"If their appetite wasn't insatiable, they wouldn't have caused this much chaos," Serena said, her eyebrows lifting slightly as a cold glint flashed in her eyes. "Asset 14 is already on the priority transfer manifest for Whitecliffe Harbor. Since we destroyed their timeline, they won't wait for the original drop-off window."
Nicholas's thumb traced lazy patterns on her side, a calculating look in his eyes. "Since they want to use chaos as a smokescreen for the transfer, we'll just give them a much bigger disaster to worry about."
Serena arched an eyebrow. "What are you planning?"
Nicholas glanced up at the still-active communication screen in the room. "Earlier, Director Kaelen contacted me. He requested my presence at The Midnight Gala Auction, hoping I might find a piece I like and overlook the incident with Asset 07 for the time being."
Serena let out a cold laugh.
On the surface, tonight's auction was a peace offering from the ship's organizers, pulling out top-tier unlisted assets to pacify the elite buyers.
But in reality...
It was a desperate move to prove to everyone that Project Zero-Transit was still secure and fully deserving of their continued investments.
The corners of her lips curled up slowly. "Since they're so eager to throw a party, let's make sure it's a spectacularly lively one."
By the time Serena leaned against Nicholas's arm and stepped back into the public eye, the ship's broadcast system was already chiming.
"Esteemed guests, in light of the unforeseen incident in the exhibition sector, Project Zero-Transit extends its sincerest apologies. To make amends, we will be hosting The Midnight Gala Auction in the top-floor grand hall at 10:00 PM tonight."
"This exclusive event will feature several unlisted, extraordinary assets. All guests in possession of The Raven-Plume Pass are invited to attend."
"Project Zero-Transit eagerly awaits your esteemed presence."
...
The night grew heavier.
Inside the top-floor grand hall of Project Zero-Transit, magnificent crystal
chandeliers cast a dazzling glow, illuminating the space like a glittering monument to corrupt wealth.
Masked buyers draped in haute couture, their true identities shrouded in mystery, filed into the auction hall.
Even the bloodthirsty lunatics from The Predator's Den had traded their tactical gear for somewhat respectable attire, blending into the sea of guests.
Nearly everyone on board converged on this single location.
After all, the ship's broadcast had made it clear.
The items added to tonight's roster were top-tier cargo that would never normally see the light of day.
No one wanted to miss out.
And in this room, no one asked for real names.
Nor did anyone care how much blood stained the hands of the person sitting next to them.
On Project Zero-Transit, as long as you possessed enough money, power, and a reputation terrifying enough to command respect...
You earned a seat at this table, reveling in the ultimate carnival of the dark world.
In the most opulent, enclosed VIP booth overlooking the entire hall...
Serena leaned lazily against the plush leather sofa.
She had swapped her oversized
hoodie for
a luxurious black.ve/veret
gown that perfectly accentuated the breathtaking curve of her waist.
The hem cascaded down to her ankles, making her skin look even more luminous
and pale.
Her strikingly beautiful face still bore The Panacea's signature sickly, brooding pallor.
But beneath the makeup, she looked like a black rose blooming in the dead of night.
Exuding a dangerously captivating, almost fragile allure.
Nicholas sat right beside her,
impeccably dressed in a tailored et suit. The collar of his shinet
black
left slightly undone, revealing a striking stretch of pale collarbone
He lounged next to Serena with an effortless, aristocratic grace.
Even with his disguised features, he radiated an untouchable, arrogant elegance.
His arm remained firmly wrapped around Serena's waist.
tha
When his captivating eyes settled her, they burned with a deeply intimate, possessive intensity no one else in the room could possibly understand.
on