

"Five million."

Shawn took a deep breath, about to bid again, when William casually lifted his paddle before Shawn could speak and addressed the auctioneer. "Whatever it costs, I'll take it."

The room went silent for a beat, then erupted in murmurs.

"Mr. Scott just made a declaration."

"That means unlimited bidding—no matter what anyone else offers, he'll top it..."

"Though Mr. Scott's hardly short on cash. If he's committed, he's committed. I'm just curious which beauty Mr. Scott is spending all this money to impress."