Night had fallen deep. A warm breeze blew gently, and the moon cast a shimmering ribbon of light across the sea. As the seawater surged, the moonlight was kneaded into fragments, the waves softly lapping against the hull of the white luxury cruise ship resting upon the surface.
The sound of waves striking the cruise ship was faint, especially today. Neon lights blazed across several decks, dazzling in every color, reflecting over the sea around the ship until it resembled a magnificent dragon palace. The band aboard was playing lively music, while a female singer in a sexy black evening gown sang soulfully onstage. Male and female attendants in spotless white uniforms moved back and forth across the decks with wine and drinks. Men and women gave themselves over to alcohol and music, reveling to their hearts' content. Their cheerful clamor had completely drowned out the sound of the waves.
This was picturesque Aegean Bay, and this was the Western Continent's most luxurious cruise ship, the Royal Star. Tonight's party aboard the Royal Star was destined to give its passengers an unforgettable night.
As the passengers aboard the cruise ship celebrated wildly, a small motorboat sped silently in from the distant harbor. Its sole passenger appeared to be in his forties, with brown hair, bronzed skin, sunglasses, a colorful linen shirt, snow-white slacks, and gleaming leather shoes—the very image of a middle-aged playboy.
The motorboat pulled directly into an entrance at the ship's stern and stopped. A crewman caught the mooring ring at its bow. The middle-aged passenger glanced around, then quickly stepped off the motorboat and boarded the cruise ship.
A few minutes later, the middle-aged man with the air of a playboy arrived at the luxury suite area on the top floor and lightly knocked on the door